IMPROVING IMPROVING COAST WALK COAST WALK

TRAILTRAIL

Coast Walk Neighborhood Meeting with

Councilmember LightnerApril 22, 2011

Earth Day

Meeting Purpose & Agenda To address neighborhood concerns about the deterioration, current condition, and maintenance of Coast Walk Trail

 

Outcomes: By the end of the meeting we hope to ….-Review the efforts to date and address the deterioration of the trail and the

bridge-Inquire about the Current Coastal Commission Proposal Impacting Coast Walk-Discuss what can be done to help within the city operating budget to address

safety and deterioration  -Gain commitment to conduct a cross functional city meeting to help the

safety and maintenance issues facing the trail                          

Time Agenda Topic Who

5’ Welcome/Purpose/Introductions Dr. Fisler/Councilwoman Lightner

10’ Provide the Problem Statement the Neighbors are Addressing

Dr. Fisler/Brenda Fake

10’ Review the Efforts/Actions to Date All

20’ Possible actions to bring together city managers

All

10’ Agreement on actions/next steps All

5’ Closing comments on meeting Dr. Fisler/Councilwoman Lightner

General Questions on Coastal General Questions on Coastal Commission Proposal for Angel Flight Commission Proposal for Angel Flight Stairs Stairs

Is building stairs at Angles Flight feasible and environmentally sound idea for the bluffs◦ Impact to safety and environment

Where do you stand on this issue?

How can we have input into this process?

Is this the best use of public money?

Problem StatementProblem StatementContinuous deterioration and current conditions of the Coast Walk Trail render the path unsafe and hazardous to the environment

Immediate concernsImmediate concerns::

◦ Soil erosion along the walking path-Blocked storm water pipe creating large hole and exposed

screws – not safe for walking (alternative people can use the road)

-Large hole next to bridge covered with a steel plate-Continued erosion under plate impacting bridge (impassable)

-The trail is getting more difficult to walk near Goldfish Point (no option to use an alternative)

◦ Invasive plant species damaging the trail and surrounding area creating fire hazard and further soil erosion

-Devils slide (Arundo)-Ice plants (Hot and Tot)

◦ General Repairs-Stairs -Bridge

Coast Walk TrailCoast Walk TrailGoldfish Point to Torrey Pines Road Goldfish Point to Torrey Pines Road

Coast Walk Trail Coast Walk Trail Cave Shop to Second Bench Cave Shop to Second Bench

Coast Walk TrailCoast Walk TrailSecond Bench to Storm Drain Second Bench to Storm Drain

Coast Walk TrailCoast Walk TrailStorm Drain to Stairs Storm Drain to Stairs

Coast Walk TrailCoast Walk TrailStorm Drain to Stairs Storm Drain to Stairs

Coast Walk TrailCoast Walk TrailStairs to Parking Lot Stairs to Parking Lot

Coast Walk TrailCoast Walk TrailParking Lot to Torrey Pines Parking Lot to Torrey Pines

Torrey Pines State Park Provides Good Torrey Pines State Park Provides Good Example of the Friends of Coast Walk’s Example of the Friends of Coast Walk’s

Vision for Coast Walk TrailVision for Coast Walk Trail

Actions TakenActions Taken

Proposed Coast Walk Trail Repairs Proposed Coast Walk Trail Repairs (but not (but not limited to)limited to)

Restoration Improvements

Environment

Safety Beautification

Restoration of path and soil erosion Fix the storm water run off drains along trail (two) Restoration of path below stairs going to Goldfish/Whalers Point Create an ongoing operations and maintenance program dedicated to Coast Walk Trail Removal of invasive species along the path as it poses a fire hazard and erosion contributor (i.e. bamboo looking stuff by bridge)

Continue the white railing for Coast Walk Trail including the storm water exit drains similar as La Jolla Cove and Coast Blvd for continuity and maintenance consistency

Improved railings along path with steep drop offs (see photo) Improved benches Landscaping around the drain culverts

DR

AFT

FRIENDS OF COAST FRIENDS OF COAST WALKWALK

MissionMissionOur focus is on the safety and environmental preservation, restoration, and enhancements specifically for historic Coast Walk Trial that ensures continued use and enjoyment for the community today and in the future

Goals:Goals:-Protect environmentally sensitive bluffs-Improve trail safety -Create an ongoing maintenance plan for Coast Walk

Trail that manages the current fauna and foliage

Objectives:Objectives:EROSIONEROSION Re-channel water runoff from streets, hillsides and

housing from the trail Restore the hillside to prevent further erosion Secure trail from wind velocity and movement Discuss and determine how and where the water runoff

is coming from

SAFETYSAFETY Improve walking trail to avoid pedestrian injuries Minimize traffic to improve pedestrian safety Improve hand rails for pedestrian safety Remove the invasive Arundo as it is a fire hazard and

shelters the homeless◦ Mid 80’s there was major fire on Devils Slide

Possible ProjectsPossible Projects (but not (but not limited to…)limited to…)

City Departmental Change of Responsibilities for Trail (From Streets to Parks)◦ Have Coast Walk Trail formally deemed a park

Environmental Impact Study for restoration◦ Address bluff sensitivity ◦ Trail restoration ◦ Landscape architect plan (from invasive to drought

tolerant native plants i.e. Arundo removal)Trail Restoration

◦ Backfilling and leveling the trail with appropriate fill based on impact study

◦ Implement fauna and foliage plan ◦ Create maintenance plan and budget for ongoing

maintenance and improvements

Next StepsNext Steps To meet with a cross functional group of City Managers

to address safety items for Coast Walk Trail within the current City Operating Budget-short term

Community clean up efforts to help pick up the current area of debris and trash ◦ Conduct a clean effort with the neighbors and solicit help from the

community ◦ Working with Ester Viti from the La Jolla Village Beatification

Committee Clean up effort set for June 4th 1-4pm (La Jolla Light)

Move Coast Walk Trail from Street Department to full responsibility under Parks and Recreation◦ Formally deem Coast Walk Trail a park

Determine who to best work with to help improve the trail long term and create an improved walk and park experience◦ La Jolla Conservancy◦ La Jolla Parks and Recreation Board

Closing CommentsClosing Comments