Port Accepts $3.5 Million Donation for Waterfront Park

The Board of Port Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement yesterday to accept a $3.5 million donation for a waterfront park. The park, to be built next to the former Old Police Headquarters in San Diego, will be approximately 3.3 acres.

The donation is being provided by The San Diego Foundation, a leading San Diego charitable organization that manages the Lloyd and Ilse Ruocco Fund. Lloyd was a noted San Diego architect and considered the father of the modern architectural movement here. He and his wife, Ilse, were also educational leaders in the city throughout the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. More than 25 years ago, the couple established a trust that would provide money to build and maintain parks in the central area of San Diego. The Ruocco Fund was specifically established to help create a public waterfront park that would feature outstanding urban design.

The Ruocco Fund is one of a family of funds at The San Diego Foundation. The Port entered into a donation agreement with it that will provide $2.5 million for design and enhancements to the park. The remaining balance will be put into a separate fund for the park's long term maintenance. According to the agreement, which is for a 66-year term, the park will be named "Ruocco Park."

"The Port of San Diego is pleased to accept this donation from The San Diego Foundation," said Michael Bixler, Chair of the Board of Port Commissioners. "This will allow us to turn the park we've been planning for years into a shining example of exceptional urban design."

"We are delighted to carry forward the legacy of Lloyd and Ilse Ruocco by granting this money to the Port of San Diego from their fund here at The San Diego Foundation," said Bob Kelly, the organization's President and CEO. "Lloyd and Ilse understood the beauty and potential of San Diego and it is always one of our greatest pleasures to ensure that the passions of our citizens are carried forward for worthwhile, outstanding projects like this one."

The Port already had plans for a park next to the Old Police Headquarters as part of its 1998 South Embarcadero Redevelopment Program. Money to build the park was allocated in the Port's 2009-2013 Capital Development Program. Developing the park would require the partial demolition of the former Harbor Seafood Mart building, which is estimated to cost $1 million.

Money from the Ruocco donation will not be used for the demolition and the Port will use its Capital Development funds for the basic park. The Ruocco donation will provide design and upgrades such as water features, garden areas, upgraded hardscape, benches and lighting. A public art plan will also be included.

The park will be designed by Dennis Otsuji of ONA Associates, Inc., a San Diego firm that provides services in landscape architecture, urban design and land planning. The Stephen Birch Aquarium and NTC/Liberty Station are two examples of the firm's prestigious projects.

The next steps for the park's development include Board approval of the consulting agreement with Dennis Otsuji. Port staff will also present the concept of Ruocco Park for approval, as well as a construction contract. These items are expected to go to the Board sometime in 2009.

---