Recreation and reflection came together this past Sunday, Oct. 26, as the North Clairemont Community Park was dedicated in honor of fallen San Diego Police Officer Austin Machitar.

Officer Machitar lost his life in the line of duty on Aug. 26, 2025, while on patrol in the Clairemont community. San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Officer Zach Martinez was also critically injured the night of the crash and is now back on patrol for SDPD.

In their remarks, Mayor Todd Gloria and Police Chief Scott Wahl shared fond memories of growing up in Clairemont and playing soccer in that very park. They were joined by hundreds of attendees, including the Machitar family, elected officials, community members, friends and SDPD personnel.

Mayor Gloria proposed renaming the park and won unanimous approval from the City of San Diego’s Parks and Recreation Board earlier this year. Mayor Gloria initiated the renaming process to recognize Officer Machitar’s service, leadership and dedication to public safety. Officer Machitar served in SDPD’s Northern Division for more than five years and was a field training officer who helped mentor new recruits.

“By renaming this park in honor of Officer Austin Machitar, we are fulfilling a promise that San Diego will never forget his service or his sacrifice,” Mayor Gloria said. “Every time someone visits this park, every time a child plays on this field or a family gathers under these trees, they’ll see Austin’s name and be reminded of a young man who gave everything he had to make San Diego safer, kinder, and stronger.”

“It is with great pride that we give Austin’s name a home in the community that he served and in the city that he loved,” Chief Wahl said. “The Officer Austin Machitar Memorial Park isn’t just a space for recreation anymore; it is a space for reflection. I would like to thank everyone who played a role in ensuring that his life and legacy will live on in the Clairemont community.”

Officer Machitar’s father, Chris Machitar, shared some memories as part of the ceremony. He smiled as he talked about his son coming home one evening from patrol and telling a story about how he had gotten to play baseball, the sport that he loved, with some kids in the community.

“He was the happiest I had seen him in a long time. He was doing something really cool for the community by doing that. He benefited everyone in the community by being out here and protecting them,” Machitar said, holding the very glove and ball that his son used that night with those kids.

The park, located at 4421 Bannock Ave., was selected because of its proximity to where Officer Machitar served and the deep ties he had to the Clairemont neighborhood. The renaming received strong support from the Clairemont Community Planning Group, the Greater North Clairemont Community Recreation Group, the Clairemont Town Council, Councilmember Jennifer Campbell and the San Diego Police Officers Association.

The San Diego Police Officers Association donated the funds for new signage and related updates at the park that were completed ahead of Sunday’s ceremony.

If you are looking for a place to spend time with your family, friends or four-legged companion, stop by the newly named Officer Austin Machitar Memorial Park in Clairemont and remember the brave men and women protecting our city.

Watch the full ceremony on the San Diego Police Department’s YouTube channel.