The City of San Diego has completed a $55 million improvement project at Mira Mesa Community Park, delivering a new aquatic complex, all-wheel plaza, renovated recreation center and other amenities for the community. Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee and Mayor Todd Gloria joined City staff and community members to celebrate the completion of the second phase of construction, which redeveloped the 17-acre space south of New Salem Street.

"As the Mira Mesa community continues to grow, the need for recreational spaces is clear. This park serves as an important hub for activity, connection, and recreation," said Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee, who represents District 6. "This once-in-a-generation project delivers something for every member of the Mira Mesa community."

Construction highlights include the aquatic complex, complete with a 14-lane competition pool, an activity pool and a splash pad and the all-wheel plaza that allows access for skateboard, roller skate, scooter, bike and wheelchair users. Other improvements covered in the project were the two children’s play areas, two multi-use sports courts, open grass areas, a public art piece, a parking lot, ADA-accessible walkways, lighting, landscaping and irrigation.

The Mira Mesa Gil Johnson Recreation Center also received renovations, like installing new heating, ventilation, air conditioning and roof, replacing damaged wood and finishes and repainting the building’s exterior. All park elements are now open for public use.

The project, managed by the City’s Engineering and Capital Projects Department, began in September 2024 and was completed on schedule. The $55 million investment was funded almost entirely by developer fees in Mira Mesa and all funds were allocated prior to the fiscal year 2027 budget. The project was completed within the original anticipated budget.

“When community leaders came to me in 2022 and asked the City to help fund Phase II, Mira Mesa had already been waiting more than 20 years for these improvements,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “We secured the funding, broke ground in 2024 and, today, we are delivering a $55 million transformation that generations of Mira Mesa families will enjoy. This is what local government should do: listen to the community, follow through and turn a long-held vision into something people can experience every day.”

The public art piece, titled Songs of Mira Mesa, was commissioned by the Cultural Affairs division of the Economic Development Department. Artist Kate Clark designed the monumental sculpture that also serves as a gathering place, performance pavilion and a shade structure. The imagery and composition that adorn its roof, façade and benches were developed in collaboration with the Mira Mesa Art Teen Fellows, inspired by local leaders, educators, cosmologists and naturalists.

Completion of this construction is just the latest stage in the City’s long-term investment in Mira Mesa Community Park. Phase 1 of the Mira Mesa Community Park Improvements project was completed in 2018. That work included renovating an approximately 11-acre park space north of New Salem Street with new baseball fields, a children’s play area, a comfort station and a parking lot. With Phase 2 now finished, attention turns to Phase 3, which is still being planned and is expected to focus on expanding the Mira Mesa Recreation Center’s size and amenities.

The improvements completed this year on the park space south of New Salem Street mark the completion of Phase II of the project. A third phase of this project is being planned and is expected to focus on expanding the Mira Mesa Recreation Center's size and amenities.

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department manages over 43,000 acres of park assets, including more than 500 parks, 14 miles of shoreline, 64 recreation centers, 16 pools, 14 skate parks and plazas, and three golf complexes. For additional information about the City’s park and recreation system, visit the Parks and Recreation webpage.