The La Jolla shoreline has been a world-wide destination for generations for its natural and scenic beauty, and its recreational opportunities for both visitors and residents alike. But it’s at a pivotal point. This renowned public parks area, including Scripps Park, Coast Walk Trail, and Children’s Pool, has faced decades of significant deferred maintenance, and lacks a centralized governance model and stable funding.

The City of San Diego is facing a severe budget and financial crisis, and will be further reducing and/or eliminating its funding for many aspects of City’s parks, including basic maintenance services. Conservative budget estimates for just the La Jolla shoreline area parks are upward to $500K yearly is necessary for general operating maintenance needs, and $30+M for capital projects for the next 10 years.

It’s time to pivot- the Conservancy offers an effective model to close this widening funding gap, to sustain, AND to elevate these vital public assets. The Conservancy can ensure the La Jolla shoreline parks and open spaces continue to serve as an economic, cultural, and natural cornerstone for the community and region.

Mission Statement – La Jolla Coastal Conservancy is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the area’s environmentally significant shoreline parks and green spaces for all to enjoy.

The Vision – To create a thriving, sustainable La Jolla shoreline area, and for La Jolla Coastal Conservancy to be considered a beacon of environmental stewardship for the benefit of our community and the world.

Projects, Programs, and Services Anticipated –

• In Scripps Park there’s the immediate need for developing a lawn and landscape design and maintenance plan, the Belvederes are all in disrepair and in need of complete rebuilding. The stairs down to The Cove Beach and Shell Beach are failing and a safety hazard, and the beaches and sensitive eco-system are polluted.

• The Coast Walk Trail and Children’s Pool areas are also experiencing increasing bluff erosion and infrastructure failures, and decreasing human access.

There’s the need and a desire for a comprehensive land-use management plan of the nationally-registered La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District, and to expand community and regional programs to improve health and a connection to nature for all to enjoy.

Our Guiding Principles -

• Public-private partnerships led by La Jolla Coastal Conservancy represent a transformative path for the shoreline parks’ future.

• All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

• Improving the parks is a collaborative endeavor and a key to success.

• Making tangible progress for local, regional, and global visitors will grow support and investment.

• The La Jolla shoreline parks are a critical resource for achieving the region’s social, economic, and environmental goals.

• The La Jolla shoreline parks are beloved. Building on the pride people have for the park and area reframes the parks’ future as one filled with opportunity.

La Jolla Coastal Conservancy is the nonprofit organization dedicated to this work, in partnership with the City of San Diego, partner organizations, and the residents and visitors of this region.

History of Successes - Brenda Fake is the Chair and Founder of Friends of Coast Walk Trail, which maintains, preserves, and repairs the historic trail along the La Jolla coastline bluffs. The Friends’ preservation work and projects along the .6 mile trail have won numerous awards and recognition, including from the San Diego Architectural Foundation, Save our Heritage Organisation, and the La Jolla Historical Society. Bob Evans is the current President of La Jolla Parks and Beaches, and has been active in leading the nonprofit 501(c)(3) in managing and working with the City of San Diego on many shoreline area projects, and advocating on multiple La Jolla parks and coastal civic policies and issues.

Please join us in preserving the La Jolla coastal parks– Building a healthier and stronger community for all!