Mayor Gloria, Councilmembers Announce Plan to Reopen Mission Bay Park Restrooms Through End of Year
Mayor Todd Gloria, Council President Joe LaCava, and Councilmember Jennifer Campbell today announced that the City of San Diego will reopen 13 public restrooms at Mission Bay Park through December 2026 after identifying funding to restore operations while maintaining a balanced City budget.
The restrooms were closed in July as part of difficult spending reductions included in the City's Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The budget addressed a significant structural deficit while prioritizing core services including public safety, homelessness, roads, libraries and recreation centers.
Since the closures took effect, Mayor Gloria, Council President La Cava, Councilmember Campbell and City staff have continued working to identify a fiscally responsible way to restore restroom access at one of San Diego's most heavily used regional parks. The reopening is funded through a combination of Community Projects, Programs, and Services (CPPS) allocations from Council President LaCava and Councilmember Campbell, together with General Fund resources freed up by Friday’s news of higher-than-expected state grant funding.
“Balancing this year's budget required difficult choices, and closing restrooms was one of them,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “I understand the frustration this has caused for families and visitors who use Mission Bay, and I have been clear that if a responsible path to get these facilities reopened, we should take it. Thanks to Councilmember Campbell and Council President LaCava for stepping up with funding from their Districts, we have that path to reopen these restrooms for the remainder of the calendar year.”
The City's adopted Fiscal Year 2027 budget closed 13 of Mission Bay Park's 24 public restrooms. The closures took effect in early July.
“Making tough budget decisions in June, allows us to pivot today. This was one budget cut that was too much to ask of the public,” said Council President LaCava. “Working with the Mayor and Councilmember Campbell, we found the resources to reopen these restrooms so that every restroom around the bay and along the oceanfront is open. Using discretionary funds for this priority need is the right thing to do and is just the start of how we keep them open year-round."
"Working in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and City Operations, we have identified a path forward to address the Mission Bay Park bathroom closures in District 2,” said Councilmember Jen Campbell. “As the Councilmember, representing this community, I appreciate everyone who worked with my office to find a solution that will reopen with the bathrooms.”
The funding identified by the Mayor, Council District 1, and Council District 2 will provide restroom operations through the remainder of calendar year 2026. The City will continue monitoring its financial condition and at the City’s mid-year budget review and reevaluate the potential to keep the restrooms open for the full fiscal year.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department will begin reopening the affected facilities this Friday, August 14. The reopened restrooms are located at: El Carmel, Ventura Point, Bonita Cove Easter, Hospitality Point, Vacation Isle West, South Shores, North Cove, Crown Point South, Ski Beach North, Ski Beach Middle, Tecolote North, Playa Pacifica III, De Anza South.
“Mission Bay is one of San Diego's most treasured public spaces, we are all grateful the Mayor and these Councilmembers were able to identify new funding so that residents and visitors have access to all amenities,” said Andy Field, Director of Parks and Recreation. “Staff is prepared to restore service and will continue working to keep these facilities clean, safe and accessible.”
For more information about Mission Bay Park, including park amenities and public restroom locations, visit the City's Parks and Recreation website.