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Port Celebrates Accessibility Improvements in Bayfront Parks

Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Contact: Dale Frost (619) 686-6461

The Port of San Diego showcased the completion of a $1.6 million project that made accessibility improvements to 176 locations within the Port's five member cities.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on December 6, 2011, in Chula Vista Bayfront Park – one of the improved parks – to commemorate the project's completion and to highlight some of the access improvements.

New accessible parking spaces, picnic tables and curb cuts now provide greater access to the park's bike paths, play equipment and public boat launch area.

"The Port of San Diego operates on the people's property. And the people – all of us – should be able to access it and to enjoy it," said Scott Peters, chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners.

Commissioner Ann Moore said that as Chula Vista's representative on the Board of Port Commissioners, she was both "proud and excited" to celebrate the completion of this accessibility project in a Chula Vista park.

Among those attending, in addition to Peters and Moore, were Port Commissioner Bob Nelson, Chula Vista City Councilman Steve Castaneda, Coronado Councilman Michael Woiwode, Port President and CEO Wayne Darbeau and Bill Stothers of the port's Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Stothers said completion of the projects reflects the Port's commitment and understanding of the importance of inclusion, access and community.

"I've been impressed with the determination of the Board of Port Commissioners and the port staff to provide full inclusion for everyone to the wide range of amenities encompassed by the Unified Port District," said Stothers, a member of the port's Accessibility Advisory Committee since its inception in 2002.

The Port of San Diego was created by state legislature in 1962 and is responsible for $1.7 billion in public improvements in its five member cities: Imperial Beach, Coronado, Chula Vista, National City and San Diego.

The Port District oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 17 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of more than 600 tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.