Learn about current park closures and updates.
Learn about current park closures and updates.
Developing parks, preserves and recreation facilities creates
healthy communities, protects valuable natural and cultural resources,
provides recreation opportunities, reduces crime and vandalism,
increases efficiency and sustainability, and fosters responsible
economic development. Read more in our Healthy
Edge Active Living Park Design Guidelines.
Interested in projects that are out to bid? Please refer to the County BuyNet Site.
The County of San Diego purchased 9.3 acres of land off Calavo Drive, north of Jamacha Boulevard, for a community park. The land features relatively flat open space, disturbed habitats, and is close to multi-family housing and schools - making it an ideal location for recreational amenities. The park has been designed with the community to meet the recreational needs of Spring Valley residents of all ages and interests. Construction on the park started in fall 2024 and is estimated to be completed by Fall 2025.
Learn more about the current status of this project on the Calavo County Park page.
The County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is collaborating with the La Mesa Spring Valley School District at Spring Valley Academy, located at 3900 Conrad Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977, to enhance their campus with park amenities. These improvements will not only benefit the academy but also be accessible to the public, offering additional recreational opportunities for the community.
DPR has hosted two community meetings to gather input from the school and surrounding neighborhood on desired recreation amenities. These meetings continue to serve as valuable forums for students, residents, and community members of all ages and abilities to share their ideas and help shape the future of the joint-use park amenities.
View Presentation
from public meeting #1.
View Recorded public
meeting #1.
View
Presentation from public meeting #2.
View
Recorded public meeting #2.
For further details, please reach out to Park Project Manager Camille Wildburger at CamilleL.Wildburger@sdcounty.ca.gov or 619-616-0534.
The new Collier County Park Community Garden is set to open on June 18, 2025. It includes a total of QTY: 8 (3’x4’) planter beds, QTY: 22 (4’x6’) planter beds, and QTY: 2 ADA Accessible planter beds for a grand total of 32 new garden beds that can be rented on an annual basis with the County of San Diego. The new community garden will include removable screens, water provided at all garden bed locations, a compost bin for communal use, a lockable storage shed for tools and equipment, and a breathtaking view of the park.
The garden is located on the Southwest corner of Collier County Park with ADA accessible access from the heart of the park.
This project has been completed thanks to funding that was acquired as part of the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) grant.
For any questions or to reserve your own garden plot, please contact park staff at 760-789-2220.
A vacant parcel next to the Tijuana River will be restored through native plantings. The project includes cleanup of the property as well as restoring onsite sensitive habitat. The project is currently under design and environmental review, with construction and restoration anticipated to begin fall 2025.
For more information, please contact Krupali Shah, Park Project Manager, at Krupali.Shah@sdcounty.ca.gov or (619)-629-4964.
El Monte Valley Little League Field Improvements
In spring of 2021, the County purchased the Lakeside American Little League fields, better known as Matt LaChappa Fields, located at 13145 Willow Rd in the El Monte Valley in Lakeside. By acquiring the property, the Lakeside American Little League was able to retain use of the facility via a long-term lease agreement with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). DPR strives to ensure that leased lands are provided to its lessees in good condition and are well maintained to ensure the safety of the patrons and deliver a high-quality experience. DPR has coordinated with the Lakeside American Little League to prioritize improvements needed for the facility to meet County park standards. These improvements include installing ADA accessible paths of travel, installing new restrooms, replacing the concession stand with one that is compliant with County Health Codes, and rehabbing grass fields to make playable. A cost proposal is being finalized with a contractor to remove the existing concession building estimated for Winter 2025/26. Improvement plans for the new restroom/concession building and site will then be finalized for public bid on Buynet in early 2026. DPR will continue to coordinate closely with the Little League throughout the design and construction phases of the project.
For more information, contact Park Project Manager Faye Pokletar at faye.pokletar@sdcounty.ca.gov or (619) 510-1278.
Felicita County Park Sewer and Electrical Upgrade
The Department of Parks and Recreation will be repairing the existing sewer system throughout the park as well as replacing the septic system to connect the sewer to the City of Escondido sewer system. The new sewer system will include sewer lift stations and electrical upgrades to run the pumps. Additional electrical outlets will also be added to picnic areas 5 and 7. The sewer and electrical improvements are currently in design.
