River Center at Grant Park
Construction is underway with completion planned for summer 2024
Artist rendering of 100 seat staged with shade structure
Dream is getting closer to reality!
Imagine a place where 10,000 students per year will be able to have the San Diego River as a classroom - where research and nature stewardship come together to create a special learning experience at a new 17 acre facility in the heart of Mission Valley.
Tthe River Center at Grant Park will provide that and more.
The students will arrive at the 100 seat outdoor learning stage pictured above. As they settle in they may be greeted by a hawk or other animal ambassador.
This will just be the start of their inspiring experience as they break into smaller groups to learn, explore, and have fun. With a goal of creating a connection with nature, trained, passionate educators will guide the students through a meaningful experience.
When not in use by the Cool River youth education program, other events at the stage will take place. This is all part of a 17 acre river-focused facility. The site has gardens, commons area with an arbor for events, and interpretive features.
Wtth its strategic location it is set to be the hub of activity for exploring the river, especially the Western 9. Perhaps you want to take a walk or ride along the regional San Diego River Trail or join in for a bat walk, bird survey or photography session. There will be yoga, art and other activities, too!
STATUS: July 2024
Phase 2 of the construction has passed 50%!
The site is really transforming as the trellis framework for the McGrath Family Commons has been installed and concrete for the first wall of the Conrad Prebys Stage has been poured. It is coming together!
What is Next?
Adding the Learning Lab
The vision of the River Center at Grant Park includes a Learning Lab Building. The building provides indoor space for aquariums, digital microscopes, distance learning station and even a youth art gallery!
The building is permitted and ready to build. We are working to raise the funds needed. The first step is to install the foundation, utility connections and adjacent pathways. About $200,000 needs to be raised for this key step while additional funds to complete the building can be raised. With a donation of as little as $5000 your support will be permanently recognized on the building dedication plaque.
Prospectus (PDF)
Interested in learning more? Contact our Senior Manager for Philanthropy, Pat Rice.
Contact Pat pat@sandiegoriver.org or call 619-297-7380
Help plant
You or your group or business can be a key part of this exciting Mission Valley Project.
Volunteers are needed to plant trees and a range of other tasks. Scout projects are also available. Contact our Volunteer Program Manager, Shane Contac.
Contact Shane shane@sandiegoriver.org or call 619-297-7380.
Design and Planning Continues!
Thanks to a $500,000 federal grant secured with the help of Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, planning and design will advance on new interpretive elements, gardens and other elements. We expect to receive the grant agreement in August so this work can start. The grant requires us to complete $14,000 in work to get one is called a NEPA exclusion. Donations are needed so this work can advance. .
Every $10 you donate will generate $357 in federal funding
Donate $100 and that will result in $3570 for the project!
Donate $1000 and that results in $35,700 going to the project! Wow!
You can support this important community endeavor!
For donations of $200 or more, special opportunities are available. LEARN MORE
THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO DONATE
Online with PAYPAL:
VENMO: @sandiegoriver
For: River Center
or use this link https://account.venmo.com/u/sandiegoriver
By Mail: send a check to:
The San Diego River Park Foundation
4891 Pacific Highway, Suite 114
San Diego, CA 92110
Memo: River Center at Grant Park
Credit card by telephone: call 619-297-7380 M - F 8:30 - 1:30PM
Other:
- Gifts of stock or mutual funds- click here for details
- IRA distributions
- Wire transfers
Please call us if you have any questions at 619-297-7380
The San Diego River Park Foundation is a 501c3 public benefit nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. EIN 01-0565671
Watch a brief video about the project
Project Summary
-
17 acre site in Mission Valley with river running through it
- 70,000+ students at schools within 15 minute travel time
- 100 seat interpretive experience stage
- Program building for cool river lab and distance learning
- Sustainable and accessible design
- Mutliple locations for small group learning
- 13+ acres available for field study
- Touch tank and other interactive exhibits
- Key location along regional San Diego River Trail
- Interpretive elements with emphasis on the San Diego River as a living resource
- Park amenities, gardens, restrooms, refreshment stand and more!
