Coast Boulevard walkway beautification and improvement plan on display at La Jolla Library
A full-scale, 5’ x 3’ plan by landscape architect Jim Neri for the proposed redesign of Coast Boulevard walkway is now on public display in the atrium at the La Jolla Library, 7555 Draper Ave.
This design is the product of a community workshop held last Oct. 1. The following consensus recommendations resulted from that session:
• Pedestrian flow: provide a main walkway and secondary walkways, focusing on walkers and runners instead of groups.
• Seating: Construct double-seat walls similar to the existing turnouts above Shell Beach and Seal Rock to the north.
• Seat wall location: Move walls inland to limit the amount of code-required guardrail and construct least obstructive guardrail possible using consistent detailing - include lean rail.
• Trees: provide shade trees to soften lifeguard tower without obstructing ocean views.
• Gazebo (belvedere): Repair roof to include bird deterrents and enlarge surrounding walkway. Reduce or eliminate planting areas on top of the bluff in favor of increased walkway widths.
• Art: Add discrete interpretive/historical/educational signage near or on lifeguard station.
• Bluffs: Cover exposed areas of bluffs with erosion-controlling, ground-squirrel resistant, native plants.
• Vendor tables: restrict to a single location and regulate associated clutter, signs, safety and access.
• Extend landscape treatment like that recently installed at Casa de Manana across street to site and improve pedestrian connections to cross street.
TO ADD SUGGESTIONS / COMMENTS, please contact:
Patrick Ahern, President, La Jolla Parks & Beaches, Inc,patrickahern@prusd.com
Phyllis Minick, Chair, LJP&B Beautification Committee, minickphyllis@gmail.com
This project is designed to extend and enhance the City of San Diego, Park & Recreation Department’s proposed rebuilding of the previously condemned lifeguard station and public restrooms, tentatively scheduled for mid-2012. Private funding must be raised to accomplish the Coast Walk project, since this much-needed reconstruction is not included in the City’s plan. The goals are beautification, improved pedestrian access, education and peace.