For more information, contact Park Project Manager Yoshihito Nagata at 858-829-4238 or Yoshihito.Nagata@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Heritage County Park Improvements
The Garden Enhancement Project at the upper lawn is now complete. The project includes enhanced landscaping, new accessible pathways, a new outdoor classroom, and a new wedding gazebo.
Additionally, we are in design and permitting to renovate the interior of four of the buildings within the park. The project will renovate and update the interior of the Victorian-era homes to add overnight accommodations. Construction of the improvements expected to start near the end of 2025 and will take approximately one year to complete. View an overview master plan of the building renovation project.
The Coral Tree Tea House in McConaughy House, the ranger office and interpretive room in Senlis Cottage, and Temple Beth Israel will remain open during the duration of the both construction projects.
For more information about the park and upcoming projects, please visit Heritage County Park.
For more information, contact Park Project Manager Amy Hoffman at Amy.Hoffman1@sdcounty.ca.gov or (619) 695-6003.
For reservation information, contact Supervising Park Ranger Hanna Shipley at Hannah.Shipley@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Jess Martin County Park Half-Court Basketball Project
Improvements are coming to Jess Martin County Park! Requested by the community, a new basketball half-court will be constructed on an open area of the park adjacent to the existing skate park. Jess Martin County Park is a well-established 9-acre park that offers the community of Julian several active and passive recreational opportunities. The park currently has baseball fields, play equipment, a skate park, picnic and restroom facilities, and a fitness path with outdoor exercise equipment. This will be the first publicly accessible outdoor basketball court in Julian. You can view both project FAQ and concept plan.
Schedule:
For more information, contact Park Project Manager Michael John Espiritu at 619-913-8488 or michaeljohn.espiritu@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Los Peñasquitos Outdoor Classroom
The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has explored options to improve an outdoor classroom space at Los Peñasquitos Canyon County Preserve. DPR staff reached out to residents and community groups to solicit feedback on the design of this new community amenity. The County hosted its first virtual public meeting to introduce the proposed project and solicit community feedback on May 24, 2022. An online survey circulated for two weeks after the meeting to gather community feedback for the project. We used this feedback to create a concept plan that we shared at a second virtual public meeting held on Dec. 7, 2022. An online survey circulated for two weeks after the meeting to gather comments on the proposed concept plan, which were incorporated into the project.
DPR is currently finalizing construction plans for the Outdoor Classroom based on the concept plan that was developed with the public. The project will be heard by the Board of Supervisors on June 4, requesting approval to advertise and award a construction contract. The project is anticipated to go to bid and begin construction Fall of 2025.
For more information, contact Park Project Manager Yoshihito Nagata at 858-829-4238 or Yoshihito.Nagata@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Mira Mesa Epicentre
Mira Mesa Epicentre is located at 8450 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126 – next to Mira Mesa Community Park. This 8,000-square- foot facility is not yet open to the public.
This is a new project to revitalize an existing facility. The County Board of Supervisors directed resources toward the facility to rehabilitate it as a youth-focused community center. Lease negotiations are currently underway between the County and the City of San Diego, who owns and previously operated the facility. Once reopened, Mira Mesa Epicentre will reactivate an important public space, offer innovative youth programming, enhance recreation and entertainment opportunities, improve access to public services, and increase public safety in the community.
For more information about the project please contact Riley DeWitt-Rickards, Park Project Manager at riley.dewittrickards@sdcounty.ca.gov or (619) 695-6010.
View our Frequently
Asked Questions.
View past public presentations:
Morrison Pond Restoration and Enhancement Project
The Department of Parks and Recreation is implementing the Morrison Pond Restoration and Enhancement Project within Sweetwater Summit Regional Park to improve ecological function and native habitat quality in a historically disturbed area. The project includes the restoration of approximately 3.4 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub and the enhancement of about 12.2 additional acres of native upland and riparian habitat. Restoration activities began in 2022 and are scheduled for completion in early 2026. Once completed, the project will enhance habitat connectivity, increase foraging and nesting opportunities for native wildlife, and expand potential habitat for sensitive plant and animal species. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park is part of the County’s Multiple Species Conservation Program and project activities will support MSCP-covered species, including the coastal California gnatcatcher. The site was selected for its strategic location within a larger preserve system, and supports the County’s broader commitment to long-term land stewardship and regional biodiversity.
