At a time of commercialization, waning protection of city spaces, and maximized building in San Diego, president Klonie Kunzel and board members of La Playa Trail Association are recognized for historic preservation efforts.
LPTA members received the prestigious “Keeper of the Flame” award at a recent Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) ceremony in the gardens of the historic Marston House.
SOHO is San Diego’s leader in preserving and promoting architectural, cultural, and historical landmarks that contribute to the community’s identity.
Among 11 recipients of various awards was SOHO’s “Lifetime Achievement” that went to preservation architect John D. Henderson, FAIA. For four decades he has restored, rehabilitated, researched, and written about San Diego’s historic buildings. Point Loma’s La Playa Trail Association was founded in 2005 to carry on the work of earlier trailblazers who identified historic sites along the oldest commercial route in the western United States. Today these civic-minded members continue to refurbish, rededicate, and construct new commemorative markers along La Playa Trail. The historic trail runs from Ballast Point, weaves along Rosecrans Street, and reaches to Mission San Diego de Alcala. Parts of the original trail, however, are either built upon today, or are sunken in bay water at La Playa. LPTA is also noted for presenting its popular bi-monthly history lecture series at Point Loma Assembly.
As you shop, work, and wander along Rosecrans Street, keep an eye out for those trail markers that are gifted to the community by La Playa Trail Association.
La Playa Trail members gather at their monument to the Chinese fishing and shipbuilding industry dedicated in 2012 at La Playa Cove.