South City Park provides a new and exciting gateway to the US from Mexico with ferry service to Ensenada and high speed, express trolley service to Tijuana.
South City Park would also reconnect the southern part of the city to one of its most important resources, the San Diego Bay. The connection would be restored by excavating a tunnel for the existing tracks at grade along Harbor Drive from Market Street to beyond Park Blvd. This would also allow for the reopening of Park Blvd.
In addition, the convention center would be relocated to a new structure built over the exiting trolley depot to the east. The resulting open space would provide for a new city park, with direct, unencumbered access from the city center, the Gaslamp District, the ballpark and the library. South City Park would consist of four elements: a grand pedestrian promenade along Harbor Drive on what once was train tracks; a recreational play field; a new pier and ferry terminal; and the Orange Grove.
The existing grid of streets is extended into the park, restoring views from the north to the bay and the Coronado Bridge which were blocked by the old Convention Center. Fourth Avenue and Park Boulevard are extended out into the bay, creating a new triangular shaped pier with a public swimming pool, restaurants, and a ferry terminal with ferry service to Ensenada. New trolley lines are proposed on Fourth Avenue and Park Boulevard providing ample access to the new gateway to Mexico and the US.
The recreational field would serve as a place where the city holds its largest civic events and rallies. The field would also serve as a place for scholastic sporting events, festivals and markets with exceptional views of the city and to the bay and Coronado Bridge. The field features seating on the triangular hill and on the stepped bleacher building. Beneath the
Bleacher building is retail space for shops and restaurants. West of the recreational field is the Orange Grove. The benefits from this grove would provide shade, the seasonal fragrance of the orange blossoms in bloom and a historical reference of what once was a familiar site in San Diego.
The new convention center would be the focal point of the terminus of the Harbor Drive promenade and provide a unique design opportunity with the approach and open space of the park. Elevating the building above the trolley depot will provide panoramic views of the city, the bay and the mountains. This site also assures access with numerous trolley connections and freeway access to the northeast.
South City Park is not just about connection, it is about reconnection.
View down the new Harbor Drive walking promenade with the new convention center at the end and tunnel ventilation tower on the right.
View at Harbor Blvd and Fourth Ave looking south with the new trolley stop for Rady Shell