For more information, please contact Paige Copenhaver, Environmental Planner, at Paige.Copenhaver@sdcounty.ca.gov or (858) 815-0004.
Mt. Woodson Gateway County Preserve
The Mount Woodson Gateway County Preserve Parking Lot Project is a County-led effort to build a safe, off-street parking lot for visitors accessing the nearby Mount Woodson trail system. The Parking Lot Project is located off State Route 67 and will provide approximately 200 public parking spaces and 7 accessible parking spaces and emergency vehicle access. It will also include portable restrooms, solar-powered bollard lighting and entry gate, decomposed granite trails, directional and informational signage, chain link fencing and gates.
Construction on the project began in Fall of 2024 and is expected to be completed in early 2026.
Access project information or contact Park Project Manager Emmet Aquino at Emmet.Aquino@sdcounty.ca.gov or (619) 318-6929.
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Park Feasibility Study
On Feb. 10, 2021, the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors authorize the County to submit an application to California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVR) seeking grants to investigate the feasibility of establishing an off-highway motor vehicle park in the County. DPR was recently award grant funding to conduct the County of San Diego’s first OHV Park Feasibility Study.
Access project information or contact Park Project Manager Emmet Aquino at Emmet.Aquino@sdcounty.ca.gov or (619) 318-6929.
Otay Lakes County Park Sewer Upgrade
The Department of Parks and Recreation is replacing the existing and outdated septic system at Otay Lakes County Park. The new sewer system will be a 1-mile force-main and the project will include minor electrical upgrades as well.
For more information, contact Park Project Manager Krupali Shah at
619-629-4964 or Krupali.Shah@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Otay Valley Regional Park (OVRP) - Concept Plan (Revised)
The Otay Valley Regional Park Concept Plan is the result of a multi-jurisdictional planning effort in the Otay River Valley by the County of San Diego and the Cities of Chula Vista and San Diego. In 1990, the jurisdictions entered into a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JEPA) for coordinated planning, acquisition, and design for the 11-mile OVRP, which extends from the San Diego Bay to the upper Otay Reservoirs. The original Concept Plan was adopted in 1997, revised in 2001 and revised again in 2016. In 2016, the Concept Plan was reviewed and updated for changes in existing conditions and potential Regional Park Enhancements.
View PDF of the revised 2016 Otay Valley Regional Park Concept Plan.
Otay Valley Regional Park - Active Recreation Area 3
As part of the Otay Valley Regional Park Concept Plan, the County of San Diego is developing a 45-acre park between Interstates 5 and 805. This park project includes the preliminary design plan for active recreation amenities that will appeal to residents of all ages, interests and abilities. Examples include soccer fields, all-wheel features, an amphitheater, a community center, a playground, a disc golf course, a dog park, a community garden, nature trails, and accessible restrooms and parking. The project will also include a thorough environmental review in accordance with state guidelines to protect open space, conserved lands and wildlife, and historic, agricultural, and archaeological resources. Additional community workshops are slated to begin Fall 2024.
Public Meeting Presentation April 8, 2024
Access more project information or contact Park Project Manager Camille Wildburger at 619-616-0534 or CamilleL.Wildburger@sdcounty.ca.gov for more information about the project.
Otay Valley Regional Park - Heritage Staging Area and Trails
As part of the Otay Valley Regional Park Concept Plan, the County of San Diego is developing a 2.5 acre staging area and multi-use trails between Interstate 804 and Heritage Road. The project includes the preliminary design plan for a staging area that will provide parking for hikers, bikers and equestrians to access the multi-use trails within Otay Valley Regional Park. The project also includes trail connections and improvements to trails west of Heritage Road to I-805 on each side of the river and select crossing points.
Public
Meeting Presentation June 26, 2024
Access more project information or contact Park Project Manager Camille Wildburger at 619-616-0534 or CamilleL.Wildburger@sdcounty.ca.gov for more information about this project.
