In the heart of the growing Civita Urban Village in Mission Valley lies San Diego's latest ecological marvel: Creekside Park. Spanning 1.3 acres, this public park developed by Sudberry Properties incorporates elevated walkways, a children’s play area, seating, picnic areas, and an off-leash dog run. Its location, bridging Friars Road to Civita Boulevard, acts as a central link to the 14.3-acre Civita Park, according to the Times of San Diego report.
The new park is part of an extensive network of parks that form the backbone of the Civita Urban Village. Over 80% of these parks are now complete. Colton Sudberry, the president of Sudberry Properties, notes that Creekside Park functions as a trailhead that leads to numerous recreational open spaces across Civita. Among its many ecological innovations, the park is an integral part of a comprehensive biofiltration stormwater system that treats and cleans runoff before it flows into the San Diego River.
Parents and children are sure to appreciate the modern play area, which is adorned with artistic, river-themed mosaic tilework by La Jolla artist Jane Wheeler. Creekside Park's design also includes landscaped detention basins that resemble a natural creek, containing and treating runoff from the surrounding community and development, as per the SD News.
Not only does this environmentally conscious park provide green havens for the residents, but it is also a testament to historical influences. The large dam-like stone retaining wall at the park entrance near Friars Road draws inspiration from the Old Mission Dam, a crucial irrigation project dating back to 1803 and a prominent feature in Mission Trails Regional Park.
Creekside Park is the result of a partnership between Sudberry Properties and the city's Parks and Recreation Department. Other firms involved in the project include Schmidt Design Group, Inc., a recognized leader in promoting drought-tolerant and native plant materials, sustainable design, and water conservation, as well as Rick Engineering and Hazard Construction. Schmidt Design Group was also responsible for designing the award-winning Civita Park.
The landscaping features a plethora of drought-tolerant plants, providing a seasonal display of blooming flora designed to create pollinator pathways and promote biodiversity. Furthermore, the park aligns with Civita's comprehensive water conservation program; currently under construction is an on-site water reclamation plant with a slated completion date of 2025. Once completed, reclaimed water from the plant will be utilized to irrigate all parks and streetscapes within the community.
The development team responsible for the popular Creekside Park recently unveiled another ecological wonder: Franklin Ridge Park. Located on Franklin Ridge Road near the Marquee neighborhood, the 0.20-acre triangular-shaped pocket park features picnic facilities, a shade canopy, open turf area, and impressive art elements to capture the imagination of visitors. The park's sculptural walls with mosaic tile inlay and an interpretive exhibit display flawlessly illustrate the area's geologic history, adding an informative touch to recreational relaxation.
