From parks to piers and even storm drains, projects to repair and improve San Diego’s infrastructure are not just reshaping neighborhoods, they’re gaining national attention.

These projects were all designed and managed by the City’s Engineering and Capital Projects (E&CP) Department and are being spotlighted through industry and professional awards.

With more than 700 dedicated staff, E&CP has been recognized by four distinguished organizations in fiscal year 2026: the American Public Works Association (APWA), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). These accolades highlight the City’s commitment to investing in public infrastructure and delivering outstanding projects across all communities. 

In total, 11 projects received 13 awards, including a prestigious national honor: 

• The Balboa Park Botanical Building project received the National APWA Public Works Project of the Year Award in the Historical Restoration/Preservation ($5 million - $25 million) Category. The project restored the iconic structure to its 1915 design, when it was originally built for the Panama-California Exposition. 

• The John F. Kennedy Neighborhood Park Improvements project received an APWA Project Award – Parks Category. The project installed new play structures, fitness equipment, a picnic shelter, a restroom and security lighting at a park with few amenities. 

• The Crystal Pier Improvements project received an ASCE Outstanding Historical Renovation Project Award. The project repaired and restored the City-owned and leased portions of the Crystal Pier following extensive storm damage. 

• The Maple Canyon Restoration Phases 1 & 2 project received an APWA Project Award – Environment Category and an ASCE Outstanding Construction Project Award. The project replaced 16 storm drain systems that outfall to Maple Canyon, installed a new storm drain system within Maple Street and stabilized and restored the stream bed within the canyon. 

• The Villa La Jolla Storm Drain Emergency project received an APWA Project Award – Disaster of Emergency Category. The project installed a new cleanout structure for an existing corrugated metal pipe storm drain and lined a portion of the pipe with reinforced concrete. 

• The El Capitan Dam Spillway Vegetation Removal project received an ASCE Outstanding Flood Management Project Award. The project cleared vegetation and sediment from the lower spillway to free the hydraulic capacity for potential emergency spillovers from the reservoir, preventing dam failure and protecting the safety of downstream stakeholders. 

• The Jerabek Park Improvements project received an APWA Project Award – Parks Category. The project upgraded the existing park facility with a new children’s playground with security fencing, a new comfort station and concession stand, new outdoor fitness areas, security lighting and cameras, accessible pathways and bleachers, planting and irrigation. 

• The Olive St Park Acquisition and Development project received an APWA Project Award – Parks Category. The project provided a new mini park in Uptown including an AIDS memorial with a deck overlooking Maple Canyon, multi-purpose turf areas, a children’s play area, seating, accessible walkways, security lighting and landscaping. 

• The MBC Gas Detection System Replacement project received an APWA Project Award – Utilities Category. The project replaced the existing gas sensors with new modules and integrated a new gas-monitoring network into the Metropolitan Biosolids Center operations system. 

• The La Media Road Improvements project received an ACEC Engineering Excellence Award and an ASCE Outstanding Transportation Project Award. The project upgraded La Media Road to a six-lane primary arterial road from SR-905 to Airway Road and to a five-lane major road between Airway Road and Siempre Viva Road, as well as improved drainage at the intersection of La Media Road and Airway Road. 

• The OB Pier Renewal project received a PRSA Silver Bernays Award of Excellence. The project created a plan for the future demolition of the existing pier and construction of a new one through public workshops, outreach and ongoing communication.  

Along with these award-winning projects, E&CP managed a Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget nearing $1 billion, completed 145 lane miles of asphalt overlay and revamped the CIP webpage for greater transparency, providing greater access to details on the hundreds of active CIP projects. In fiscal year 2027, the department is steering a CIP budget of more than $820 million, with funding for 71 projects, and completing over 1,200 active projects currently underway.