Parks and Recreation Month Celebrates the People, Public Spaces, and Waterfront Experiences at the Port of San Diego
Contact: Kelley Lieberman, 619.643.0154, klieberman@portofsandiego.org
On July 15, the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners adopted a resolution proclaiming July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month. The Port joins the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and communities across the U.S. in recognizing this month.
“Parks and Recreation Month helps us celebrate and recognize the many people, events and public spaces that provide access to our beautiful San Diego Bay,” said Chair Danielle Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Our parks and recreational programs bring people together to play, connect, and create memorable waterfront experiences.”
The Port manages public access to 23 beautiful parks spanning its five member cities and providing opportunities to explore and enjoy the San Diego Bay waterfront. In addition to recreation, parks help enhance the overall quality of life for all and strengthen the relationship the community has with the waterfront. Each year, the Port issues approximately 600 park use permits, and supports several large tourism-generating event partnerships, and free community activation events. The Port is also a steward for the Tidelands Art Collection, helping bring culture, history, and interactive experiences to the public.
In April 2025, the Port opened its newest and largest park — Sweetwater Park on the Chula Vista Bayfront. The Port also regularly enhances parks and public spaces along the waterfront to better support the community experience and environment. Currently, Pepper Park in National City is undergoing updates including a new splash pad and a pirate-themed playground, and the Port is working with the community to design the next phase of improvements at César Chávez Park in Barrio Logan. In addition, the Port is working with the USS Midway Museum to transform Navy Pier into a new 10-acre park, Freedom Park, which will celebrate the region’s military history and is expected to open in 2028.
For 40 years, NRPA has celebrated July as Park and Recreation Month. This year’s theme is, “Build Together, Play Together,” and celebrates the contributions of parks and recreation professionals who make a lasting impact in their communities. In addition to celebrating the entire month, Parks and Recreation Professionals Day is on July 18.
About THE Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 23 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.
About Port of San Diego Experiences
Port of San Diego Experiences welcomes businesses, residents and visitors from across the globe to enjoy and prosper from our dynamic waterfront.
As a treasured destination, the Port provides unique opportunities to captivate visitors and ensure everyone is welcomed, connected and inspired by our beautiful waterfront.