Parks / Coast / Environment

Message from Councilman Scott Peters

In 1931 Ellen Browning Scripps donated the breakwater at the Children’s Pool to create a “bathing pool for children.” The State tidelands grant that deeded the property for the pool also specifically states that “said lands shall be devoted exclusively to public park and bathing pool for children.” For decades, children, families and seals enjoyed the area together.

In the mid-1990’s fecal matter from the growing number of seals on the beach caused high pollution levels that caused the County Department of Health to close the beach to children. I believe that it is important that we look at ways to reduce the pollution and return the pool to the recreational shared use that existed for decades.

We will not harm the seals. Any plan will be done under the supervision of the National Marine Fisheries Service, and comply with the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

The Children’s Pool is an artificial beach that was created specifically to be a “bathing pool for children.” It is a recreational amenity that is counted as park space in La Jolla when the City looks at the amount of park space needed to accommodate the residents of the area. La Jolla is an older community that lacks large amounts of park space, and the closure of this beach further constricts the available park space in La Jolla. If a soccer field in North Park or Allied Gardens were taken over by wild animals the City would not close that area forever. We would look for ways to reopen the area for recreational use. I think we should do the same at the Children’s Pool. It is important that we look at ways to reduce the pollution and allow children to swim in a pool that was created specifically for them.