ILDICA COUNTY PARK

About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Ildica County Park is a new, neighborhood recreation space in Spring Valley, California that was created to expand access to outdoor recreation experiences in one of San Diego County’s park-deficient communities. Designs for the park were informed by ongoing engagement with local residents, including nearby schools, to understand community needs. Based on these conversations, the program for Ildica County Park includes accessible parking and paths, shaded picnic and play areas, exercise equipment, looped strolling paths, site lighting for safety and security, and a community garden to be utilized by neighbors and school groups. To advance County-wide sustainability measures, 22 native trees were planted onsite to provide shade, support wildlife, help grow San Diego’s tree canopy, and expand drought-tolerant landscaping and irrigation. The outcome is an activated community space for park-goers of all ages, interests and abilities to enjoy in a region that has been historically underserved in terms of park access.