Help Us Create a Safe, Inclusive Playground for Pacific Beach Families.
For generations, Fanuel Street Park has been a gathering place for Pacific Beach families; where toddlers learned to climb, friendships formed in the sand, and community came alive along the shores of Mission Bay. Today, that experience has been dramatically diminished.
In August 2024, the City of San Diego removed Fanuel Park’s aging playground after determining the equipment was no longer safe due to severe corrosion and deterioration. While safety had to come first, the result has left families with very limited play options: a swing set, a few spring riders, and an open sand area. Even donated sand toys, of simple buckets and shovels that families once shared freely, were recently removed, further reducing opportunities for imaginative play.
Parents, caregivers, and longtime residents have expressed growing frustration over the lack of communication and the absence of a clear, near-term solution. Caregivers have emphasized the need for safer designs, improved accessibility, and better protection from nearby street traffic.
City officials have confirmed that while temporary spring toys may be installed, a full playground replacement requires a Capital Improvements Program (CIP) project; typically a four- to seven-year process dependent on funding approvals. As the City explores long-term options through the Mission Bay Improvement Fund, Fanuel Park’s youngest visitors are left waiting.
Families should not have to wait years for a safe and engaging place to play.
That’s why we are launching a community-led effort to rebuild Fanuel Park as a safe, inclusive, and developmentally rich playground; one that reflects the needs of the families who use it every day. In partnership with the City of San Diego, the project will include the demolition of the remaining outdated equipment and the installation of new, modern play structures, allowing us to move forward while longer-term City processes continue.
Our Vision: An Inclusive Playground for All
With your support, Fanuel Park can once again become a vibrant hub for children and families. The renovated playground will include:
A brand-new, ADA-compliant play structure welcoming children of all abilities
A dedicated toddler play zone for children under age 3, featuring secure, developmentally appropriate equipment that supports healthy growth and socialization
A community-centered gathering space where families can connect, play, and build memories for generations to come along Mission Bay
Help Us Reach Our Goal
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Goal: $70,000
to complete the project
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$10,000 matching gift has already been secured
Your donation will have twice the impact until the full match is met!