Otay Valley Regional Park - Trail Guidelines
The OVRP Trail Guidelines establishes guidelines for development of a multi-use trail system from the San Diego Bay, along the Otay River and around the perimeter of Otay Lake Reservoirs. This document sets criteria for alignment of future trail systems on both sides of the Otay River. This document also contains guidelines to aide in selection of the trail route and implementation of the trail system.
View pdf version of the 2003 Otay Valley Regional Park Trail Guidelines.
Otay Valley Regional Park - Design Standards & Guidelines
The purpose of the OVRP Park Design Standards & Guidelines is to establish design standards for publicly owned facilities within OVRP, and to provide guiding principles for adjacent private development that interfaces with the park. In addition, it expands upon materials and planning concepts presented in the OVRP Trail Guidelines document from 2003 and the 2001 version of the OVRP Concept Plan.
View pdf version of the 2005 Otay Valley Regional Park Design Standards & Guidelines.
Otay Valley Regional Park - Habitat Restoration Plan & Non-native Plant Removal Guidelines
The County of San Diego in coordination with the Cities of Chula Vista and San Diego have prepared the Habitat Restoration Plan & Non-native Plant Removal Guidelines (Plan). The goals of the Plan are to 1) remove populations of non-native vegetation and 2) to manage and minimize the expansion of non-native species with in the Otay Valley Regional Park (OVRP). The OVRP is an 11-mile long Park of over 8,500 acres, located in southern San Diego County. The Park extends from the southeastern end of the salt ponds at the mouth of the Otay River, through the Otay River Valley to the land surrounding both the Upper and Lower Otay Reservoirs. Since the OVRP is located in the jurisdiction of the County of San Diego, the City of San Diego, and the City of Chula Vista, those jurisdictions have entered into a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JEPA) to plan and manage the OVRP.
View pdf version of the 2006 Habitat Restoration Plan & Non-native Plant Removal Guidelines.
Ramona Grasslands Preserve Trail Reroute
On September 17, 2025, The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) approved Addendum 2 to the Ramona Grasslands Preserve Project Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND). Addendum 2 addresses changes to the multi-use trail system not previously included in the approved project. The changes include the closure and passive restoration of a portion of the existing Old Survey Road 97 trail, the construction of a rerouted trail alignment, the maintenance and formalization of an existing trail, and the opening of both the rerouted and existing trails for year-round use by equestrians, hikers, and cyclists.
These changes will enhance the conservation values of the Preserve by creating a further setback from an off-site golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nest in Bandy Canyon, while continuing to protect the Preserve’s natural and cultural resources, including on-site foraging habitat for eagles. The changes to the multi-use trail system will also provide additional opportunities for passive recreation and a future potential regional trail connection to the Coast to Crest trail in San Pasqual Valley.
The changes will be implemented in phases, with the first phase starting in Fall 2025. This phase will include construction of a 0.6-mile segment of the trail reroute and closure and start of passive restoration of the western-most 1.1 miles of the existing Old Survey Road 97 trail. The first phase is expected to be completed in Spring 2026.
San Diego River Park Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District
The Department of Parks and
Recreation (DPR) is embarking on a project to acquire property,
build trails and open access to land along the San Diego River.
Plans to connect this 52-mile corridor have been in play for several
decades – a collaborative effort involving the County, the City of
San Diego, The San Diego River Park Foundation, the San Diego River
Conservancy, various stakeholders and the greater San Diego County
community. In 2022 DPR completed the San Diego River Park Funding
Feasibility Analysis. In 2023 to present day the County is pursuing
the creation of an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD)
in partnership with the City of San Diego. An EIFD ensures there is
dedicated funding for future projects that are part of the
SDRP.
For up to date information and to learn more:
San Dieguito Road Pathway Preliminary Engineering Report (PER)
The Department of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Department of Public Works, is evaluating the feasibility of a multi-use trail along San Dieguito Road in Fairbanks Ranch as a part of the Coast to Crest Trail. The Coast to Crest Trail spans from the beaches of Del Mar to the mountains of Julian. Currently there are 49 completed miles of the planned 71 miles. The San Dieguito Road segment would add an additional 2.5 miles of multi-use pathway and expand access to recreational activities such as hiking, biking and horseback riding.
