City officials Wednesday began the second phase of a $55 million project to transform Mira Mesa Community Park, including adding an aquatic complex, play areas and multi-use sports courts, among other amenities.
“The Mira Mesa community has waited more than 20 years for these park improvements, and I’m proud to say that we are finally getting it done,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “Today, we are breaking ground on the next phase of the Mira Mesa Community Park improvements, bringing long-overdue amenities like an aquatic complex, a plaza designed for bikes, skateboards, scooters and wheelchairs, and upgraded recreation facilities.”
Gloria was joined by City Councilman Kent Lee to break ground on the project.
“Our community has been looking forward to these park upgrades for so long, and now we can finally see progress being made,” said Lee. “From a new competition-sized aquatic complex and much-needed renovations to the recreation center to upgraded playgrounds and ball fields as well as new public plazas, Mira Mesa is receiving the investments it has long deserved.”
“I am grateful for the work and advocacy of local community leaders and excited to break ground on this important project,” Lee said.
The 28-acre park is divided by New Salem Street. Around 11 acres of the park sit north of the street and was improved as part of Phase I of the Mira Mesa Community Park Improvements project in 2018. The section included new baseball fields, a children’s play area, a comfort station and a parking lot.
Phase II, dealing with the remaining 17 acres, will add other amenities to the park such as public art, ADA-accessible walkways and updated lighting and landscaping.
“We are thrilled to get the second phase of the Mira Mesa Community Park Improvements project under construction and move one step closer to delivering these much-needed upgrades to this community,” said Luis Schaar, acting director of the engineering and capital projects department. “This project couldn’t have reached this stage without significant community support and input during the design phase. We can’t wait to bring their vision to life with amenities for all ages, like the aquatic complex and all-wheel plaza, which will serve residents for decades to come.”
According to the park’s plans, the aquatic complex will have a 14-lane competition pool, an activity pool and a splash pad. Additionally, the Mira Mesa Recreation Center will be renovated with a new HVAC system and new paint.
A third phase is being planned and is expected to expand the size and amenities of the Mira Mesa Recreation Center. However there is no public timeline for that phase.
Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.
City News Service contributed to this article.
