SAN DIEGO — Construction of phase two at the Mira Mesa Community Park kicked off Wednesday with a groundbreaking ceremony.
The 28-acre park will be getting a new aquatic complex, an all-wheels plaza for skateboarding, roller-skating, and scooters. The city said people in wheelchairs can also use it. There will be new children's play areas, a splash pad, different multi-use sports courts, as well as improvements to lighting and landscaping.
"Honestly, this is for the kids," said Andy Field, Director of San Diego's Park and Recreation Department. "We want to offer a better play experience for our kids, as well as allow children to play as many sports as they can, have quality facilities to play in, have the best possible playground with the most value for the kids. Just have a place of peace, an area to relax in. That's what a park setting is for."
"The Mira Mesa community has waited more than 20 years for these park improvements, and I'm proud to say that we are finally getting it done," said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. "Today, we are breaking ground on the next phase of the Mira Mesa Community Park improvements, bringing long-overdue amenities like an aquatic complex, a plaza designed for bikes, skateboards, scooters and wheelchairs, and upgraded recreation facilities. We are delivering on our promise to ensure every San Diegan has access to quality parks and recreational facilities."
Gloria was joined by City Councilman Kent Lee to break ground on the project.
"Our community has been looking forward to these park upgrades for so long, and now we can finally see progress being made," said Lee. "From a new competition-sized aquatic complex and much-needed renovations to the recreation center to upgraded playgrounds and ball fields as well as new public plazas, Mira Mesa is receiving the investments it has long deserved.
"I am grateful for the work and advocacy of local community leaders and excited to break ground on this important project."
The 28-acre park is divided by New Salem Street. Around 11 acres of the park sit north of the street and was improved as part of Phase I of the Mira Mesa Community Park Improvements project in 2018. The section included new baseball fields, a children's play area, a comfort station and a parking lot.
Phase II, dealing with the remaining 17 acres, will add other amenities to the park such as public art, ADA-accessible walkways and updated lighting and landscaping.
"We are thrilled to get the second phase of the Mira Mesa Community Park Improvements project under construction and move one step closer to delivering these much-needed upgrades to this community," said Luis Schaar, acting director of the engineering and capital projects department. "This project couldn't have reached this stage without significant community support and input during the design phase. We can't wait to bring their vision to life with amenities for all ages, like the aquatic complex and all-wheel plaza, which will serve residents for decades to come."
According to the park's plans, the aquatic complex will have a 14-lane competition pool, an activity pool and a splash pad. Additionally, the Mira Mesa Recreation Center will be renovated with a new HVAC system and new paint.