Imperial Beach is one of five Port member cities and thanks to the community, the Port can boost that is has roughly 400 acres of prime beachfront property. Since 1990 when the city joined the Port family, Imperial Beach and the San Diego Unified Port District have partnered on several projects that have helped revitalize some of the popular oceanfront area, including the landmark Imperial Beach Pier.

In recent years, the Port has spent millions of dollars on key projects, including structural improvements to the popular Imperial Beach Pier, creating the beachfront Dunes Park and redevelopment of Pier Plaza with its signature art work titled “Surfhenge,” a colorful marker which pays homage to the proud surfing heritage of Imperial Beach. In 1996, the Port unveiled its first public art piece in Imperial Beach, Ocean Riders,” by the sculptor Wyland. Located a short walk away is the modern Dempsey Holder Safety Center, the home base for city lifeguards.

In January 2009, the Palm Avenue Street End project, a semi-circular public overlook near the beach at the end of Palm Avenue was completed and dedicated. The refurbished area includes seating landscaping and public art. The Port also installed an 18-foot-tall bronze sculpture titled “The Spirit of Imperial Beach,” which epitomizes the surf culture of Imperial Beach with its tall surfer and his surfboard.

The San Diego & Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) selected the project as “Project of the Year.”

City of Imperial Beach website