Project Info
At the crossroads of environmental conservation, historic preservation, and public recreation in south San Diego County lies Salt Works, a unique site filled with history and opportunity. The 17-acre property is adjacent to and part of the San Diego Bay salt ponds, which include 800-acres in total that extend across the width of the bay. These ponds, which are part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, are currently utilized for evaporative salt production. The long-term land use of the Salt Works property was the subject of this study. More than 25 interviews with stakeholders and two public workshops were held to encourage participation from the local community. With this input and analysis of existing planning documents as a basis, four schematic/bubble diagrammatic alternatives for the Salt Works site were developed. These designs included elements such as an interpretive center for the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, an access point and staging area for the Bayshore Bikeway, a trailhead and staging area for the Otay Valley Regional Park, a destination and southern terminus for an excursion train or trolley along the historic railway, the creation of open water, salt marsh and upland habitat, and expanded public use and passive recreation.
Awards
- Merit Award, American Society of Landscape Architects, San Diego Chapter