The Preliminary Engineering Report (PER), will evaluate the County's right-of-way for a portion of San Dieguito Road, to determine the feasibility of designing a multi-use pathway that follows the County’s Community Trails Master Plan and the Coast to Crest Trail based on traffic, pedestrian data, and property ownership. Other segments of the Coast to Crest Trail are actively worked on by the San Dieguito River Valley Regional Park Joint Powers Authority and its member agencies, which includes the County.
The project team is currently gathering information on existing conditions. The Report is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2026.
For more information, contact:
DPR Project Manager -Yoshihito Nagata at 858-829-4238 or Yoshihito.nagata@sdcounty.ca.gov
DPW Project Manager – Audrey Hamilton at 619-964-7403 or Audrey.hamilton@sdcounty.ca.gov
The County is advancing a planned project to restore sensitive habitat and improve community access to the Preserve. In addition to restoration and maintenance efforts already underway, the County is also working on a project to transform the already disturbed, dirt area used for parking off Elfin Forest Road into a designated staging area including fencing to control access, a park monument sign, picnic table, trash receptacle and information kiosk. The County hosted its first virtual public meeting to introduce the proposed improvements and solicit community feedback on Oct. 12, 2021. Designs are evolving in response to feedback received from the community. Learn more:
For more information, contact Park Project Manager Jen Spencer at Jen.Spencer@sdcounty.ca.gov or (858) 776-8399.
San Luis Rey River Park Master Plan Implementation
The County of San Diego has embarked on an ambitious project to develop a regional park along the San Luis Rey River. The proposed 1700-acre park will be approximately 9 miles in length, parallel to State Route 76, and will begin in Oceanside in the western-most portion and end in an area near Interstate 15 in the eastern-most portion. As envisioned, the river park will provide a combination of active and passive recreational opportunities along with approximately 20 miles of trails to park goers while preserving the San Luis Rey River corridor and surrounding land within the park.
For further information contact Sr. Park Project Manager Mark Kieser at Mark.Kieser@sdcounty.ca.gov or (858) 226-8200.
To view pdf versions of the Master Plan and Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR), please view: Master Plan Document.
San Luis Rey River Park: Rio Prado Park Active Recreation Site
In 2009, DPR acquired a 68-acre park parcel at the end of Dulin Road within the San Luis Rey River Park Master Plan area. This site was formerly known as SLR Dulin, but has now been officially named Rio Prado Park.
Public outreach, design, and environmental analysis were funded in July 2018 and initial concepts for the park were developed concurrently with Bonsall Community Park, the other active recreation node within the San Luis Rey River Park. In 2023, the County acquired an additional 49-acre parcel to expand active and passive recreation opportunities and access for Rio Prado Park.
DPR will re-engage the community in the development of new concepts for all 117-acres of Rio Prado Park in the near future. Presently, the team is focused on moving Bonsall Community Park into construction.
For further information contact Sr. Park Project Manager Mark Kieser at mark.kieser@sdcounty.ca.gov.
San Luis Rey River Park: Bonsall Community Park
In 2015, the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation (County Parks) acquired a 63-acre former golf course off Camino Del Rey. The site was formerly known as SLR Downs, and it is one of two active recreation parks identified in the San Luis Rey River Park (SLRRP) Master Plan.
The Master Plan for SLRRP is made up of more than 1,700 acres (or 9 linear miles) of parks, multi-use trails, staging areas, and open space along the San Luis Rey River between Interstate 15 and the Old Bonsall Bridge.
Bonsall Community Park was selected for active recreation because of its location. The acreage is in a more populated area – next to Bonsall Elementary School, Bonsall Community Center, several housing developments and Highway 76. It is also land that is already disturbed which reduces the impact that construction and increased use will have on the environment.
Building this park makes progress toward the County’s goal of providing 3 acres of local, public parkland for every 1,000 residents. Currently, the Bonsall community does not have any designed public parks.
Helpful Links:
For more information contact Park Project Manager Faye Pokletar at Faye.Pokletar@sdcounty.ca.gov or 619-510-1278.
