Shores Friends host ribbon-cutting for north comfort station

The ribbon was cut on the new Kellogg Park North Comfort Station (restroom facility) Oct. 30, in front of the family of late benefactor John G. Watson, city representatives and about 100 Shores beachgoers and supporters.

The facility was funded by a $500,000 grant from the John G. Watson Foundation, started by Watson’s family in his memory to support entrepreneurialism in San Diego. Watson was a Shores resident until his death in June 2010. Thanking all those who supported the project, Friends of La Jolla Shores member Mary Coakley-Munk said, “You made this possible for our wonderful community and the 2-3 million people who visit here each year.”

To commemorate the event, Mayor Kevin Faulconer (though not present at the event) proclaimed Oct. 30, 2014 “John G. Watson Day in San Diego.”

The new facility includes unisex stalls, showers, a private area to change clothes, a mural depicting surfing etiquette designed and donated by the La Jolla Shores Surfing Association and donor benches.

Watson’s sister, Gillian Ison, spoke at the event. “It’s with very mixed emotions I stand here today. On one hand, I’m proud there will be a lasting memory to my brother, John, and on the other hand, I’m very sad at how it came about,” she said. “When John moved to La Jolla, he said he enjoyed his ‘delicious’ swims in the morning. It was something he always said, his ‘delicious’ swims. ... So it is with great pleasure that I declare this excellent comfort station open and I hope you will all continue to enjoy the facility for many years to come.”

At the event it was also announced that the park now has nine new recycling bins, and is one of the first parks in San Diego to provide recycling.