Iconic city-owned facility to be managed and programed by Westfield.
SAN DIEGO – The highly anticipated grand re-opening of Horton Plaza Park will take place on May 4, 2016 to officially launch Downtown San Diego’s newest and most exciting outdoor venue. Located in the heart of Downtown San Diego adjacent to Westfield Horton Plaza Shopping Center, Horton Plaza Park will serve as a dynamic urban plaza where San Diego residents and visitors can gather or rent for major celebrations and events.
“The expanded Horton Plaza Park is going to be a true civic treasure. I am looking forward to celebrating the grand opening with the entire community,” said Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer.
The grand opening will feature a two-part celebration, highlighting the start of a 25-year public-private partnership between the City of San Diego and Westfield. The afternoon portion will consist of a ribbon-cutting with the Mayor and community leaders, followed by a larger community celebration in the evening. The community celebration will include live music, art and entertainment, featuring an internationally renowned performer and artist (to be announced at a later date). Both events will be free and open to the public.
When completed, Horton Plaza Park will be a highly visible and utilized public resource for both visitors and residents to enjoy. Open seven days a week, free of charge, the 53,000-square-foot city-owned facility will be programed and managed by Westfield, who will be responsible for activating the Park with 75 events initially, growing to more than 200 events each year. Daily activities will range from lunch time concerts to cultural festivals, holiday celebrations, weddings and movie screenings. To kick-start programming at the Park, Westfield will launch two programs – “Plaza Play” and “Park Unplugged.” “Plaza Play” will feature life-size games and will encourage community members to engage with each other through friendly competitions and challenges. “Park Unplugged” will feature local musicians performing in the Park.
“This is not a ‘park’ in the traditional sense, rather a world-class urban plaza and entertainment destination in the heart of the Gaslamp,” said Westfield’s Vice President of Development Kim Brewer. “Westfield is committed to working with local organizations to ensure the Park celebrates San Diego’s diverse culture, spirit and community traditions.”
The 53,000-square-foot Park will contain a number of first-class amenities, including:
- Three food and beverage Pavilions, with partners including Starbucks, Bruxie and Sloan’s Ice Cream (as well as a trellised patio and seating at each Pavilion)
- The Irving Gill Fountain, one of San Diego’s oldest civic landmarks that has been restored to its original condition from the early 1900s
- An amphitheater perfectly suited for live performances, an interactive pop-jet fountain and eight iconic 23-foot tall color-changing light sculptures
Horton Plaza Park will play host to recreational, cultural, educational and promotional events for the community, with a capacity of more than 5,000 people. In addition to being a public facility, Horton Plaza Park will be available to rent for private functions. Westfield has launched an events calendar reservation system on its website to manage requests. Westfield and the city are finalizing a non-profit rate program to encourage local civic and community organizations to utilize the venue.
Grand opening details and festivities will soon be announced.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
