Port of San Diego and City of Chula Vista Debut New Harbor Park Playground - Cloned
Contact: Mariah Almasco, 619.643.7720, malmasco@portofsandiego.org
Today, the Port of San Diego, City of Chula Vista, partners, and local families celebrated the opening of the new nautical-themed Harbor Park Playground on the San Diego waterfront. The playground features slides and a rope-climb hill, play and climbing equipment for kids of all ages, shade structures, picnic areas, wide pedestrian walkways that connect to adjacent park areas, new landscaping, and more.
Formerly known as Bayside Park, the new Harbor Park will double the recreation area from 12 to about 25 acres, giving families and visitors more space to enjoy the Chula Vista Bayfront and San Diego Bay. The Port is improving Harbor Park in phases to expand beach and bay access and strengthen environmental resilience.
“Today, we are delivering more open space and play areas for people to create memories on the Chula Vista Bayfront,” said Chair Ann Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “The South Bay community helped shape the Harbor Park playground, and we are ensuring that our waterfront offers something for all generations, from kids to those of us who are kids-at-heart.”
“This is an exciting day for Chula Vista families! Harbor Park’s new playground creates a wonderful place for children to explore, families to make memories, and neighbors to connect,” said Mayor John McCann, City of Chula Vista. “I want to thank the Port of San Diego for partnering with the City of Chula Vista to bring this project to life and invest in our community.”
A family-friendly splash pad is set to open near the new playground in spring 2027. Also in 2027, the Port will complete new landscaping and pedestrian improvements in the northern area of the park to improve connections from the new street parking along Harbor Park Way, previously known as E Street.
The new playground and coming splash pad are part of the $15 million Harbor Park Upland Improvements – South Phase project. The landscaping and pedestrian promenades currently under construction along E Street are included in the $4 million Harbor Park Upland Improvements – North Phase project and are funded in part by the California Coastal Conservancy. The Conservancy awarded a $6.6 million grant to the Port, up to $2.26 million of which will go to the Upland Improvements – North 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.
Additional project partners include the County of San Diego, BNBuilders, KTUA, and Petersen Studios.
Chula Vista Bayfront Redevelopment
The expansion of Bayside Park into the larger Harbor Park and the addition of 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 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.