Celebration abounded at Children’s Pool on Dec. 9, following the unveiling of the renovated Children’s Pool Plaza. Eight years in the making, the Plaza project involved removing view-blocking landscaping, replacing and expanding the sidewalk to improve pedestrian flow and ADA-friendly, and adding sitting walls and bike racks to the area overlooking Children’s Pool beach and seawall.

The project was managed under the direction and vision of La Jolla Parks & Beaches, and funded as a private-public partnership with the City of San Diego. The estimate put the project pricetag at just under $700,000, which much of the effort for funding came from LJPB donation efforts within the local community.

LJPB President Ann Dynes told those gathered: “This has been a precious space in La Jolla since 1931 (when the beach was created by way of a seawall gifted by Ellen Browning Scripps) and it has become a precious space to all of our visitors. Every time you walk along this coastline, you hear dozens of languages being spoken because this is a popular place. Now it has been revamped to accommodate all the visitors we have.”

LJPB Director Phyllis Minick oversaw much of the project, and was the main inspiration and soul of the effort.  Phyllis adds, “It took a long time, but we were able to get this project on the right track, and it ended up being a cool partnership between City staff and our volunteers. This is a splendid example of what can be accomplished with dedicated volunteers, a non-profit platform for private philanthropy, and the support of City staff. We are all blessed to have each other to work with. We can make a difference here in La Jolla!”

In thanking Phyllis and Ann, Councilmember Barbara Bry presented commendations for their efforts. “What’s wonderful is this is truly a treasure for all of us to enjoy, and that includes La Jollans, San Diegans, people who visit us from all over the world. I’m very appreciative of Ann and Phyllis for doing all this. I often say that I am relentless, but you two are truly relentless! I admire what you’ve accomplished. What’s wonderful about this community is how many of you get involved to make our Village a better place.”