Harbor Park: Exciting Developments Coming to Chula Vista
Chula Vista’s Bayfront is about to get a massive upgrade with the development of Harbor Park, a new addition that nearly doubles the size of the existing Bayside Park. This exciting project will be completed in phases, bringing a mix of natural beauty and family-friendly activities to our community. Alongside Harbor Park, the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center is also nearing completion and will be ready to welcome visitors by May 2025. The resort and these new parks will bring incredible change and beauty to the area, transforming the Bayfront into a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors.
What’s Coming to Harbor Park?
Once fully developed, Harbor Park will have something for everyone. Here are some of the key features to look forward to:
- Improved Beach and Waterfront Promenade: The park will feature a bigger, better beach surrounded by terraced headlands, along with a half-mile waterfront promenade for walking, biking, and enjoying the views.
- Boat Launch and Water Activities: At the north end of the park, there will be a boat launch for kayaks, paddleboards, and other small watercraft, giving people more ways to enjoy the bay.
- Meadows and Picnic Areas: Families will love the north and south meadows, which will have paths, picnic tables, and open spaces for relaxing and playing.
- Interactive Fountain and Play Area: The new interactive water feature and play area will delight kids of all ages, making the park a fun spot for all ages.
- New Pier at H Street: Besides the existing fishing pier, a new one will be built at H Street, offering even more ways to enjoy the bay.
- Café and Rentals: A beachfront café and watersport rental shop will be built at the park’s north end, giving visitors a place to grab a bite or rent equipment for their water adventures.
Connecting Chula Vista to the Bay
Harbor Park is part of a larger effort to revitalize the 535-acre Chula Vista Bayfront District. The park itself will cover 25 acres and will be a central piece of the area’s transformation. Alongside a new resort and conference center, Harbor Park will reconnect Chula Vista with its waterfront, creating vibrant spaces for residents and visitors alike.
You can learn more about this new development and see the plans on the developer’s website found here. We suggest you follow them on Facebook for updates on their public notices and more.
Sweetwater Park: Another Bayfront Gem
Alongside Harbor Park, Sweetwater Park is also being developed to enhance Chula Vista’s Bayfront. Construction on Sweetwater Park began in fall 2023 and is expected to be completed by November 2024. This 21-acre park will focus on showcasing the natural wildlife of San Diego Bay and providing peaceful, nature-based recreation.
Sweetwater Park was designed with community input to serve as a natural habitat-oriented recreational space. It will feature meadows, specialty gardens, mounded grasslands, and nature playgrounds. Visitors can enjoy a variety of seating and picnic areas, pedestrian and bicycle paths, sand dunes, and scenic overlooks for bayfront viewing. The park will also include public art, Kumeyaay signage, restroom facilities, and 216 parking spaces.
Sweetwater Park will be perfect for connecting with the Bayfront’s ecology, learning more about the environment, and enjoying recreational activities with the whole family. Together, Sweetwater Park and Harbor Park will make up over half of the new park space planned for the Chula Vista Bayfront, bringing more outdoor opportunities to our community.
A Park for the Future
Harbor Park will offer beautiful views and recreational activities and address important environmental concerns. The park’s design includes features like a saltwater marsh and improvements to handle rising sea levels. These elements will help protect the shoreline while also creating a more diverse natural habitat. However, many residents, including myself, are concerned about access to this park. Currently, there is plenty of parking for residents to come and enjoy the public parks and amenities, but looking at these plans, very little parking is included. With the new hotel, the area is expected to be very busy, which could make it difficult for residents to easily access the park.
What’s Next?
While it will take time to complete, Harbor Park’s future looks bright. With its large lawns, gathering spaces, and scenic views, the park is set to become a hub for community events, performances, and festivals. Whether you’re looking to relax by the bay, explore the waters, or enjoy family time, Harbor Park will have something for everyone.
Be sure to look out for updates as these exciting new parks take shape. Chula Vista is about to become an even better place to live and play!
