IMPROVING COAST WALK TRAIL

Friends of Coast WalkVision-Mission-Actions to Date

FRIENDS OF COAST WALK

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

Trail that manages the current fauna and foliage

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

Vision for Coast Walk Trail

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

Immediate 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)

-Pedestrian safety on Coast Walk due to lack of use of trail

◦ 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 -Fencing

Objectives:EROSION 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

SAFETY 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

Friends of Coast Walk Actions Taken to Date

Contacted The City and walked the path with City Managers for possible options for improvement (May 2010)◦ Looked at improvement possibilities in/out of City Operating

Budget◦ Learned the budget determines departmental

responsibilities Three City Departments have responsibilities for Coast Walk

Trail Streets Park and Recreation Storm water

Bridge was painted and light repairs done (June 2010)

Neighborhood forms Friends of Coast Walk to address deterioration concerns (November 2010)

Unblocking storm water pipe and trail restoration by parking area (May 2011)

Neighbors begin to collect signatures from the public in

support of our improvement efforts (On going beginning Dec 2010 to present - see handout)

Friends of Coast Walk Actions Taken to Date

Conducted an assessment of the soil and fauna by a professional environmental landscape expert – Craig Hooker/

Conducted community clean up effort (June 2011)◦ City removed invasive Arundo

Create a planting restoration plan for Devils Slide and obtain proper permitting (July 2011)◦ Implemented planting plan (See next slide-August 2011)

Neighborhood forms Non-Profit 501(C) to collect funds for improvements along trail

Work with city Fire/Police to increase signage and improve the pedestrian safety (August 2011)◦ Coast Walk curbs painted ◦ Improved pedestrian signage posted

Received planting permit to replace Arundo that meets environmental requirements. Planting project is underway(July/August 2011)

Extended planting plan in progress to continue planting efforts along Coast Walk Trail for soil erosion improvements (Jan 2012)

Possible Projects (but not 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

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

Environmen

tSafety Beautificati

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

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 a a

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

E

BSD

RAFT

Next 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

Continued 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

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

Complete the 501(c) Non profit status for Friends of Coast Walk ◦ Conduct first meeting Q4-2011