activity-dine activity-more activity-play activity-shop activity-stay arrow-leftarrow-rightArtchevron-downchevron-rightchevron-up close download email gridlistlocationmime-default mime-link mime-pdf mime-video Parkspin search social-facebook social-flickr social-instagram social-linkedin social-pinterest social-rss social-twitter social-youtube berth-request-form blue-economy boat-launches breakbulk contact-the-port cruise-information current-rfps dine docks-and-anchorages drybulk economic-impact events faqs green-business-network harbor-police job-opportunities live-vessel-tracking news play port-events public-meetings refrigerated-avocados refrigerated-bananas refrigerated-pineapple shop stay tenant-resources tidelands-activation-program view-bidding-opportunities commercial-vessels current-conditions directions fact security agendas calendar cruise documents information jobs map meeting minutes notification parking permits reporting reports reservation rfps rules tap vendors video-play weather-cloudy weather-partly-cloudy weather-rainy weather-sunny weather zoom Skip to main content
General Press Releases
Waterfront Development

Port of San Diego Approves Construction Contract for New Sweetwater Park on Chula Vista Bayfront

The extraordinary transformation of the Chula Vista waterfront on San Diego Bay continues. The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has approved a construction contract for a brand new bayfront public amenity, the future Sweetwater Park. To be built just north of the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center where construction is underway, Sweetwater Park is envisioned as a natural habitat-oriented recreational open space to showcase the unique natural wildlife assets of San Diego Bay, encouraging passive activities to complement the adjacent Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. Features will include:

  • Meadows and specialty gardens with native plants, shrubs and ground cover, some serving as ecological buffer/mitigation areas to protect sensitive wildlife habitats
  • Mounded grasslands
  • Nature playgrounds
  • Various seating and picnic areas
  • Pedestrian and bicycle paths, some paved and others with softer surfaces
  • Sand dunes
  • Overlooks for bayfront viewing
  • Public art
  • Public restroom facility
  • 216 parking spaces
  • Associated infrastructure and utilities including drainage improvements, site water, sewer, and electrical utilities and service connections to public utilities, an environmental fence, a dumpster enclosure, and a growing grounds/maintenance structure

“Sweetwater Park will connect us to some of the best of nature along San Diego Bay, allowing us to experience and appreciate it while also protecting our precious wildlife habitat and coastal resources,” said Commissioner Ann Moore, Chula Vista’s appointee to the Board of Port Commissioners. “It’s really going to be unlike any other park we have on our bayfront and will give the public access to an area they’ve never been able to touch before.”

“The Chula Vista Bayfront continues its transformation with the construction of Sweetwater Park," said Chula Vista Mayor John McCann. "I appreciate all the community input the City and Port received on designing this new park and look forward to seeing the implementation of that vision."

On April 11, 2023, the Port Board awarded a construction contract to 3-D Enterprises in the amount of $12,543,730 with an option to increase to $15,544,730 if a $5 million National Park Service grant is approved. Work is scheduled to get underway in May. The park is anticipated to be built and open well before Gaylord Pacific is completed.

The park design team is KTUA, an award-winning firm with a local portfolio that includes Southcrest Trails Park in southern San Diego, the University of San Diego Paseo de Colachis and the Canyonlands City Heights Trail in San Diego.

The Chula Vista Bayfront project, a partnership between the Port of San Diego and the City of Chula Vista, envisions a vibrant, innovative destination in the San Diego region – a unique and welcoming place for people to live, work and play. When the project is complete, the public will enjoy more than 200 acres of parks, a shoreline promenade, walking trails, RV camping, shopping, dining and more. While providing long-awaited, enhanced shoreline recreation and an active commercial harbor in the South Bay, the Chula Vista Bayfront project will also establish ecological buffers to protect wildlife habitat, species and other coastal resources.

For more information or to sign up for updates, visit 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 22 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.