The La Jolla Parks & Beaches group is looking for partners to provide ideas — and funding — to help carry out a grass replacement project at Scripps Park.
In October, the board launched the effort to replace the grass, which has been in declining condition in recent years due to frequent use and the salty marine environment. Three sites in the park are being considered for sod replacement: where the sidewalk meets the grass across from Boomer Beach; near the restroom; and a pointed area further inland.
During LJP&B’s March 24 meeting, board member Ann Dynes said the project has been “simmering” since it was discussed last year and that she met recently with representatives of the city of San Diego to discuss options. However, she said, more input and money are needed.
Dynes also is a member of the San Diego Parks Foundation and asked whether the groups could work together.
“There is a decent pot of money ready to be spent on this project,” she said. “But we are mindful of the concerns for the sustainability of sod at this location.”
“If anyone has any genius ideas for how to keep sod alive, we’re all ears,” she added.
Phase 1 of the project would fill in the sod where the sidewalk meets the grass across from Boomer Beach and a belvedere that is currently closed. Dynes said $10,000 is secured for that phase, but the sod needs to be purchased.
For areas that might be more challenging in keeping grass alive, an arborist could be consulted ing other types of vegetation such as trees or shrubs.
“That would at least keep it from being a crummy dirt lot,” Dynes said. “Hopefully a city engineer will have some ideas.”
LJP&B member Brenda Fake said the project would benefit from the insights of a professional landscape architect “because to just replace the grass, my fear is that it will be thousands of dollars down the drain. So what would be other options than just grass?”
Dynes said additional funding could take the project further.
“It’s going to cost about $20,000 to [replant] the space near the restroom,” she said. “We’re capable of doing that if we care about what I consider to be the crown jewel of our neighborhood. …
“We would be able to make a statement [with this project] as La Jollans … that we value this park and want to see it at its best.”
Mary Soriano, president of the La Jolla Town Council, said at the meeting that the Town Council might be able to raise funds for the project.
Representatives of the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla, which often holds events in the park, said the club might be able to contribute as well.
The intent had been to start the work early this year, but the new plan is to begin working on two of the areas in September if the funding is secured.
Those who would like to donate can visit lajollaparksbeaches.org and designate their contribution for “Scripps Park sod” or “Scripps Park grass.”
Other LJP&B news
Historic district signs: After a lengthy discussion the previous month, the board approved the formation of a working group to explore educational signs for the La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District.
Early ideas for the signs between Coast Walk Trail and Whale View Point include maps providing the names of locations and the distance to other landmarks or public utilities, along with information about the landmarks and the animals and plant life in the area. Existing signs would remain.
“The working group is going to assess the feasibility of this and ultimately [create] a proposal,” said board member Chas. Dye.
Dye said the working group will include “subject matter experts” such as scientists, La Jolla Historical Society representatives, artists and sign fabricators familiar with coastal conditions.
The board voted unanimously to create the group, which will report its findings at a future meeting.
Half Marathon : The board also unanimously gave its to the annual La Jolla Half Marathon and accompanying La Jolla Shores 5K after Kiwanis Club of La Jolla member Bart Calame said the course and schedule are remaining the same.
The Half Marathon, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, will start at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and end at La Jolla Cove.
Calame said steps are being taken to keep the course and Scripps Park clean.
“Our biggest concern is leaving the park like we found it,” he said. “We tear down as fast as we can [after the event]. … By 2 p.m. Saturday, you can’t even tell we were there.”
Next meeting: The La Jolla Parks & Beaches board next meets at 4 p.m. Monday, April 28, at the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. Learn more at lajollaparksbeaches.org. ♦
