About the La Playa Trail Association
The Six Original Markers
In 1932, John & Winifred Davidson, curators of the Serra Museum—working with George Marston, the local Portuguese community, architect Richard Reque, San Diego Chamber of Commerce, Daughters of the American Revolution, San Diego Federation of Women's Clubs, San Diego Historical Society, and local garden clubs—placed six concrete markers commemorating the Old La Playa Trail between La Playa and the Mission. Concurrently an extensive program of tree planting and urban beautification was inaugurated.
Recent History and Future
The La Playa Trail Association was formed in 2005 to continue the work of the 1930's. There are 70 registered sites between Ballast Point and the Presidio. Our goal is to reconstruct and refurbish the trail markers, to identify the historical sites along the La Playa Trail, and to establish vest pocket parks and monuments honoring the myriad of peoples who have journeyed along the Trail. Currently the La Playa Trail Association is working with the Chinese Historical Society and Museum to establish a pocket park on La Playa Cove commemorating the late 19th century fleet of abalone junks. We are also endeavoring to reconstruct the original La Playa Trail marker at Roseville, supporting a monument to the soldiers of Fort Rosecrans, and securing a monument to the Gold Rush era cemetery at Old La Playa. Our goal is simply to make the La Playa Trail one of the most beautiful parkways in the entire world.
Special Thanks
The La Playa Trail Association gratefully recognized the generosity of the Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation which has provided substantial support for this web site.
Projects of the La Playa Trail Association
- The refurbishment of the North Bay La Playa Trail Marker
- Projected monument to the late 19th century Chinese abalone & fishing community
- Boatyard monument and garden at the north end of La Playa Cove
- Monument/Garden to San Diego's Portuguese Community
- Monument/Garden commemorating the Site of the 1850's era Protestant & Mormon Cemetery at Old Playa
- Monument to the U.S. Naval Coaling Station site at Fort Rosecrans and/or Teddy Roosevelt's Navy, the Great White Fleet and the opening of the Panama Canal
- Monument/Garden to the Japanese-American community of San Diego
- The U.S. Army & Navy Monument to the Fallen Soldiers of Fort Rosecrans, Lincoln Housing at the Former U.S. Naval Training Center
- Plaques, benches, trees and gardens in pocket parks here and there along the La Playa Trail
- An Oral History Program
