Parks & Open Space
The development of SDSU Mission Valley will provide San Diego with access to approximately 80 acres of community parks and open space. Once completed, these green spaces will culminate at the San Diego River in an expansive 34-acre River Park.
Environmental Benefits
- Areas in the Murphy Canyon Creek and San Diego River floodplain will be exclusively park and open space, designed to serve as a buffer, and occasionally filter flood and stormwater draining to the San Diego River.
- SDSU Mission Valley's grading plan and storm drain system will collect and treat runoff and direct drainage to retention basins before traveling to the San Diego River. This is a significant improvement over existing conditions which allows runoff to travel across the concrete parking lot and directly enter the San Diego River without treatment.
Biodiversity & Native Plants
- In addition to protecting the native vegetation already on-site, SDSU has integrated drought-tolerant and native plants prominently into the park design. Below are just a few that will be planted across SDSU Mission Valley and Snapdragon Stadium:
- California Poppy, California Sycamore, California Wild Rose, Coastal Agave, Coast Live Oak, Mohave Yucca, San Diego Sunflower, and White Sage.
Active Recreation
- The site will include six multi-use fields, including two adjacent to the new stadium, suitable for soccer, rugby, flag football, and a variety of youth and intramural sports.
- Along the property’s south side beneath the shade of the elevated trolley line, there will be picnic areas, fitness equipment, basketball courts, a skate area, and other hard court activities.
- The park will include play structures for kids and a designated area for an off-leash dog park.
Passive Recreation
- An approximately 2-mile pedestrian and bike trail will be located throughout the River Park connecting to the regional San Diego River Trail system.
- An approximately 2.4-mile pedestrian and bike loop will connect to the trail at multiple points and encircle the site.
A River Park Design Workshop was held in Dec. 2019. Take a look at the Mission Valley River Park presentation from that workshop to see how community input helped shape the design for our parks and open space.
SDSU Mission Valley River Park Outdoor Classroom View: Nestled in the far southwest corner of the river park, an informal outdoor classroom sits surrounded by native plants. In the background, active multi-use recreation fields are set back at least 100 feet from the San Diego River.
SDSU Mission Valley River Park Trolley Plaza View: At the heart of the site, the trolley plaza serves as a gateway to the new development. The public space includes open, flexible areas for events, a signature shade structure, and a variety of seating for dining and socializing.
SDSU Mission Valley River Park East Park View: Includes multiple amenities, such as open flexible turf, street parking, walking and biking trails, a series of natural playgrounds, and a comfort station.
SDSU Mission Valley River Park Amphitheater Hill View: Located within the ribbon of shade just north of the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) trolley tracks; a flexible stage area sits as the focal point of the gently sloping grass hill where spectators can enjoy live events.
SDSU Mission Valley River Park Activity Zone View: Looking southwest, an activity zone beneath the trolley line provides a ribbon of shade for basketball courts, outdoor games, a fitness park, picnic tables, and a children's playground.
SDSU Mission Valley River Park Trolley Station View: Looking southwest from atop the existing trolley station, a biofiltration basin and three active multi-use recreation fields are set back at least 100 feet from the San Diego River.
SDSU Mission Valley River Park Bridge View: Entering the site from Rancho Mission Road, vehicles are separated from pedestrians and wildlife in the southeastern portion of the park.
SDSU Mission Valley River Park East Park View: Adorned with native plants, walking and biking trails span the entire eastern length of the site. A shallow swale weaves through the East Park and creates a river-like experience for park users.
