As the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center inches closer to transforming South San Diego Bay, the port of San Diego and city of Chula Vista opened Sweetwater Park Wednesday just north of the development.
The port's 23rd and largest park will feature 39 acres of recreational space. It is a "natural-habitat oriented" space featuring nature playgrounds, 2 miles of walkways and bike paths, sand dunes, native plants and space for passive activities such as bird watching.
The total cost for Sweetwater Park, including design and construction support, is just under $20 million, and was partially funded by the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program through the National Park Service and the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
"Sweetwater Park provides access to a unique and historic area for all residents and visitors of the bayfront," Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners Chair Danielle Moore said in a statement. "We can't wait for the community to come explore and experience this open space. Every element and feature of this park is designed to highlight the natural habitat, and to provide access to, and appreciation of this land."
Kumeyaay signage will be featured throughout the park, along with "Rigors of Flight," a public art installation by Roberto Salas.
"This 25-foot-tall sculpture of a furcula, or wishbone, is a tribute to flight taken by birds in the area," according to a statement from the port.
The 535-acre Chula Vista Bayfront redevelopment "envisions a world- class destination in the South Bay — a unique place for people to live, work and play," according to the port. Chula Vista broke ground on the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center in July 2022, a $1.35 billion project scheduled to open in May with 1,600 rooms.
Gaylord Pacific's plans include a convention center with four ballrooms, three levels of meeting space and two outdoor meeting and event lawns as well as multiple restaurants, a sports bar, resort-style pool and an array of recreational facilities.
The overall Bayfront master plan calls for more than 200 acres of parks, open space, a shoreline promenade, walking trails, RV camping, shopping and dining. Projects within the master plan are also intended to establish ecological buffers to protect wildlife habitat, species and other coastal resources.
"The new Sweetwater Park is a significant project in creating a Chula Vista Bayfront for the people," Chula Vista Mayor John McCann said. "We are grateful for the partnership with the Port of San Diego and for the collaboration of the community in implementing Chula Vista's master bayfront plan that will allow residents and visitors substantial access to enjoy our national wildlife habitat."
