A new park opened in downtown San Diego on Friday as part of a mixed-use development built by the redevelopment agency Civic San Diego.
Fault Line Park covers 1.3 acres, or one city block, at the intersection of 14th Street and Island Avenue. It has a playground, public art and two restrooms. It’s the first public park to open in East Village since Park at the Park was built next to Petco Stadium 11 years ago.
Kris Michell, the CEO of downtown advocacy nonprofit Downtown San Diego Partnership, said the park will be a gathering space for East Village residents.
"Downtown residents don't have a front yard and a backyard and a side yard, they have these parks," she said.
The park is connected to Pinnacle Towers, two 46-story complexes that will house 956 condos and apartments, including 72 apartments set aside for low-income residents. The condos, park and connected restaurants Halcyon and Stella Public House are all part of a project built by Civic San Diego.
The city-funded nonprofit established to replace dissolved redevelopment agencies is facing a challenge at the state capitol. State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez proposed a bill that would prevent Civic San Diego from issuing permits on projects without approval from the San Diego City Council.
The park's public art installation, called “Fault Whisper" and designed by Po Shu Wang, features a twisted sidewalk that traces the Rose Canyon Fault line that runs through the park.
Fault Line Park will also include two public restrooms. While the city of San Diego is considering shutting down a public restroom two blocks away because of crime complaints, Michell said these restrooms would be monitored and cleaned by restaurant staff.
