Port of San Diego and Pier 32 Celebrate opening of New Marina

Monday, 18 August 2008

National City's Pier 32, the first marina to be built on San Diego Bay in more than 15 years, is open for business.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony signaling the grand opening of the 250-slip marina and dedication of a public artwork were held on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, before a large crowd of well-wishers who viewed a parade of boats, led by the Harbor Police fire boat and Arjuna, the vessel owned by Pier 32's owner and operator, John Grimstad, Sr.

"It's a great day for National City," said Robert "Dukie" Valderrama, a Port Commissioner who represents the city on the Board of Port Commissioners. "This will put National City on the map as a waterfront town with plenty to offer."

Board of Port Commissioners Chairman Michael Bixler acknowledged Grimstad and his family for their effort. "Without him and his family, we wouldn't be here today," Bixler said.

Pier 32's design reflects National City's past when cargo ships offloaded lumber and other products at Frank Kimball's National City wharf in 1886 and the design elements give the marina a modern, yet nautical feel.

The marina, located adjacent to Pepper Park on Marina Way at the entrance of the Sweetwater Channel, is considered state of the art with high-speed Internet access, an exercise and workout center, community room, putting green, a small beach and a one-bedroom fully furnished apartment for marina users.

From the planning phase to completion, the work on the marina has been underway for more than five years. Chairman Bixler noted that the Port of San Diego was in charge of preparing the basin for the marina, with the excavation of more than 638,000 cubic yards of material creating the marina's 14-acre water area.

Bixler said the Port and National City are working together on additional amenities near the marina, such as the new aquatic center, which is expected to open in 2010.

"This is just the beginning of what we will see in National City," said Ron Morrison, the city's mayor. "This morning, I'm especially proud to be the mayor of National City."

Following the ribbon-cutting, "Le Bateau Ivre," the public artwork, was dedicated. The Port's Public Art Director, Catherine Sass, introduced the artist, Alber De Mateiss, who said that when he conceived of the artwork he imagined what it was like for sailing ships in the 1800s and he wanted to convey a sense of adventure and inspiration with the work.

"Le Bateau Ivre," which means the drunken boat, is a 15-foot by-18-foot sculpture that is made of galvanized steel with a bronze patina that reflects the framing and planking of a sailing vessel. The art piece is located in front of the small beach overlooking the marina.