Port of San Diego Invites Public to Take Pepper Park Design Survey
Contact: bpage@portofsandiego.org, 619.348.1518, bpage@portofsandiego.org
The Port of San Diego is seeking additional feedback on the latest draft design for the National City Bayfront’s Pepper Park. The public is also asked to help decide which new park amenities – like a splash pad, child play improvements, shade structures, and more – should be added to the park by summer 2024.
Learn more and take the survey at portofsandiego.org/nationalcitybayfront.
The survey closes on Wednesday, June 8 and is in addition to the community workshop the Port held on May 5 and follows previous workshops held in March and April.
Thanks to federal stimulus funds the Port has received via the American Rescue Plan Act and the State of California’s Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund, the Port has designated $3.85 million toward redesigning Pepper Park and constructing some park improvements by mid-2024, subject to environmental review and permitting. An additional $250,000 from Austal USA, a new shipbuilding facility on the National City Bayfront, has increased the current budget to approximately $4.1 million. First phase improvements will be made in the park’s current 5.19-acre footprint. Future phases are anticipated and would include a 2.5-acre expansion of the park.
As a Port of communities, the redesign of Pepper Park is a team effort – the community, stakeholders, and local leaders have and will continue to have a role. This survey is the latest of numerous efforts by the Port and KTUA to collect public input. KTUA, a landscape architecture firm with extensive urban park and waterfront design expertise, is managing design and outreach in close coordination with the Port.
The current anticipated timeline for Pepper Park is as follows:
- Fall 2023 – Begin construction of initial priority park improvements within current park space
- Mid 2024 – Complete initial priority park improvements within current park space
- 2025 to 2029 – Funding and a timeline for future improvements, including park expansion, are to be determined
Background
The National City Bayfront is made up of 273 acres of waterfront land and 167 acres of water and includes the National City Marine Terminal, Pepper Park, Pier 32 Marina, the Aquatic Center, and many pieces of valuable public art. The National City Marina District refers to the approximately 60-acre area in and around Pier 32 Marina, including Pepper Park.
The redesign and future expansion of Pepper Park is part of the National City Marina District Balanced Land Use Plan, commonly referred to as the “Balanced Plan,” which seeks to rebalance land uses through a collaborative partnership between the Port of San Diego, the City of National City, and business and community stakeholders.
About THE Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.
About Port of San Diego Waterfront Development
Port of San Diego Waterfront Development contributes to the continuous prosperity of the local economy.
From Real Estate to Aquaculture and Blue Tech, the Port invests in major redevelopment and community infrastructure, so businesses in our region have the opportunity to stay competitive in the global marketplace.