San Diego’s new waterfront park is a work in progress.
The County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved $2.7 million in improvements for the park on Tuesday.
The funding will pay for new restrooms, an expanded “splash zone” at the pool and ground stabilization.
The highly anticipated park opened to the public on May 11. An average of 1,500 people has visited the park every day since then, according to the supervisors.
The high number of visitors has pointed out problems with the park’s original design. Kids sat on the jets in the fountain, spraying water into the decomposed granite next to the pool and creating a muddy mess opening weekend. That forced the county to drain the pool just two days after opening because sediment had seeped into the drainage and filter system.
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The improvements to the fountain include an expanded splash zone to catch spraying water and a high-capacity drain. This will help prevent flooding and water loss, according to the county.
In addition, new restrooms will be built near the north end of the park, and the ground will be stabilized. This will allow food trucks to drive in the park during special events, for example.
People visiting the park Tuesday thought the cost of the improvements seems pricey, considering the county has spent about $50 million on the park already. However, they all agreed the changes will make a big difference, especially the bathrooms.
“He’s in a swim diaper actually, so it’d probably be a good idea to have a restroom on the other side so families don’t have to go too far if they’re out here enjoying the day,” said nanny Erin Moffet.
“If you want them (using the restroom) in the facilities, you have to make them accessible,” mom Vanessa London said.
The 12-acre park is located next to the county administration building at Pacific Highway and Harbor Drive, between Grape Street and Ash Street.
