Ocean Beach unveils gateway as unique as its community

Ocean Beach Unveils Gateway as Unique as its Community

Park designed to feature “O.B.” character; funded by donations and grants

SAN DIEGO — Council President Pro Tem Kevin L. Faulconer and County Supervisor Greg Cox joined Ocean Beach residents to cut the ribbon on the first phase of the Ocean Beach Gateway Park. The grand opening is the culmination of 15 years of planning and fundraising by local leaders and the non-profit Ocean Beach Community Development Corporation.

“The Ocean Beach Gateway Park is a beautiful entrance to the neighborhood, designed by the Ocean Beach community, for the Ocean Beach community,” said Faulconer. “I am proud to have collaborated with Ocean Beach residents to bring the vision of a coastal, pedestrian-friendly park to life.”

The City park’s first phase includes a new public plaza featuring a “People’s Wall” that highlights Ocean Beach’s unique community character with donated memorial bricks and tiles; palm and shade trees; bike racks; a water fountain; sidewalk improvements; an improved crosswalk; and greenery. The park captures Ocean Beach’s distinctive personality with a design theme based on a nautical conch shell. Overlooking the popular Robb Field, the Gateway is part of a plan to beautify and enhance the entryway to Ocean Beach. The site was previously an unsightly and empty City-owned lot.

“The North Ocean Beach Gateway Park Project has turned what has been a vacant lot for many years into a magnificent entryway to the community of Ocean Beach,” said Cox. “Where weeds once sprouted, community pride now blossoms.”

Faulconer and Cox authorized for the project grants earmarked to create parkland and enhance older communities. The City of San Diego oversaw design and construction, and will maintain the park.

“The new entrance to Ocean Beach would not be possible without the scores of residents who believed in this project and the past and current volunteer members of the Ocean Beach Community Development Corporation who never gave up,” said Ann Kelsey, member of the OBCDC Board of Directors. “Our organization is grateful for the successful partnership with the City and County of San Diego.”

The Ocean Beach Community Development Corporation has been leading the local campaign for the project since 1997. Its members raised $130,000 in private donations for Phase I. A generous $100,000 was donated from the Hervey Fund through the San Diego Foundation, and an impressive $30,000 came from individual donations through brick and tile sales.

Phase II of the park will complete the 12,900 square foot project, connecting the plaza to Robb Field via a pathway, and installing landscaping and a retaining wall featuring artwork. The second phase is projected to cost $339,000.

Fundraising to complete the final section of the Gateway Park has already begun.

CLICK HERE to read more about the dedication in The Beacon.

Photos Courtesy of Councilman Faulconer's Facebook Page