Featuring a 2.5-mile multi-use trail system for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers the Santa Maria Creek Greenway would provide the community with new and enhanced recreation opportunities for people of all ages, interests, and abilities while protecting land and local wildlife in Ramona. The project would take advantage of the existing Santa Maria Creek staging area off Montecito Road, and link up with Ramona Community Park, and the downtown Ramona business district – increasing local connectivity, promoting walkable car-free transportation options, and supporting safety and regular upkeep via County and volunteer patrols. The project aligns with the County’s Regional Decarbonization Framework and climate adaptation strategies. By adding a multi-use trail, the need for driving for local trips can be reduced and in turn, greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon sequestration will also be supported through land management activities in the Greenway such as tree planting.
The County Board of Supervisors allocated capital funding in the 2023-2024 budget to support outreach, easements and acquisitions, and to develop an Implementation Plan for the Greenway. The project focuses on the 2.5-mile stretch between Ramona Community Park and Sawday Street. The Greenway will eventually include a linkage through the Ramona Grasslands County Preserve to the regional Coast to Crest Trail.
The County is actively seeking willing landowners near Santa Maria Creek to grant easements or land that will allow the vision of the Santa Maria Creek Greenway to become a reality. Participation by landowners is completely voluntary. Land donations or easements are preferred. Interested landowners should contact the Department of Parks and Recreation Trails Program Manager, at trails@sdcounty.ca.gov. Project partners include the Ramona Trails Association, Ramona Chamber of Commerce, and law enforcement.
August 2024 Public Workshop Slides (English) (Spanish)
December 2024 Public Workshop Slides (English)
October 2025 Public Meeting Slides (English)
Brochure with a map of the area
Santa Ysabel East-West Trail (Cauzza)
The Santa Ysabel East and West Preserves feature natural landscapes where hikers, cyclists, and equestrians can enjoy the outdoors in a combined 4,600-acre sanctuary. There are more than 15 miles of existing trails throughout the two preserves. These preserves are currently accessed from two separate staging areas and are not connected.
The Santa Ysabel East-West Connection (formerly known as the Cauzza Trail), will build trail connections that will make it possible to hike from one trail to the other continuously, and fill a gap in the Pacific Crest Trail. The project will also include a new staging area at the existing trailhead off Highway 79 that will accommodate pedestrian and equestrian users.
The project is currently in the design process with construction anticipated to begin Fall 2025.
For more information, contact Yoshihito Nagata at 858-829-4238 or Yoshihito.Nagata@sdcounty.ca.gov
South Lane County Park Improvements
County Parks has collaborated with the community to enhance the existing 10.5-acre park in Crest-Dehesa. The final concept plan, developed with community input and presented in 2022, can be viewed here.
County Parks is currently finalizing construction documents based on the approved concept. Once funding becomes available for construction, the community will be notified with updates.
For further details, please reach out to Park Project Manager Camille Wildburger at CamilleL.Wildburger@sdcounty.ca.gov or 619-616-0534.
The Spooner’s Mesa Culvert Project is located in the County of San Diego near the United States-Mexico border. The project is immediately south of Monument Road near the Tijuana River Valley Campground. The project will reconstruct a failed drainage culvert under the road, improve stormwater conveyance and restore eroded slopes with native vegetation for long term stormwater protection. The county of San Diego, Department of parks and Recreation (DPR) is completing a feasibility study and are anticipating completing the construction by summer 2025.
For more information, please contact Krupali Shah, Park Project Manager, at Krupali.Shah@sdcounty.ca.gov or (619)-629-4964.
Butterfield Trails Ranch/Star Valley Park Development and Intergenerational Center
In 2021 the Valley Center Park and Recreation District was dissolved, and all existing park amenities and management were transferred to the San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). The Star Valley Park property was included in the transfer with the understanding DPR would improve the park in the future to meet the needs of the community.
In 2023 The County acquired the Butterfield Trails Ranch, 60-acre property for the purpose of establishing a public park and satisfying recreational needs of the Valley Center community.
On May 14th, 2024, the Board of Supervisors approved the 2024/2025 Budget which included $1 million funding for the public engagement and planning of Star Valley Park in conjunction with Butterfield Trails Ranch. Both sites are considered for sitting of the Intergenerational Center and other recreational amenities. Final location and programming of each site will be determined through public planning process. Design and construction funding will be requested in future years.
DPR is currently reaching out to the community to gather information and feedback on amenities and programing for each site. Please go to the project engage page for more information and to provide input.
