Project Description

In March 2009, the Port of San Diego retained the landscape architectural services of Dennis Otsuji of ONA Associates, Inc. to design Ruocco Park. The conceptual design of the park, as shown here, was approved by the Board of Port Commissioners in December 2009. In October 2011, the Board of Port Commissioners awarded a contract for the construction of Ruocco Park to Ledcor Construction, Inc. in the amount of $3.5 million.

The design for Ruocco Park calls for a large multi-purpose open space with grass areas for recreational activities, seating and tables, and spaces for quiet contemplation. The open space areas will be equipped with infrastructure hookups that will allow these areas to be used for special events. The plan also includes a public restroom. Dog owners and their pets on leash will be accommodated with bag dispensers and a water spigot.

The designs for the park and its pedestrian walkways and bikeways are compatible with the plans and guidelines for the surrounding lands including the South Embarcadero Urban Design Guidelines, the Bayshore Bikeway and neighboring projects, including the Old Police Headquarters, the remaining portion of the Harbor Seafood Mart, Pacific Gateway, the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, the USS Midway Museum and Tuna Harbor Park.

The current twenty foot-wide waterfront promenade on the park site will be widened to thirty-five feet and the multi-purpose trail along Harbor Drive will be widened to fifteen feet. Additionally, the eastern edge of the park will be extended into the existing Pacific Highway to enhance the park's Pacific Highway entrance as well as to match the improvements proposed for the Old Police Headquarters and increase the park's entry plaza.

The project team is working to provide a safe and welcoming environment through a variety of means. The design calls for open lines of sight through the park and lighting at a level that will optimize safety. In the interest of attracting visitors to the park, the park design team is exploring the inclusion of activating features such as WiFi, flexible seating arrangements and a small cafe or concession stand.

Sustainable design principles will be used in the project. Low water use will be accomplished through drought-tolerant and native plants and an efficient irrigation system.

The district retained artist Roman de Salvo to develop site-specific public artwork for the park. The public artwork will act as an entry trellis to the ark with colonades, lighting, lintels measuring approximately 78 ft. wide and 58 ft. long, and masts of varying heights and diameters. Overhead, a web of splayed and spliced-together eucalyptus tree limbs will gesture ornately in the direction of the park and San Diego Bay. This trellis sculpture will welcome the public and serve as a celebratory framing device of the park.

Storm water and urban runoff will be treated before discharge to the bay, in accordance with water quality requirements.

The park design will maintain and enhance views of the bay and city, including the Harbor Drive view corridor. Additionally, plant materials will be used to frame views of the bay through the center of the park.