The water's about to get a whole lot cooler at Imperial Beach, and not in the way you might expect. In a move that's been the talk of the town—or at least the talk of those closely watching local development—the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has signed off on a contract for a shiny new splash pad at Portwood Pier Plaza. The Port of San Diego announced this delightful news earlier, bringing a wave of excitement to the community.
"We are excited to award this contract and begin construction on the new splash pad playground at Portwood Pier Plaza," Commissioner Dan Malcolm of the Board of Port Commissioners was quoted as saying, according to the Port of San Diego.
Local contractor Dick Miller Inc. landed the gig, promising to rip out the old playground and bring in the new gear. The works are expected to commence early in 2026 and conclude at the end of the same year. Accessibility's key too, with updated sidewalks and some snazzy accessible showers in the pipeline. And yes, there's art in the mix. Back in October 2025, the Port sent out a beacon for artists to throw in their two cents—or rather, their creative clout—into the project. By late 2026, Imperial Beach should be seeing a new beacon of fun and leisure for locals and visitors alike.
