Learn about current park closures and updates.
Learn about current park closures and updates.
What is the history of the park?
Why is the County doing this project?
What is the scope of this project?
Will any new buildings be added to the park?
How many overnight rooms will be created as part of this project?
How will noise be monitored in the park?
Is the County intending to increase the number of events or bring new types of events to the park?
Are the buildings protected under historic preservation?
How will the insides of the buildings be changed?
Didn’t the County start to renovate these buildings years ago?
Who will operate the overnight accommodations?
Will we have to pay to use the park?
What have you done for public outreach in this process?
How can I stay informed about this project?
What amenities will be built at the new park?
What types of education and outreach programs will be offered?
Will this project include improvements to the trails within the park boundaries?
Where can I get more information on the park?
Heritage County Park is a 7.8 acre urban park located at 2454 Heritage Park Road just off of Juan Street in the heart of Old Town.
What is the history of the park?
In 1971, the County purchased the site at the corner of Juan and Harney Streets for the purpose of creating an 1880s-style Victorian Preserve. The buildings here were moved from the Bankers Hill area in the 1970s and early 1980s. Heritage County Park highlights and serves as a monument to the transition between the Spanish-Mexican-early American periods and the modern City of San Diego.
Why is the County doing this project?
On June 29, 2021, the County Board of Supervisors directed the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to launch a project to add overnight accommodations to the park by restoring the interiors of the historic homes, and to explore other recreational enhancements for public use.
DPR has been working on designing and permitting the project since then. The first phase, garden enhancements at the upper lawn area, is now complete, and the second phase will begin construction in 2026.
What is the scope of this project?
The project will renovate the interiors of four of the existing buildings in the park to provide overnight accommodations. These buildings include the Sherman-Gilbert House, Bushyhead House, Christian House, and Burton House. The public restrooms and the interpretive center in the Senlis Cottage will be renovated as well.
Will any new buildings be added to the park?
No new buildings will be added, however, there will be improvements to the existing buildings to allow for overnight accommodations.
How many overnight rooms will be created as part of this project?
The project will create 22 guest rooms, and a reception area with a lounge and parlor.
How will noise be monitored in the park?
Park staff currently monitor and meter noise during events, and actively enforce the city’s noise restrictions. This practice will continue once the project is complete.
Is the County intending to increase the number of events or bring new types of events to the park?
After public feedback in 2021 and 2022, the County enhanced the upper lawn areas with an outdoor classroom and a new wedding gazebo in place of the old wooden gazebo. These areas are available to the public to rent for events, within the park’s existing rules regarding noise, use, and event hours.
The overnight accommodations will make use of the park’s existing 64 spaces.
Are the buildings protected under historic preservation?
The exterior of the Sherman-Gilbert house is protected under the city’s Register of Historic Resources. The County does not intend to make significant changes to the exteriors of the buildings other than changes required by code.
How will the insides of the buildings be changed?
Furnishings and finishes will be Victorian-inspired to compliment the architecture of the houses and also will be stylish, comfortable, durable, and easy to maintain. Original stained glass, woodwork banisters, pocket doors, and fireplaces will be retained and refurbished, and hardware will be salvaged and reused where possible.
Didn’t the County start to renovate these buildings years ago?
There was a past effort to renovate these buildings by a third party in the early 2000's. The County is now managing and leading the process from start to finish.
Who will operate the overnight accommodations?
We are currently negotiating a lease with Old Town Trolley Tours, who were chosen through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process.
We anticipate construction of the interior renovations to begin in summer 2026 and to take approximately eighteen months.
Will we have to pay to use the park?
DPR does not charge day-use fees at this park. All outdoor spaces, Temple Beth Israel, and the public restrooms in Senlis Cottage will remain open to the public as they are today.
Those who wish to book an event at Temple Beth Israel, the outdoor classroom, or the wedding gazebo can contact Supervising Ranger Hannah Shipley at Hannah.shipley@sdcounty.ca.gov for prices and information.
Guests who wish to book overnight accommodations (once available) will be able to do so for a reservation fee. Details are not yet determined but will be posted to sdparks.org. The Coral Tree Teahouse has a lease with the County for the McConaughy House, so this building is operated as a separate business.
What have you done for public outreach in this process?
The County held public meetings, both virtually and in-person, at the beginning of the design process in 2021 and 2022 to introduce the project and gather feedback. An online survey was posted to subsequently gather additional feedback.
How can I stay informed about this project?
The best way to stay informed is to regularly check our website, sdparks.org. You may also contact Park Project Manager, Amy Hoffman, at amy.hoffman1@sdparks.ca.gov, to inquire about the project or request to be added to the project distribution list. Individuals who are added to this list will receive announcements for future meetings and other project updates.
What amenities will be built at the park?
The upper lawn project, which is now open, includes a new wedding gazebo, an outdoor classroom seating area, ADA accessible walkways with safety lighting, and a drinking fountain. With regard to existing buildings, four currently unused buildings will be updated to allow for overnight accommodations. The public restrooms and interpretive center in Senlis Cottage will also be updated.
What types of education and outreach programs are offered at the park? ?
The park hosts occasional historical walking tours, Summer Movies in the Park events, and other events such as Pages in the Park.
There are existing public restrooms in Senlis Cottage, and they will be upgraded as part of this project.
Will this project include improvements to the trails within the park boundaries?
No, this project’s scope does not include improvements to the trails.
Where can I get more information on the park?
Information on the park is currently available on the DPR website: sdparks.org/heritage. Park comments and questions may be sent via email to Park Project Manager Amy Hoffman at amy.hoffman1@sdcounty.ca.gov.
