Some see a treehouse as a symbol of childhood. Others not so much.
And one treehouse that was the subject of controversy during its brief time in La Jolla has been torn down.
The structure, formerly on a vacant lot off La Jolla Scenic Drive South near Via Capri, was built over time, starting nine to 12 months ago.
“It started small and got larger,” said nearby resident Paul Leonhardt. “It eventually became multiple stories, with hammocks, flags and windows. Every day that I saw it made me feel good about kids. I thought it was cool because it made me think that childhood was back.”
However, Leonhardt said he suspected it would not be there forever.
“It was located on a vacant lot at the top of a hill that is fenced off, so I don’t even know how they got the materials in there,” he said. “So at first I didn’t think it was going to last.”
That proved to be true. About a month ago, Leonhardt drove past the site and saw that the treehouse was gone.
“There was literally nothing there, like nothing was ever there,” he said. “There are no remnants you can see from the street. So I guess it started as a mystery and ended as a mystery.”
Once the treehouse was torn down, Leonhardt took to social media to post about it. He wrote that watching the treehouse’s development brought him “pure joy.”
“In an era where childhood has largely been handed over to screens, here were kids doing something almost radical. They were building. Problem-solving. Hauling wood up a hillside. Figuring things out through trial, error and laughter,” Leonhardt stated. “They were creating a secret world that belonged entirely to them — beyond parents, phones and algorithms. I remember thinking ‘The kids are back.’
“That treehouse represents everything we say we want for the next generation: independence, creativity, teamwork, physical effort, risk and the pride that comes from making something with your own hands. It was education in its purest form.”
The post generated dozens of comments, with many readers echoing his sentiments.
However, not everyone supported the treehouse.
In February, a report filed on the city of San Diego’s Get It Done app argued that the treehouse was an illegal homeless encampment.
“These dudes built a … treehouse homeless encampment,” according to the report. “Are you kidding me? Best view in La Jolla. Probably the best homeless encampment in the county. (And they don’t pay taxes).”
The treehouse was taken down before the city could act on the report.
“The original … complaint at this location/structure was for an encampment. However, it was confirmed that the structure was located on private property, and that complaint was closed,” city spokesman Richard Berg told the La Jolla Light. “A building and land-use enforcement case was then opened for the structure, but as of now, no inspector has visited the site and no other action has been taken. … A citation/notice would only come after violations observed during an inspection, so if the structure has been removed, it’s likely been done by the property owner.”
The property owner could not immediately be identified or reached for comment. ♦