Nonprofit Transforms Vacant Land into Park with Student Art, Garden

With a $50,000 grant, Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek is working with residents of Southeast San Diego to transform a three-acre parcel at 47th and Castana streets into a gathering place with student artwork, a wildflower garden, and views of Chollas Creek

SAN DIEGO (June 26, 2014) – Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek’s vision of transforming a three-acre dirt parcel into a park has become a reality with the help of a $50,000 grant from the TKF Foundation.

Named “Chollas Creek Crossing” for its ability to connect the neighborhoods of Encanto, Chollas View, and Lincoln Park, the new park was identified and designed in collaboration with the City Planning Department, the UCSD Center on Global Justice, as well as students and residents of Southeast San Diego. The park is also part of the Encanto Neighborhoods Community Plan Update.

“In the park-deficient Chollas Creek Watershed neighborhoods, identifying usable space, and engaging citizens in urban development is key to improving the economic and physical well being of the community,” said Leslie Reynolds, Executive Director for Groundwork. “Thanks to the generosity of the TKF Foundation, we’re able to develop a degraded City parcel into a beautiful outdoor gathering place.”

The TKF Foundation awards nonprofits that create “a place outdoors that is characterized by its invitation to wholeness and healing...coupled with a connection to humanity and all of nature.”

Located at the intersection of 47th Street and Castana Street, the gathering place is adjacent to Chollas Creek, and will incorporate view destinations of the creek. Art elements, including flags, mosaic benches, as well as carvings in an overhead trellis, have been designed by students from area schools, including Gompers Preparatory Academy. The park also includes a native plant garden and the addition of native trees and shrubs to support creek wildlife.

Starting today through Sunday, June 29, more than 100 youth and adult volunteers per day will participate in transforming the space. The four-day volunteer event will conclude with a celebration, at which time the Matthews Family will be recognized for their many community contributions.

About Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek

Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek is an independent nonprofit business that strives to improve the environment, economy and quality of life in Southeast San Diego. Groundwork works in partnership with the City of San Diego and with the assistance of volunteers, communities and businesses to restore creeks and open spaces, provide educational outreach on water conservation and climate change issues. For more information or to get involved, please call (619) 543-0430 or visit GroundworkSanDiego.org.