Solana Beach continues discussion on tot lot upgrades

The Solana Seashore Metropolis Council continued to debate choices for upgrading the tot tons at La Colonia and Fletcher Cove parks throughout a Sept. 28 assembly.

“I do know it took a little bit additional time and extra cash, however that is one thing that’s going to be in our neighborhood for a really very long time,” Metropolis Councilmember Jewel Edson mentioned.

The La Colonia tot lot, constructed in 2000, and the Fletcher Cove tot lot, constructed in 2007, have each skilled numerous put on and tear from every day utilization, climate and different elements. Town contracted with Van Dyke Panorama Architects to work on the proposed design for the renovated tot tons.

A number of the parts embody a picture of a whale on the bottom.

“This design was developed to play off the present shapes of the realm and to enrich the present constructions with the seat partitions,” mentioned Kaitlyn Porter, a landscaper designer with Van Dyke.

Council members had initially mentioned including extra swings at La Colonia Park, however as a substitute determined so as to add further shade constructions with timber.

“At our final council assembly that we attended, it was said that timber have been the preferable choice, so we went totally for timber,” Porter mentioned.

A questionnaire that residents crammed out when town began the venture confirmed that they needed a “whimsical look,” “backyard look” and “non-traditional look” at La Colonia. At Fletcher Cove, they indicated assist for “beachy,” “non-traditional” and “whimsical.”

One of many targets for the upgrades on the Fletcher Cove tot lot is so as to add extra play infrastructure that appeals to kids of all ages. Residents have expressed concern that the unique proposed design was not as accommodating to youthful kids.

Town’s 2022-23 funds appropriated $375,000 for design and building of the Fletcher Cove Tot Lot and $436,000 for design and building of the La Colonia Tot Lot, in keeping with a metropolis workers report. There was additionally a further $173,628 that had already been appropriated for the design of the 2 tot tons. Town was additionally awarded a $186,471 California State Parks grant for enhancements to the La Colonia Park tot lot. Potential grant funding from the county remains to be pending.

The Solana Seashore Metropolis Council in July permitted a $12,000 improve to a contract with Van Dyke Panorama Architects on July 13 for the continued work on the La Colonia tot lot.

Further contracts to finish the tot tons are more likely to be awarded subsequent yr, Metropolis Supervisor Greg Wade mentioned through the assembly.