La Jolla Shores residents have formed a coalition to replace popular playground equipment that disappeared months ago from Kellogg Park, the grassy beachside area adjacent to the destination for thousands of tourists every year.
“The city removed all the playground equipment without any notice to the community,” said Mary Coakley, of Friends of Kellogg Park.
Members of La Jolla Shores Association and Friends of Kellogg Park formed a committee called Kellogg Park Playground. Because of the current dire economic status of the City of San Diego, there is no money available for the playground, according to members. The group hopes to raise $150,000, which will include the equipment and everything needed like “ADA surfacing,” Coakley said.
After getting the required amount of money donated, the next step would be to ask for bids, she said.
“We’re looking to replace what we had, but open to suggestions,” Coakley said. “We’d like to carry the nautical theme through.”
When city crews removed the popular beachside playground, neighbors asked what they could do, prompting action. The group decided to spend weekends at the park to raise awareness and money for new equipment.
“The city has said they would give us a right of entry permit as soon as we are ready to go,” Coakley said.
Volunteers signed up to sit at tables on weekends, informing the public about the playground’s disappearance and taking donations for new playground gear.
“We’re trying to get a bunch of people signed up,” said Sharon Luscomb, owner of La Jolla Kayak.
Luscomb said the newly formed group started to meet on a weekly basis, and continues to spend weekends at the park.
“They’re just sitting there and answering questions about what happened to the equipment,” Luscomb said.
KPplayground.com is asking people to get the word out. To volunteer, go to kpplayground.com or e-mail Greg Salmon or Tory Gulley at [email protected].