Port of San Diego and City of Chula Vista Break Ground on Harbor Park Improvements Project
Contact: Brianne Mundy Page, 619.348.1518, bpage@portofsandiego.org
Road Closure and Detours Begin Soon
The Port of San Diego, City of Chula Vista, partners, and stakeholders celebrated the start of new park amenities being added on the Chula Vista Bayfront during a groundbreaking ceremony held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. A new nautical-themed playground, splash pad, and other improvements are being added in the southern portion of Harbor Park, formerly known as Bayside Park. The project also includes a new park entrance and permanent closure of a temporary road.
“A key goal of the Chula Vista Bayfront redevelopment is to deliver more coastal access for everyone who lives, works, and plays on and around San Diego Bay,” said Chair Ann Moore, Chula Vista’s appointee to the Board of Port Commissioners. “We have added 12 more acres of parkland to the Chula Vista Bayfront that will not only expand opportunities for recreation, but we are also strengthening our community’s connection to the water. The addition of these 12 more acres, combined with the 39-acre Sweetwater Park that opened last spring, brings us to 51 acres of new public park space on the Chula Vista Bayfront – spaces thoughtfully designed with direct input from the South Bay community.”
"Harbor Park’s transformation is a big win for Chula Vista. By doubling this park’s size and adding new family-friendly amenities, we’re creating more access to our bayfront and more opportunities for our community to gather, play, and thrive,” said Mayor John McCann, City of Chula Vista. “In partnership with the Port of San Diego, we’re building a waterfront that reflects the bright future of our city while creating vibrant public spaces for generations to come."
Harbor Park will be twice as big as the former Bayside Park, going from approximately 12 to 25 acres. Improvements will be completed in phases to enhance beach and bay access and environmental resiliency and provide long-term benefits for the Chula Vista Bayfront and San Diego Bay. The new planned park space was created as part of the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center project. The new portions of the park are being improved in two phases – the south phase and the north phase. The current project is for the south phase and is set to include:
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A new splash pad with outdoor showers where users can rinse off chlorinated water;
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A new, nautical-themed playground with multi-age play equipment, various climbing structures and play slope;
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Accessible pathways to connect the existing park to the streets around Gaylord and provide internal circulation;
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New landscaping including shade trees and usable groundcover for visual appeal and gathering spaces;
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Pedestrian lighting and park furnishings, including picnic tables, benches, and shade structures; and
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A new entrance to the park from the roundabout at the end of H Street (a portion of Sandpiper Way will permanently close).
The $15 million south phase project is funded in part by the California Coastal Conservancy, which awarded a $6.6 million grant to the Port – up to $2.26 million will go to the south phase project. The remaining $4.34 million will go toward a future beach and boat launch project planned for the north end of the park.
"This park will make a tremendous difference for the City of Chula Vista, giving residents new opportunities to access and enjoy the shoreline,” said Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, California Coastal Conservancy. “The Coastal Conservancy prioritizes projects that expand public access, create wildlife habitat, and enhance climate resilience – Harbor Park does all of that along the San Diego Bay’s urban waterfront. I am so proud to support a project that will be a landmark attraction for South Bay communities."
In June 2025, the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners approved a contract with BNBuilders for progressive design-build services. At its February 17, 2026 meeting, the Board authorized staff to agree to two Guaranteed Maximum Price contracts with BNBuilders for the south phase improvements – one for the playground components and a second for the splash pad components. At the same meeting, the Board also approved the plans and specifications for the playground improvements. Final plans and specifications for the splash pad are anticipated to be presented to the Board for consideration in April.
Sandpiper Way Closure and Detours
The temporary east-west extension of Sandpiper Way that was built during Gaylord construction will be permanently closed and converted into new park space. A new entrance into the park will be built at the roundabout at the west end of H Street. Until the new entrance is completed, park visitors are encouraged to enter the park via H Street, around the front of Gaylord, to G Street. Detour signs will be posted directing drivers to this route. Another alternative route is to come from the north using F Street, continuing west onto Lagoon Drive, then south on Marina Parkway to G Street.
Full Park Buildout
As additional funding is secured, the Port will continue to design and build out Harbor Park in phases to deliver the community's vision. A full build-out concept was created through extensive stakeholder and community engagement. Additional proposed features at full buildout include:
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Parking improvements on the north end of the park;
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An enlarged and improved beach surrounded by terraced headlands;
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A pocket marsh with salt marsh plantings;
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A boat launch at the north end for hand-launched personal watercraft such as kayaks and paddleboards;
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North and south meadows with paths and picnic tables;
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Multi-use lawns and large public gathering areas on both ends;
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More pedestrian and bicycle pathways;
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An interactive fountain, and more.
The expansion of Bayside Park into the larger Harbor Park and added new public amenities is part of the Chula Vista Bayfront redevelopment. In partnership with the City of Chula Vista, the Port of San Diego is transforming the Chula Vista Bayfront into a world-class destination in the South Bay for residents and coastal visitors to enjoy. The Harbor Park expansion is part of the first phase, which also includes the 39-acre Sweetwater Park and Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center (both opened in 2025), and the Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay RV resort (opened in 2021).
More information about the Chula Vista Bayfront is available at portofsandiego.org/chulavistabayfront.
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 Waterfront Development
Port of San Diego Waterfront Development contributes to the continuous prosperity of the local economy.
From Real Estate to Aquaculture and Blue Tech, the Port invests in major redevelopment and community infrastructure, so businesses in our region have the opportunity to stay competitive in the global marketplace.