University City: North University Community Branch Library & the Nobel Athletic Area

by Councilman Scott Peters
for the La Jolla Village News
October 2005

One thing every community deserves is a library and park to call their own. Today, this is becoming a reality for the residents and businesses in University City. Scheduled to open in Fall 2006, many of you may have noticed that the North University Community Branch Library and the Nobel Athletic Area is currently under construction.

Located on Nobel Drive, between Judicial Drive and Shoreline Drive, the contractor has been busy grading the site. Next will be installation of the underground storm systems and then the construction of the aboveground improvement will begin. These amenities include fields, courtyards, landscaped passive areas, a recreation center and library building.

Design for this unique project began in 2002. I worked together with City staff and the community to plan this 30-acre park. The project integrates a library into active and passive recreation facilities, including: two softball fields; three soccer fields; a tot lot; picnic areas; and an off-leash dog area. I am proud of the project design that incorporates many of the amenities desired by the community.

By locating the library on a knoll above the park, the public will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the park and the serene ambiance separate from the active recreation areas.

The new branch library will be more than 15,000 square feet and includes a computer lab, children's room, a community room and reading areas throughout. The building is designed to provide plenty of natural light through its view windows. The community chose the exterior materials and colors which will integrate the colors of the park and the surrounding community. The exterior wall finishes were chosen to be integral; colored cement plaster and a rich, warm stone veneer will welcome guests at the library entrance. Landscaped seating areas are planned, as well as public art and a courtyard accessible from the children's reading area.

The Friends of the San Diego Public Library (FSDPL) wishes to expand the University City North Library Branch Chapter. Please contact Stan Siegel at stnsiegel@aol.com if you are interested in getting involved and participating in this Chapter.

The 10,000-square-foot recreation building will include a multi-purpose activity gym and meeting rooms. The exterior courtyard spaces will be located to the north of the building, in association with the planned public meeting rooms. There are exterior courtyard spaces to the north of the building in association with the public multi-purpose meeting rooms.

North University City's population is made up of a variety of age groups, from working adults, seniors, and students from elementary school up to the university level. This new library and recreation center will be a place where all can come together for information, recreation and education.

It is my honor to serve your community on the City Council and I hope you will contact my office with any suggestions you have to make our neighborhoods even better.