Construction on First Phase of Harbor Park in Chula Vista to Begin Next Month

The $15 million south phase will add a playground, splash pad, and other amenities to the bayfront area near the Gaylord resort.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Port of San Diego's Board of Port Commissioners has approved the first phase of construction for the Harbor Park Uplands Improvements project on the Chula Vista bayfront. The $15 million south phase will introduce a playground, splash pad, picnic areas, and new landscaping on a lot between H Street and Sandpiper Way, just south of the recently opened Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center. Construction on the playground is set to begin in March, with the splash pad following in April, and the entire phase one improvements expected to be completed within a year.

Why it matters

The Harbor Park project is a key part of the larger Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan, which aims to transform the quiet bayfront area into a bustling public attraction. By adding new amenities like the playground and splash pad, the port hopes to enhance the waterfront experience for both local residents and visitors to the nearby Gaylord resort.

The details

The initial $15 million south phase of the Harbor Park project will cover four acres of land just south of the Gaylord resort. The playground will be a 25,000 square-foot, nautical-themed area with a climbable crow's nest, play slope, and accessible equipment. The splash pad, still in design, will be 1,100 square feet with jets and user-activation controls. Other improvements include new landscaping, pedestrian and bike paths, picnic tables, benches, shade structures, and trees.

  • Construction on the playground is set to begin in March 2026.
  • Construction on the splash pad is expected to begin in April 2026 after the board approves the planning documents.
  • The entire first phase of improvements is expected to be completed within a year.

The players

Port of San Diego

The San Diego Unified Port District that oversees the Chula Vista bayfront and is leading the Harbor Park project.

BNBuilders

The construction company awarded a $10.5 million contract to build the first phase of Harbor Park.

Ann Moore

The chair of the Port of San Diego's Board of Port Commissioners and the representative for the city of Chula Vista.

Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center

The recently opened billion-dollar resort located across the street from the Harbor Park site.

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What they’re saying

“Right now it's an empty dirt lot and it's across the street from a billion-dollar resort that, by the way, has been very successful so far. I think it's really important that we actually put investment into this dirt lot to transform it into something that I believe is going to be special not only for the community, of course, but also as part of our investment for this resort that we have there.”

— Ann Moore, Chair of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners (sandiegouniontribune.com)

What’s next

The Port of San Diego's Board of Port Commissioners will need to approve the final planning documents for the splash pad in April 2026 before construction can begin on that portion of the first phase.

The takeaway

The Harbor Park project is a key part of the broader effort to transform Chula Vista's bayfront into a vibrant public destination, complementing the nearby Gaylord resort. By adding new amenities like a playground and splash pad, the port aims to enhance the waterfront experience and attract both local residents and visitors to the area.