The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday green-lighted nearly $110 million in new construction, mostly for the next phase of the County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa.
When completed in three or four years, the 158,000-square-foot building will house an advanced crime lab for the Sheriff’s Department and a facility for the county’s vehicle fleet. Other offices included in the complex include the Registrar of Voters, public works and a library.
Supervisor Ron Roberts said the authorization for $106.8 million will allow for the start of design work.
The supervisors also approved spending $2.7 million on improvements to the new waterfront park at the County Administration Center. Most of the money will be spent on a restroom.
“That was always part of the plan, to have a second restroom,” Roberts said. “We just didn’t know that the demand was going to develop so quickly. So now, we find ourselves in the position that success requires we build this.”
The 12-acre park has been popular since it opened in May, drawing expansive and enthusiastic crowds.
It includes an 830-foot long fountain that runs nearly the length of the park and has 31 jets that shoot water 14 feet into the air and into a shallow for kids to splash in; three themed gardens, two of which feature drought-tolerant plants; a large playground, and an expansive lawn that encompasses two former parking lots.
Parking for the county building was moved into a recently constructed underground garage.
The park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and spots can be reserved for weddings, company events and other parties. The county also has hosted outdoor concerts at the park.
– City News Service
