Assemblymember David Alvarez announced today that he has secured $4.3 million in state funding to fully fund Phase 1 construction of Grove Neighborhood Park, a long-awaited community investment in Otay Mesa-Nestor that will provide new green space, recreational amenities, and safe outdoor gathering areas for local families.

The funding will support first phase of park construction, including children’s play areas, picnic facilities, public art, security lighting, walkways and right-of-way improvements on 27th Street. Grove Park is a project that community members have advocated for over many years.

“The Otay Mesa-Nestor community has been waiting for this park for over 30 years. That is simply far too long,” said Assemblymember Alvarez. “I am proud to have secured $4.3 million for Grove Park, which means Otay Mesa-Nestor families are one step closer to having a safe, welcoming place to gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors. Thank you to California voters for supporting Proposition 4 that made these funds available for parks.”

Construction on Phase 1 is expected to move forward following final permitting, with the City anticipating that bids for construction will be released later this year. Once the contract is awarded, construction is anticipated to take 15-18 months. Assemblymember Alvarez was joined today at the Grove Park site alongside State Senator Steve Padilla, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, students from Southwest Middle and members of the Otay Mesa Recreation Group. 

“Thanks to the leadership of Assemblymember David Alvarez, this investment is transforming an undeveloped lot into Grove Neighborhood Park with a new playground, lighting, walking paths, and places for families to gather,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “This park brings long-awaited green space to Otay Mesa and reflects our commitment to making parks accessible throughout the city.”