Activists, Native Americans, artists and many experts converged years ago to conceive an unusual educational landscape piece depicting La Jolla’s underwater life.
After years of collaboration, the beachside interactive Map Project will begin construction Monday, March 31 at La Jolla’s Kellogg Park to educate viewers on the area’s underwater sea life.
“There will be fish and dive sites, snorkel sites, surfing sites, tidepools, and a kelp area will be depicted,” said project organizer Mary Coakley, a member of La Jolla Shores Association. “Two reserves will also be depicted, with a red line and a bronze nameplate with a red line.”
The marine life sculptures are made of solid bronze, with a patina finish representing the true color of the fish; they are textured so children can do crayon rubbings, Coakley said. All map subjects will lie on a concrete and crushed glass aggregate, showing different depths of La Jolla’s underwater canyons. Viewers can walk on the finished map and gather details of different dive spots or snorkeling spots; environmentally conscious contributors such as Coastkeeper and the Surfrider Foundation helped Coakley understand the nature of dive areas and the reserves.
“We went to experts in every area. The scuba-diving areas are exactly how they should be labeled,” Coakley said. “Coastkeeper and Surfrider helped in how to name everything.”
Education is important to Coakley and others who are working on the Map Project. Although the area’s reserves actually move, they are depicted on the project. The Web site will update the true reserves, Coakley said.
“We know the actual location of the reserves could change over time, but the important thing is to get people to understand what a reserve is,” she said.
In addition to myriad fish, JJ the whale will have a spot in La Jolla. A life size bronze sculpture by artist Wyland will rest at the map site, Coakley said. There will also be a bronze plaque in honor of the Kumeyaay Nation for its donations and support. Coakley said that the Kumeyaay were not only the first people in the area but are also very supportive of the project.
“The best part about the project is that it’s been so well supported by the community and it’s gotten so much input by experts in leading marine ecology,” Coakley said.
Coakley said the project should be completed by the end of June.
For more information, go to www.lajollashoresmap.com.