San Ysidro is gearing up for a newly revamped community space as the Colonel Irving Salomon San Ysidro Community Activity Center embarks on a $5.8 million improvement project. The initiative, as per the City of San Diego, aims to enhance the center with amenities like a kid-friendly playground, a multi-purpose sports court, and additional walkways, all encompassed by water-wise landscaping.
Starting in January, the existing parking lot and pathways have been stripped down to accommodate these features. Besides these external works, the interior isn't left behind, with the restrooms and a drinking fountain undergoing replumbing and adjustments to the weight room and doorways being made. City Engineer Rania Amen told the City of San Diego, "Our team is excited to bring these improvements to the existing facility," expressing the team's dedication to accommodating the community's needs.
With changes afoot, parking logistics are also getting a shuffle. The east side lot will see a size reduction to allow the playground's installation, while the west side will compensate with additional spaces serving the imminent sports court. For those interested in diving deeper into the modifications, the full project scope can be viewed on the community center's site plan.
The funding streams for this revamp are diverse, with the lion's share being a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for fiscal year 2024, according to the City of San Diego. The pool is topped up with local Urban Community funds, Capital Outlay, and Park Development Impact Fees (DIF) earmarked for needy parks. The project's horizon points to early 2026 completion.
Meanwhile, San Diegans must wait to enjoy the center's usual classes, sports leagues, and community events as the site remains shuttered for construction. However, those activities aren't going on a complete hiatus—they're just being temporarily moved to other nearby facilities. Andy Field, Parks and Recreation Department Director, assured the City of San Diego that the renovated space "will be more accessible to all" upon reopening.
