This is the 14789th most frequent German word.
planieren
To level or flatten a surface, often using machinery.
Here, 'planieren' is used in its literal sense, meaning 'to level' or 'to flatten' ground or a surface.
Der Bagger planierte die Baustelle.
The excavator leveled the construction site.
In this context, 'planieren' denotes the action of re-leveling the beach, implying restoration to a smooth state.
Nach dem Sturm musste man den Strand erneut planieren.
After the storm, the beach had to be leveled again.
In this figurative usage, 'planieren' suggests dominating or overwhelming, comparing the action to flattening a surface.