Project Info
What was once a retired sand and gravel quarry is now Civita, a new 230-acre transit-oriented, master-planned community just 3 miles from San Diego’s downtown. The development that has emerged from the mining aftermath has a gardenesque, park-like character. It has been designed as a sustainable neighborhood that is walkable, near light rail transit, and includes generous open space and parkland. Eventually, 9,000 residents will call Civita home, along with retail centers, restaurants, commercial sites, and a public elementary school. Located in the center, and acting as the heart of the community, is Civita Park. Often credited with the success of the community, the park is wrapped by high-density housing, a school, and retail/commercial centers all within walking distance. The final phase of the 14.3-acre Civita Park has recently been completed, adding critical park and recreational amenities as well as a central meeting place for residents to connect, socialize, exercise, and play.
Adding to the amenities from Phase I, which included a splash pad, amphitheater, community garden, playfield, basketball, barbecues, comfort station, and game area, Phase II completes the park experience and features three contemplative gardens (a winged garden, succulent garden, and scent garden), a “Mining Relic Plaza,” signature public art elements, and two large children’s play areas. Additional amenities include bocce courts, barbecues, picnic areas, flexible lawn spaces, and an additional comfort station.
Civita the result of an innovative collaboration between the land owners, developers, and the City of San Diego. In the early 1900’s, Franklin and Alta Grant purchased the land near the San Diego River hoping to find oil. Instead, they discovered rock which they then mined for well over 70 years. The Grant family heirs, six cousins, wanted to turn their family legacy into a walkable village that fosters community connectivity, centered around a large park. The Grants partnered with Sudberry Properties, a like-minded, local, family-owned development company who have successfully realized the Grant Family vision. Civita Park is owned by the city of San Diego, but construction was funded privately under a reimbursement agreement between the City and the Grant/Sudberry team.
Awards
- Orchid Award (Phase 1), Orchids and Onions, San Diego Architectural Foundation
- Award of Excellence, California Park and Recreation Society
- Outstanding Award, American Public Works Project of the Year, American Public Works Association
- Astounding Urban Forestry Project Award, California Urban Forests Council
- Healthy Public Open Space Award, Urban Land Institute San Diego - Tijuana
- Orchid Award (Phase 2), Orchids and Onions, San Diego Architectural Foundation
- Parks Make Life Better Award, California Parks and Recreation Society - District 12
- Honor Award (Phase II), American Society of Landscape Architects
- Honor Award (Phase II), American Public Works Association