Special Opportunities
$200 - Engraved Commemorative Paver
Your donation of $200 will secure you a wonderful
4 inch by 8 inch commemorative paver to be installed along the entry path.
There are two options: engrave 3 lines of text with 20 characters on each line (including spaces) OR engrave 3 lines of text with 14 characters and art (bobcat paw, eagle, trout, oak tree, or frog).
Now taking orders for the next round of pathway pavers. These will be installed after the Entry Monument Sign foundation work is complete. Anticipate installation in March.
Donate online using secure PayPal below.
After that is completed, you can use this online Google form to provide your engraving information or we will send you a form to complete. Questions? Call 619-297-7380.
Donate by Mail: Form (PDF)
Call us at 619-297-7380
Commemorative Engraved River Rocks $500 and $1000
Your river rock will be easily accessible along the Intereactive Stage Entry Wall.
There are two sizes of river rocks for $500 or $1000. They will be installed when the seating area for the Conrad Prebys Stage is built.
You can engrave
3 lines of text with 20 characters or spaces per line.
For donations online, we will contact youafter you donate for your engraving details.
Mail In Form with engraving details(PDF)
Donate $5000 or more and
Join the River Society
Donations can be made in the form of a pledge
$5000- River Club
Benefits: Be recognized on the permanent dedication sign
$10,000 - Park Partners
Benefits: More prominent recognition on the permanent dedication sign
$25,000 - Founder's Circle
Benefits: Be invited to a special tour of the site and pre-opening reception.
For cummaltive donations of $100,000 or more additional benefits are available.
Please contact our Senior Manager of Philanthropy, Pat Rice, at 619-297-7380.
Mail in Form (PDF) for Donations or Pledges of $5000 or more
Are You Looking For Something Very Special?
A limited number of unique opportunities are now available:
Dedicated Park Bench - $5000 and +
Waterfall located at one of the stage entrances (8 foot tall)
Critter Walk - Path Dedication
The Den - the learning center building
Entry Courtyard
Mural
For each of these we will work with you to recognize your generous donation.
To discuss these opportunities:
Contact Pat Rice, Senior Manager for Philanthropy and Government Relations
Click Here to Reach Pat by email
or call 619-297-7380 x 103
This project is being constructed in phases as funding allows. Phase 1 included grading, sidewalk, traffic lights, underground utilities and more. Phase 2 is the current work. The base project includes the 100 seat Conrad Prebys stage, a section of the San Diego River Pathway, gardens and the commons. As fundraising reaches milestones, several components will be added to the base project including a Learning Lab, shade structure, Critter Walk Art Feature, and PV trellis in the parking lot. We are currently focused on raising funds for the Learning Center and $341,000 for the shade structure.
Tours Are Available
Tours can be arranged for groups of 10 or more. Open tours are available on Thursdays and some weekends. Contact Pat Rice at 619-297-7380 x103 or by email to schedule your tour!
Your Group Can Help
We are signing up groups for planting and other activities between now and July.
Contact Shane Conta by email or call 619-297-7380 to get involved.
Special Thanks To The President Circle Donors:
| Vantile Company, LLC | Conrad Prebys Foundation |
| Alta Company, LLC | Tom and Cookie Sudberry |
| Philip Pryde | Quarry Falls, LLC |
| An anonymous gift | Hervey Family Fund at the San Diego Foundation |
Rendering of the neighborhood commons including The Arbor.
Learn More
Location
2450 Camino del Rio N
in Mission Valley
Latest News
7/1/2024 Phase 2 construction passes 50%
4/29/24 $500,000, in Federal Funds awarded! To accept funds, NEPA compliance needs to be completed.
4/19/24 $371,000 fundraising goal met learning stage shade structure can be added!!
4/8/24 Fundraising for Phase 2 passes $5M!
3/1/24 Phase 2 construction passes 20%
2/1/24 Total Project Fundraising tops $10.4 M
9/28/23 City of San Diego Issues Building Permit for second phase!
8/1/23 State Awards $2.5 M for Construction
5/8/23 $4.68 M Fundraising Goal met for Phase 1