Chula Vista Bayfront: Harbor Park Construction to Begin, Enhancing Waterfront Amenities
Construction on the first phase of Harbor Park, a key component of the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan, is set to begin next month. The project aims to transform a vacant lot adjacent to the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center into a vibrant public space with new amenities for residents and visitors alike.
Project Details and Timeline
The initial $15 million project will focus on developing a four-acre area south of the Gaylord Pacific Resort. The Port of San Diego Board of Harbor Commissioners has already allocated $2 million from its lease with Marine Group Boat Works, a $2.2 million grant and $6 million from previously allocated funds earmarked for Chula Vista improvements Port of San Diego. Construction of the playground is expected to commence in March, with work on the splash pad following in April, pending approval of planning documents. The entire first phase is anticipated to be completed within a year.
Park Amenities
The south phase of Harbor Park will feature a 25,000-square-foot nautical-themed playground with a climbable lookout, play track, and accessible equipment. A 1,100-square-foot splash pad, including jets and user-activated controls, is similarly planned Port of San Diego. Additional improvements include new landscaping, pedestrian and bike paths connecting E and H streets to Bayside Park, picnic tables, benches, shade structures, and trees.
Long-Term Vision for Harbor Park
Harbor Park is envisioned as an expanded and improved version of the existing Bayside Park, eventually growing from 12 acres to 25 acres. Future phases, currently unfunded, include the addition of a beach and a boat launch Port of San Diego. The park is strategically located between Marine Group Boat Works and the existing fishing pier, offering easy access to the Gaylord resort.
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
Commissioner Ann Moore, board president and Chula Vista city representative, emphasized the importance of investing in the land to create a special space for the community and to support the success of the Gaylord Pacific Resort Port of San Diego. The opening of the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, which occurred on May 15, is considered a monumental step in the revitalization of the Chula Vista Bayfront Chula Vista Today. The resort features 1,600 guest rooms, multiple swimming pools, water play areas, and views of the Pacific Ocean San Diego Magazine.
Bayfront Master Plan and Sweetwater Park
Harbor Park is a key element of the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan, a 222-hectare project certified in 2010. The project follows the April 2025 opening of Sweetwater Park, a 39-acre natural space located north of the Gaylord resort Port of San Diego.