A new mini-park designed for adults opened in City Heights, with plenty of open space and public art. | Video Credit: Nicholas McVicker
By Dwane Brown
A new mini-park opened today in City Heights — a neighborhood where green space and recreation areas are in short supply.
The 5,300-square-foot park is located on 43rd Street near University Avenue, and is designed specifically for adults and seniors. The park primarily is open space, with plenty of benches and some artwork. The park features a giant mural of photos taken over the course of the 10 years it took to build the park.
Sculpture artist Wendell Kling was commissioned to create colorful art along the park’s fencing.
“I decided on a backyard garden theme, and the sort-of wild and not-so-wild life that may be found there,” Kling said.
Several dozen people came to the opening, including interim San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. He said three generations of his family grew up in City Heights.
“With the small businesses that are here, we’re coming and putting together a village people want to be a part of. People will see the future of this city is in City Heights,” Gloria said.
The new park is located next to a senior living facility and community health clinic. Soon, a skate park will also be built near the park. The city recently approved $250,000 to build the skate park near the YMCA on Landis Street.