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Del
Mar’s
Elitism: It ain’t
necessarily so!
When
traveling, I
always find myself
comparing each new
place to Del Mar;
from the memories
I’ve
created to the simple
beauty of our coastal
town. In an age of
post-modern pod-like
development practices,
our small community
has managed over many
years to purchase
and preserve the short
stretch of coastal
property comprised
of Powerhouse and
Seagrove Parks. A
rich history of progressive
community guardians
has staved off the
powers of development
along Coast Boulevard,
instead choosing to
create a common area
that has helped forge
a strong community
with these two parks
as the focal point. My
personal history with
Del Mar didn’t
begin until the early
nineties when, as a
teenager, I became a
Lifeguard for the city.
During my first summer
of employment, and many
times in years to come,
I was often summoned
to store discarded city
equipment in the Powerhouse
building, some eight
years prior to refurbishing,
empty trash cans in
both parks, move swimmers
out of the surfing area
in front of Powerhouse
Park, and many other
tasks related to the
parks. These tasks had
a nascent effect on
my relationship with
this community; from
the people I would meet
to the lessons I would
learn. Over
the years, what was
initially a summer job
and general acquaintance
with this community
has grown into a lifestyle
and a major part of
who I am. Like with
many others, our relationship
with the Del Mar community
finds its nucleus to
be our two coastal parks
and the Community Center;
serving as places to
be both close to the
natural environment
and the people we share
these beautiful places
with. Major events in
my life, as in others’ lives,
have centered around
this area that many
of us visit each day;
ranging from weddings,
spiritual events, birthday
celebrations, concerts,
and as a general community
meeting place. The
City of Del Mar’s
strong commitment to
keeping these areas
for the people has evolved
into continued dividends
for those that choose
to enjoy their offerings.
Our parks and Community
Center offer something
for everyone; from a
tranquil moment to an
ebullient wedding; or
a place for your child
to take their first
steps or an older adult
to keep their mind and
body sound. The balance
of preserving open space
and being fiscally responsible
can be a game of political
ping-pong; however through
strong management local
government has found
a healthy balance of
preservation and financial
solvency. The history of this area could have easily been squandered by greed for a quick dollar to fill the city coffers. I, like an untold number of others, am grateful for the battles waged by guardians of the past and the dedication of current citizens and city staff for their continued dedication to maintain this local turf.
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