Politics & Government
SD City Council Approves Plan for River Park From Julian to OB
The river park plan includes a portion through Santee.
Written by City News Service
The San Diego City Council Monday unanimously approved a plan to guide future development along a 17.5-mile stretch of the San Diego River, which has been in the works for more than a decade.
Development of the San Diego River Park Master Plan began in 2001 as an effort to improve the quality of the river and recreation along its banks, according to Robin Shifflet, park planner with the city's Development Services Department.
The policy document included plans for a park stretching from the San Diego River headquarters near Julian to the Pacific Ocean at Ocean Beach, including a portion through Santee, as a means of restoring the relationship between the river and surrounding communities, according to city officials.
"A park system along the San Diego River will increase recreation opportunities for our residents, preserve and enhance the river's natural resources, and help improve the quality of life in Mission Valley and other District 7 communities," said Councilman Scott Sherman.
"It's a great example of what can be accomplished when community groups, the business community, and government work together to achieve a common goal."
Shifflet said at the heart of the policy document were design guidelines for public and private projects in two areas along the river -- the river corridor area, intended to be used as a floodway and for recreation, and the river influence area, where most development would occur.
Environmental benefits of implementing the plan include reducing solid waste and expanding the groundwater recharge, and social benefits include connecting parks and neighborhoods and developing a bicycle path, Shifflet said.
The plan would also lead to economic benefits, including increased property values, Shifflet said.
"I do believe this is a 21st century contribution to our region and along with it protecting our entire watershed -- finding ways to eliminate pollution, to find solutions for stormwater effluent and create something of real lasting value for the region," Councilwoman Marti Emerald said.
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The San Diego City Council Monday unanimously approved a plan to guide future development along a 17.5-mile stretch of the San Diego River, which has been in the works for more than a decade.
Development of the San Diego River Park Master Plan began in 2001 as an effort to improve the quality of the river and recreation along its banks, according to Robin Shifflet, park planner with the city's Development Services Department.
The policy document included plans for a park stretching from the San Diego River headquarters near Julian to the Pacific Ocean at Ocean Beach, including a portion through Santee, as a means of restoring the relationship between the river and surrounding communities, according to city officials.
"A park system along the San Diego River will increase recreation opportunities for our residents, preserve and enhance the river's natural resources, and help improve the quality of life in Mission Valley and other District 7 communities," said Councilman Scott Sherman.
"It's a great example of what can be accomplished when community groups, the business community, and government work together to achieve a common goal."
Shifflet said at the heart of the policy document were design guidelines for public and private projects in two areas along the river -- the river corridor area, intended to be used as a floodway and for recreation, and the river influence area, where most development would occur.
Environmental benefits of implementing the plan include reducing solid waste and expanding the groundwater recharge, and social benefits include connecting parks and neighborhoods and developing a bicycle path, Shifflet said.
The plan would also lead to economic benefits, including increased property values, Shifflet said.
"I do believe this is a 21st century contribution to our region and along with it protecting our entire watershed -- finding ways to eliminate pollution, to find solutions for stormwater effluent and create something of real lasting value for the region," Councilwoman Marti Emerald said.
Also read:
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