San Diego City Council has approved a master plan intended to guide future development along a 17.5-mile stretch of the San Diego River. Long-term plans call for a river-long park, stretching from the San Diego River headwaters in Julian, to the Pacific Ocean at Ocean Beach.
Councilmember Scott Sherman, whose District 7 includes Mission Valley and neighboring communities along the river, said in a statement that a park system will increase recreation opportunities while preserving natural resources.
Costs have not been finalized, but the master plan will rely on private and public investment in the river valley, to support maintenance, management and security efforts.
Sherman said the master plan is “closely aligned” with the city’s general-plan goals for land-use, mobility, urban design, public facilities and economic enhancement.
The city and its community planning groups have been working on the master plan with the San Diego River Park Alliance and the San Diego River Park Foundation.
According to a recent draft of the plan, projects along the river will likely include walking and bike paths, nature-viewing areas and other elements aimed at incorporating the river into future development of local communities.
— SDBJ Staff Report