For more information, contact Park Project Manager, Luke Taylor at lucas.taylor@sdcounty.ca.gov or (619) 609-8813.
An upgraded
visitor experience is coming soon to the popular Sweetwater Bike
Park. The project will include a restroom building with a drinking
fountain. There is also an effort to formalize the parking area, and
creating an improved experience for visitors. Design is currently
underway, with construction anticipated to start in May 2025 with a
target completion date of Summer 2026. Concept plan.
For more information, please contact Park Project Manager David LaGuardia at davidk.laguardia@sdcounty.ca.gov or 619-932-9600.
Sweetwater Lane County Park Photovoltaic Carports
Sweetwater Lane hosts a variety of multi-sport leagues and games throughout the year, and the County is expanding the sustainability of the night light use through a carport project. The project will include multiple carports over the existing parking area. The carports will hold enough photovoltaic (solar) panels to offset the electrical usage from the sport lighting. The project will also upgrade the lighting to efficient LEDs and improve the visibility on the fields when the lights are in use. The project is fully funded in partnership with the Department of General Services, and construction is expected to begin in Fall 2026.
For more information, please contact Park Project Manager David LaGuardia at davidk.laguardia@sdcounty.ca.gov or 619-932-9600.
The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is working with
multiple agencies to complete the Sweetwater Loop Trail. The trail
project consists of the acquisition, planning, design, environmental
analysis and permitting, mitigation, and construction of multi-use
trails surrounding the Sweetwater reservoir. This project will be
completed in segments. Lakeview Staging Area, a one-acre staging area
at Lakeview Avenue and Quarry Road, provides equestrian and pedestrian
access to the Sweetwater Loop multi-use trails. Planning, design and
environmental analysis of the remaining Segments 6-10 are on-going.
View a
map of the conceptual loop trail.
For more information, please contact Senior Park Project Manager, Mark Caro at mark.caro@sdcounty.ca.gov or 619-932-9339
Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch Preserve Public Access Plan Improvements
On March 10th, 2025 The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) adopted the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration along with the associated updated Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch Preserve which includes a Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) and Public Access Plan (PAP).
Implementation of the PAP includes modifications to the existing trail system, including restoration of previously disturbed areas, reroutes of existing trails, the formalization of informal trails, and the creation of new trails. The improvements will be completed in phases, with the first phase starting in Fall 2025 and includes revegetation of southern trails along with minor trail improvements/reroutes to accommodate the habitat restoration activities.
Subsequent phases of the Final PAP, including opening of trails considered in the environmental review, will be implemented as funding and resources are available.
Sycuan – Sloane Canyon Trail Project
The Sycuan-Sloane Canyon Trail Project is a proposed new 4.9-mile trail within the unincorporated communities of Crest, Dehesa, Granite Hills, and Harbison Canyon. The project will provide a regional connection between the Sweetwater Loop Regional Trail and the California Riding and Hiking Trail, as well as a connection to a United States Fish and Wildlife Service trail network. The proposed trail will improve connectivity and mobility on a regional scale by increasing opportunities for walking, bicycling, and horseback riding. The trail is comprised of six segments that will be constructed in phases. Design of Segments 1, 2 and 6 are currently underway. Visit the links below to view project maps and plans:
Note: Trails are not currently open. For more information, contact Emmet Aquino, Park Project Manager via email at Emmet.Aquino@sdcounty.gov or by phone at 619-318-6929.
Youth Baseball Fields in Fallbrook - Site Study
In 2025, the County of San Diego approved the purchase of property in the community of Fallbrook to support the development of affordable housing. The property aligned well with housing priorities. However, it included baseball fields that served the broader Fallbrook community for youth sports.
To ensure continued access to recreation, the Board of Supervisors directed the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to conduct a study to find potential properties within or near the community of Fallbrook that could be acquired or repurposed for use as public parkland, particularly areas suitable for youth baseball fields.
DPR is currently evaluating the feasibility of potential options and will present findings, recommendations, and potential costs and timelines to the Board of Supervisors on March 9th, 2026.
Letter from the Board on 9/10/25
For more information, contact Park Project Manager, Riley DeWitt-Rickards at Riley.dewittrickards@sdcounty.ca.gov or (619)695-6010.
