home | shores property | in the news | committee
donate | become a friend | supporters | learn more | contact us

Campaign Spreading the Word at
Community Conversations

Join us Sunday, December 7, 3 - 5 pm
home of Pat JaCoby, 213 W. Ocean View
rsvp to 755-4391

Neighbors talking with neighbors, we are spreading the word about the critical importance of completing the Campaign by May 2009.  Receptions were recently hosted by Zelda Waxenberg on Luzon Avenue, Chris and Piper Underwood and Will and Nicole Holliday at the Underwoods on Rimini, Linda and Brett Castile, and Carl and Sharon Hilliard.  If you are interested in attending a coffee or evening reception, or would like to host one, please call Barbara Mandel Pache at 858-481-4201.

Your Donation Benefits Children and Builds Community:

  • Ensure the Shores property is preserved and not lost to residential and commercial development
  • Protect the only available recreational open space in our densely populated coastal community
  • Relieve the increasing shortage of playing fields for youth and adult sports teams and preserve the founding field of Del Mar Little League
  • Enable the Winston School to continue serving bright children with learning differences in grades 4 through 12
  • Benefit the children, families and schools of the Del Mar Union School District with the $8.5 million proceeds from the sale for new schools and capital projects
  • Create a generous legacy for our children, grandchildren and future generations
  • Memorialize you, your loved ones or organization through naming opportunities
  • Be matched by challenge grants from foundations and other organizations

kids_on_ballfield

Your contribution assures our children will have use of the only playing field in Del Mar.

This open and recreational space will be enjoyed for generations to come.  Won't you join the Campaign for Del Mar Shores today?


News Update

The City of Del Mar took ownership of the property with the close of escrow on May 21, 2008 with payment of $5 million in cash and a $3.5 million, 12-month note from the DMUSD.  That note was paid in full on November 17, 2008 with a loan from Union Bank at more favorable terms.  Fundraising efforts will continue towards the $8.5 million goal.  The property will remain in the public trust owned by the City of Del Mar, and The Winston School will have a 55-year lease to continue its outstanding educational programs.    See news stories.


Ownership and use following purchase:  The City of Del Mar is the legal owner of the property and The Winston School has a long-term lease in exchange for the funds donated by and on behalf of The Winston School. This will allow The Winston School to continue their vital mission educating children with learning differences.  The open space and ball fields will continue to be made available for community use after school hours and on weekends.  Currently, Del Mar Little League and area recreational teams use the baseball field extensively throughout the week and weekend.  The Winston School and the City are pledged to maintain open space and recreational uses as they are currently, and future improvements will be planned via a joint planning process with the community.   

Historical  Information

Late 1800s - Shores Property along Stratford Court (formerly Railroad Avenue) Street was the site of the original Del Mar train station.  The property was acquired in 1906 by the South Coast Land Company.  It was later acquired by William G. Kerckhoff’s company.

1946 - property conveyed to the struggling Del Mar Union School District (DMUSD) iby Kerckoff family with the deed restriction that the property be used for “school purposes only” and explicitly prohibits residential and commercial use. 

1947 -  Del Mar Shores School was built to serve children in Del Mar, Del Mar Heights, Sorrento Valley and what is now Carmel Valley.  

Early 1970s, the student population had outgrown the Shores facility.  Two new schools were built  in the Del Mar Heights neighborhood, and the Shores School was closed. 

1988 the Shores became the home of The Winston School, and for the last 20 years, The Winston School has leased and maintained the property.

2005 the DMUSD declared the Shores property “surplus” and available for sale.  A group of concerned community leaders formed The Friends of Del Mar Parks and joined together with Winston families to help raise funds for the purchase of the site. 

July 31, 2007 DMUSD agrees to sell property to the City of Del Mar for $8.5 million. 

May 21, 2008 - City of Del Mar to close escrow with $5 million cash and $3.5 million loan from DMUSD. 

To learn more, review past news stories.