Downtown park may pay homage to symphony

A downtown park now in early design stages could pay homage to the San Diego Symphony. However, some symphony supporters are concerned a “Symphony Park” that becomes sketchy could negatively reflect on the classical music organization.

Symphony Downtown Ambassador Beverly Feinberg declined to comment about the possibility of naming the park after the symphony.

The ½-acre park will be adjacent to Andia, an upscale condominium project under construction by Bosa Development. Andia units are currently for sale (a rarity in downtown). The condo and park space are on a city block bordered by Eighth and Ninth avenues, the C Street trolley line and B Street. 

The Symphony’s recently renovated Jacobs Music Center is on B Street, half a block from the park space. 

Currently called North Central Square Park, the project is a no-cash, public-private venture between the city and Bosa.

Downtown observers don’t want a repeat of East Village’s Fault Line Park fiasco, also a public-private deal. That park, managed by developer Pinnacle International, has drawn numerous complaints about drug usage, inaccessible bathrooms, maintenance and safety concerns.

But the Andia-adjacent park will fall under the city’s jurisdiction. 

Brian Schoenfisch, deputy director of the city’s Urban Innovation Division, has been on a two-month listening tour with resident groups. “We’ve heard support for a dog park, running track, children’s playground, pickleball courts, climbing wall, shade trees, seating, as well as a music theme,” Schoenfisch said.

He’s passed the input along to a design team that’s expected to finish a draft in early fall.

But what’s in a name? Something musical could be orchestrated, said downtown advocate Joyce Summer. Harmony Park has been floated as a suggestion.