City panel OKs master plan for La Jolla’s Scripps Park

By Dave Schwab

Staff Writer

The San Diego Park and Recreation Board gave its unanimous approval Thursday to plans outlining long-term development for Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla.

Years in the making and spearheaded by Patrick Ahern and a task force of concerned La Jollans, the plan is an exhaustive study of park resources and amenities, and includes a public survey of the community’s suggestions.

“It’s a long-range plan, the main purpose of which was to preserve this park,” said Ahern following the vote . “Now we will use this plan to guide how we can restore and enhance our park, like put in a new restroom, plantings along the bluff, low-level lighting and more.”

Ahern encouraged people interested in the park to visit

www.scrippspark.com

to read the plan and find out about meetings to be scheduled on what to do next.

The general and overriding consensus among park users was that they wanted the park to remain largely the way it is in its natural state as a one-of-a-kind coastal wonder. But the majority of those surveyed also agreed the park needs some enhancement, including improving lawn drainage and replacing deteriorating fencing and trees.

Improvements to the park, not yet funded, will be done in phases as time and expenses allow.

Ellen Browning Scripps Park has been a significant part of La Jolla’s history as it has been since 1887. It is the setting for numerous events including the La Jolla Kiwanis Half Marathon and the annual Fourth of July Cove fireworks.