On a day festooned with ceremonial shovels and sunlit optimism, the Port of San Diego, along with National City officials and community members, initiated the groundbreaking for Pepper Park’s Phase 1 enhancements. According to a statement obtained by the Port of San Diego, the festivities on September 11 mark the beginning of a transformative period for the approximately 5.2-acre space.

With an investment exceeding $8 million, the park’s vast improvements will introduce multiple new features, including the Port's first splash pad. During the event, Chairman Frank Urtasun of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners shared that the project exemplifies the Port’s commitment to improving coastal access. National City Mayor Ron Morrison expressed eagerness for the waterfront upgrade at the heart of community access. Before the crowd, Commissioner GilAnthony Ungab, National City’s appointee on the Board, highlighted National City’s integral role in the regional economy and envisioned the park as a burgeoning hub by 2025.

A critical aspect of the undertaking is maintaining the boat ramp during construction, scheduled to start in October 2024, and aiming for a completion window between 12 and 18 months. The Port of San Diego has informed us that although certain areas will be sectioned off for safety, parts of the park will remain accessible for enhancement.

The funding for these park improvements comes from Port resources, federal and state money, including the American Rescue Plan and California’s Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund, and a $250,000 contribution from Port tenant Austal USA. If approved and funded, plans include expanding the park by 2.5 acres with new family-friendly features like a nature play area and a larger waterfront promenade. After years of community input from 2016 to 2022, the following steps will bring this vision to life.