Riviera Del Sol park opens in Otay Mesa after decades of local advocacy

San Diego officials formally opened the Riviera Del Sol neighborhood park in Otay Mesa, saying the long-awaited 4.8'4.9-acre green space includes playgrounds, a basketball court, fitness equipment, picnic shelters, security lighting and accessibility improvements.

Mayor Todd Gloria said the project transformed a vacant field into a "$9,400,000, 4.8 acre park that belongs to the residents of Otay Mesa," and presented the park as part of a broader push to deliver infrastructure in South San Diego. Councilmember Vivian Moreno, who credited two decades of resident advocacy, described the park as a neighborhood hub for families and a step toward more equitable access to parks in District 8.

Andy Field, director of the city's parks and recreation department, thanked staff and contractors and outlined several other park projects planned or underway in the district. Residents and local advocates, including one longtime resident who said the community had waited "22, 24 years" for the park, urged neighbors to take pride in and care for the space.

Officials used the opening to highlight broader city investments in parks, community centers, libraries, roads and housing across neighborhoods they said have been underfunded. The mayor said Riviera Del Sol is one of 24 new or improved park projects expected to be completed in 2025, and that another set of 24 projects is planned for the following year.

The transcript included multiple slightly different figures for the park's acreage and name spellings; officials at the event described the site as roughly 4.8'4.9 acres and consistently described its amenities and community purpose. The city did not announce ongoing maintenance funding changes at the ceremony.

Officials closed the celebration with a ribbon cutting attended by students and community leaders.