Port of San Diego and City of Imperial Beach Break Ground on New Splash Pad at Portwood Pier Plaza
Contact: Kelley Lieberman, 619.643.0154, klieberman@portofsandiego.org
The Port of San Diego and City of Imperial Beach held a groundbreaking ceremony on February 25 in Imperial Beach to celebrate the start of construction for the new splash pad at Portwood Pier Plaza.
“The new splash play area at Portwood Pier Plaza is an exciting and welcome addition to Imperial Beach,” said Commissioner Dan Malcolm, Imperial Beach’s appointee to the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Imperial Beach Pier and the surrounding area, are a longtime favorite gathering place for the community, and this will give residents and visitors alike, another way to experience and enjoy the oceanfront.”
“Today’s groundbreaking recognizes and celebrates the ongoing collaboration and partnership that the residents of Imperial Beach enjoy with the Port of San Diego,” said Imperial Beach Mayor Mitch McKay. “We’re grateful to the Port for helping bring forward this wonderful amenity to our precious slice of coastal utopia. In the face of our ongoing beach closures, this new, amazing water feature and artwork will once again return smiling faces, joyful squeals and whimsical playfulness to our beachfront and become a recreational focal point on Seacoast Drive for our many residents and visitors.”
About the Splash Pad Project
In April 2024, the Board of Port Commissioners approved the Splash Pad at Portwood Pier Plaza Project and in December 2025, approved the construction contract award for Dick Miller, Inc. The project includes removal of the existing playground surface and construction of a new splash pad, utility services for the mechanical and electrical equipment, and site improvements including a seat wall, landscaping, and lighting. In addition to the splash play area’s accessible features such as gently sloped pathways and arched water jets, the project will also provide updated sidewalks and installation of accessible showers.
Construction is expected to begin in early March and be completed by December 2026. During construction, visitors to the area may see materials and equipment staged in the northwest corner of the public parking lot on Elkwood Avenue. Fencing will surround the project work area – all local businesses are anticipated to remain open during construction.
In October 2025, the Port also issued a call for artists to develop artwork for the new splash pad. Artist Nicole Marie Pete was selected and approved by the Port’s Arts, Culture and Design Committee. Pete’s artwork will reflect the vibrant culture and natural environment of Imperial Beach and will be displayed on the splash pad’s mechanical enclosure.
About Imperial Beach Pier Enhancements
Since 2021, the Port of San Diego and City of Imperial Beach have been making improvements to the Imperial Beach Pier and Portwood Pier Plaza including maintenance and structural replacements for the pier, new paint and signage, and enhanced viewing and fishing features. The goal of these enhancements is to help encourage people to come explore and enjoy the iconic pier, waterfront, and nearby attractions.
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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.
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