Revealed: New Parks Master Plan for San Diego

The second most populous city in California, San Diego, wants to revolutionize its approach to planning parks and open space.

1 minute read

May 4, 2020, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


San Diego Waterfront

f11photo / Shutterstock

"The city of San Diego is on the precipice of replacing a decades-old way of thinking about its parks, emphasizing quality over quantity in a new planning approach that could have profound effects on disadvantaged neighborhoods and older ones already built to capacity," reports Jennifer Van Grove. 

The evolution of parks planning in San Diego is encapsulated in a draft version of the city's new Parks Master Plan, released in April. The previous park plan for the city dates back to 1956. 

Among the foundational changes proposed by the draft Parks Master Plan is a points system for quantifying the access of residents to quality parks. Today, the city’s parks standard is 2.8 acres for every 1,000 people. "Going forward, the standard will be 12 points for every 1,000 residents, with points representing the recreational value of the park’s size, features, connection to transit or programming," according to Van Grove.

The city will seek input on the draft from the public until the end of May.


Friday, April 24, 2020 in The San Diego Union-Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of schoolyard in Oakland, California with newly planted trees, sports courts, and playground equipment.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds

With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

2 hours ago - FacilitiesNet

Power lines at golden hour with downtown Los Angeles in far background.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas

Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

3 hours ago - Los Angeles Times

Green roadside sign with white text reading "Entering Nez Perce Indian Reservation" against grassy field and blue sky.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship

In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.

4 hours ago - The Conversation