IB Pier and Plaza Enhancements

Construction Underway

Construction is anticipated to be completed by late 2026. 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.

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 April 2024, the Board of Port Commissioners approved adding this project, the Splash Pad at Portwood Pier Plaza in Imperial Beach, with a budget of $1.8 million. 

Splash of Art

Southern California-based artist, Nicole Marie Pete, will create artwork as part of the new splash pad. In October 2025, the Port issued a call for professional artists in San Diego, Imperial, Orange and Riverside Counties to develop artwork to visually enhance the mechanical enclosure. A selection panel, including members of the Imperial Beach Arts Committee and the Port’s Arts Culture & Design Committee, evaluated nearly 50 applications and interviewed top candidates before recommending three qualified artists/artist teams to be voted upon by the Port’s Arts Culture & Design Committee.

Pete’s proposal includes the development of two murals – one for each side of the mechanical enclosure – that help celebrate Imperial Beach’s cultural heritage, environmental significance, and community traditions through play, imagination, education and connection.

Pier Maintenance

A $2.6 million maintenance project on the Imperial Beach Pier was completed in July 2025. It included the following work:

• Two piling replacements - completed in November 2024
• Deck board replacement - 154 deck planks replaced; completed in April 2025
• New water line - installed in March 2025
• Electrical repairs at mechanical room - completed in July 2025

Pier Enhancements

Phase 1 enhancements completed in 2021 included:

• New paint in brighter colors on the railings and the pier’s three structures – the Imperial Beach Kitchen (previously the Tin Fish Restaurant), the Lifeguard Tower, and the public restrooms. The light and bold blues were chosen to reflect the city’s unique Southern California vibe.
• Destination-themed murals and graphics on each of the structures that reflect Imperial Beach as an iconic destination and celebrate the pier as being located at the most southwesterly point of the Continental United States.
• 30 new stainless steel fishing rod holders.
• External repairs made to the pier’s three structures.

Pier Enhancements

Phase 2 improvements completed in 2022 and 2023 included:

• An artistic shade canopy in a shark and water design over the pier extension at mid-pier just across from the public restrooms.
• Wood railing around the old boat loading ramp area near the Tin Fish Restaurant replaced with stainless steel cable railing for improved ocean and beach views.
• Surf destination arrows added on the railing at the end of the pier marking the distance and direction to legendary surf spots Mavericks and the Banzai Pipeline.
• Artistically designed activity placards installed along the railings. These display different fun sayings or slogans associated with types of activities to be enjoyed on or near the pier – fishing, surfing, lounging, and beaching. Examples include:
  • Good Things Come to Those Who Bait
  • Enjoy Life One Wave at a Time
  • Life at Ease with an Ocean Breeze
  • High Tides and Good Vibes

Pier Enhancements

Phase 2 (continued):

• Historical marker added near Imperial Beach Kitchen that tells the story of the IB Pier with vintage photographs, words, and graphics.
• Distance markers added every 250 feet to mark the distance to the end of the pier and encourage guests to walk the entire length of the nearly 1,500-foot pier.

The Port budgeted nearly $2 million for Phase 2, which included just over $650,000 in funding from the Port’s Economic Recovery Program. The rest was budgeted under the Port’s Capital Improvement Program.

The Board of Port Commissioners awarded a construction contract to L.A. Design Group-WLA.