Port of San Diego and Community Members Celebrate Groundbreaking of Pepper Park Phase 1 Improvements

The Port of San Diego and the City of National City, along with partners, stakeholders, and community members, celebrated the start of construction on the Pepper Park Phase 1 Improvements Project. On September 11, 2024, the Port held a ceremonial groundbreaking near the fishing pier at Pepper Park. When finished, the approximately 5.2-acre park will be home to the first splash pad at a Port park and other amenities as part of efforts to upgrade and expand recreational amenities on the National City Bayfront for visitors and residents.

During the phase one project, Pepper Park will undergo more than $8 million dollars in improvements including the addition of a perched beach, a pirate-themed playground, a splash pad, an overlook/terrace, a hillside play area, picnic area, a new entry plaza, new lighting, landscaping, and more. The redesigned park and first phase improvements are a result of multiple rounds of public outreach between 2016 and 2022.

"The Port has delivered, and will continue to deliver, on its promise to develop the lands in and around San Diego Bay," said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. "The transformation Pepper Park will undergo is one of many examples of how the Port is staying true to its mission of improving coastal access for the benefit of all California residents and visitors."

"Pepper Park is the closest waterfront access for the people of National City," said National City Mayor Ron Morrison. "We greatly anticipate and appreciate the upcoming remodel and expansion of the park."

"As the home of one of the Port's two marine terminals, National City is a valuable part of the regional economy and with these improvements it will show it can also be a prime destination along the waterfront for members of the community and visitors near and far," said Commissioner GilAnthony Ungab, National City's appointee to the Board of Port Commissioners. "I look forward to 2025 when we all gather once more to celebrate the completion of this project."

The project is funded by a combination of Port, federal and state funds, including $4.35 million received via the American Rescue Plan Act and the State of California's Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund, along with a $250,000 contribution from Port tenant Austal USA. Construction on the phase one improvements is expected to begin in October 2024 and is scheduled to be completed within 12-18 months. The project will be done in phases with impacted areas closed for construction. Areas of the park not under construction will remain open. The boat ramp will be open throughout the entire construction process. Signs in the park will help inform the public about the construction schedule.

A future 2.5-acre expansion of the park is planned when more funding is available and other approvals are completed. Future improvements to the extended park include a new nature play area, an expanded waterfront promenade, larger picnic and lawn areas, expanded parking, a flex plaza, and more. Updated information will also be posted on the Port's website at portofsandiego.org/nationalcitybayfront.