Mayor Todd Gloria, Congressman Juan Vargas and community members celebrated the reopening of the improved Colonel Irving Salomon San Ysidro Community Activity Center today following a $5.8 million modernization project that expands recreation opportunities and improves accessibility for all users.

"San Ysidro is one of the most vibrant and resilient communities in our city, and it deserves public spaces that reflect the pride people have in this neighborhood," said Mayor Todd Gloria. "Thanks to our partnership with Congressman Juan Vargas, this renewed community center will once again welcome children, families, and seniors every day, strengthen the connections that make this community so special, and create new opportunities to learn, play, and gather. Together, we're continuing to invest in the neighborhoods that make San Diego stronger and ensuring San Ysidro families have a place to gather for generations to come."

The project, managed by the City’s Engineering and Capital Projects Department, included a new playground, multi-purpose sports court, accessible walkways, site furnishings, drinking fountains, drought-tolerant landscaping and irrigation improvements. Construction also included replumbing the facility’s restrooms and drinking fountains, modifying the interior doorways and pathways to create accessible paths of travel and resurfacing the parking lot.

Funding for this $5.8 million project came from a variety of sources, including a $4 million U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant from Fiscal Year 2024 secured with the support of Congressman Juan Vargas.

“It was an honor to help celebrate the updates to the San Ysidro Community Activity Center,” said Congressman Juan Vargas. “Now, there’s a brand-new space for children to play and residents of all ages to gather and enjoy. I’m proud to have secured $4 million in federal funding for upgrades to this activity center and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this project for years to come.”

Additional funding for the project was provided through San Ysidro Urban Community funds, the Capital Outlay Fund — which is generated through the sale of City-owned properties and reinvested in long-term improvement projects — and Citywide Park Development Impact Fees (DIF) designated for communities with park needs.

Special events, community gatherings and sports leagues that were relocated during construction will return to the activity center starting this week.

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, 13 skate parks and plazas and three golf courses. For additional information about the City’s park and recreation system, visit the Parks and Recreation webpage.