La Jollas Childrens Pool Walk project short $80,000

Additional funding needed to proceed on schedule

By Ashley Mackin As construction resumes on the Childrens Pool lifeguard tower after a minor delay due to a seagull chick that was nesting there so does fundraising for the Childrens Pool Walk beautification project.

Spearheaded by La Jollan Phyllis Minick and designed by landscape architect Jim Neri, the project would widen the sidewalk overlooking Childrens Pool, add a new gazebo and seating, and replace old planters to cover the crumbling walls. Having raised the original estimate of $250,000, higher than expected assessment costs and review fees have upped the price tag by an additional $80,000.

To save costs on the privately funded project, work would need to be done concurrent to lifeguard tower construction, so crews can take advantage of street closures and work permits already in place.

Although assessments and reviews by the city took longer than planned pushing back any possible start date for the beautification project the seagull chick nesting at the tower site also delayed construction, June 2 to Aug. 4.

Monica Muoz, senior public information officer for San Diego Public Works Department explained that including the demolition, construction is expected to take eight months, with only light interior work occurring during this years harbor seal pupping season (Dec. 15, 2014 to May 15, 2015). The date of completion is being negotiated with the contractor hired by the city.

However, the city expects the tower to be operational by summer 2015. Muoz said it is possible the city incurred additional costs with the delay and wont be able to determine how much until the project is complete. The towers pricetag is estimated at $3.25 million.

With that schedule in mind, Neri said the Childrens Pool Walk project would need to be ready for construction by March 1. That would mean having permits secured and construction drawings approved by the city, a contractor signed up and ready to begin work, and all the necessary funding in hand.

He said any work that does not involve physical labor at the site such as city paperwork or the search for a contractor could occur during the pupping season.

However, with the total amount being higher than expected, Neri said extra funding will be needed, and his team is hoping to only use private dollars.

See the original post:
La Jollas Childrens Pool Walk project short $80,000