New river park at SDSU Mission Valley takes awards for public projects, landscape architecture

The SDSU Mission Valley River Park has recently been recognized with two awards. 

Completed in March, the park was honored with the Project of the Year award in the Parks category at the 2024 American Public Works Association Awards (San Diego/Imperial County Chapter) and received a Merit Award in the Parks, Trails, & Recreation category at the San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects Design Awards 2024.

“These awards aren't just about having pretty parks, they reflect our hard work in making sure the parks at SDSU Mission Valley are functional, sustainable and good for the community and the environment,” said Paul Jackson, San Diego State University program manager for Mission Valley. “It's been so rewarding to see the park enjoyed by so many in the local community.”

Designing a park that balances a fully realized recreational space for the community with the restoration of native habitats along the San Diego River was a central goal for the university and its partners. 

Schmidt Design Group strategically designed the park to provide shade for several gathering and activity spaces below the elevated San Diego Trolley tracks, including picnic tables, basketball courts, fitness equipment, and a children’s playground with a climbing structure where kids can wave to passing commuters.

To reinforce biodiversity and support local wildlife, the park is planted with San Diego County native species as a buffer between these natural and recreational areas to better invite the wildlife that depends on them.

"We are proud to be recognized with these two awards," said Mark Moss, principal landscape architect at Schmidt Design Group. "Working with San Diego State University has been a rewarding experience, characterized by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to creating impactful spaces that enhance campus life and community engagement.”

The park, which celebrated its grand opening in March, was constructed by Clark Construction Group and BrightView.

The river park is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. It features four fields for multi-use recreational activities, two playgrounds designed for children 2 to 12 years old, a two-mile hike and bike loop that incorporates interpretive signage to educate visitors about the local environment, complemented by displays of Kumeyaay art.

Additional information about the River Park can be found on the SDSU Mission Valley website.