thelog.com
Celebration marks opening of San Pedro’s Downtown Harbor plaza
By John W. Scafetta
SAN PEDRO — Following more than two years of construction, officials from the port community unveiled the Downtown Harbor and Town Square June 20 at a public opening. The 1.2 acre project, brimming with
boardwalk space, a bustling plaza, water cuts and a paved gathering spot, transformed what once was a parking lot into a $32 million visitor destina- tion. “It’s very exciting,” said Jill
Shimamoto, the port’s construction manager. “Of all the projects that were planned for the waterfront, the com- munity wanted this one. This is consid- ered the heart of downtown. It really ties in downtown San Pedro to the water.”
The grand opening included a per-
formance by surf band The Riptide, who played a set on a barge offshore, and city councilman Joe Buscaino, pro- vided a public address. Rachel Campbell, the port’s media relations manager, said the estimated atten- dance for the grand opening was 2,500 people.
Shimamoto said the ultimate goal of
the project is to bring visitors closer to the water and connect the downtown district to the waterfront. “The L.A. Waterfront is happening,”
said Gary Lee Moore, interim executive director of the Port of Los Angeles. “We are really trying to make that connec- tion with all of the local communities to come down, visit this area and enjoy the waterfront as a new destination.” Tucked between the Los Angeles
Maritime Museum to the south and Fire Station 112 to the north, the town square features a pedestrian prome- nade, trees and landscaping, decora- tive lighting, a picnic area and an overlook pier. The district will likely be the site for downtown concerts, festivals and holiday gatherings. The plaza area, according to Jonathan Cuevas, the project manager for the Port, can hold up to 5,000 people for an open concert style event. Visitors will also benefit from
direct access to the Maritime Museum, which had been interrupted during much of the construction process. Improved parking will assist those looking to visit the Battleship
San Pedro’s Downtown Harbor and Town Square opened June 20 to an estimated 2,500 people in attendance. The 1.2 acre project has sparked excitement near the waterfront area and includes a new boardwalk space, plaza, water cuts and much more.
USS Iowa. “As part of this project, we also
created a pedestrian path from the Harbor Boulevard Parkway to the Iowa,” Shimamoto said. “Prior to that, it was only accessible driving through the terminal parking lot. There wasn’t a safe way for people to walk and just come down here for the day. Now you can just walk to the Iowa, buy a ticket and go visit it.” Also constructed was wooden
recreational dock space where boaters can dock for free in seven different spaces daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Approximately 17 40-foot boats can
dock in the area. Vessel size is limited to 100 feet and and the four-hour limit is on a 24-hour basis. Shimamoto added that the dock also provides water and elec- tricity to boaters. “It’s making this whole San Pedro
area accessible not only by driving … but now you can access it by boat,” Shimamoto said. “So if the Wilmington boaters want to come down from the Wilmington marinas, they can just spend the day.” Initially proposed in 2003, the proj-
ect is part of San Pedro’s larger plan to redevelop an 8-mile-long stretch of land on the waterfront.
The Log • August 1-14, 2014 • 3
You’re invited to Chula Vista Marina’s Third Annual
“It’s 5 o’Clock Somewhere” Party & Dinghy Poker Run Saturday, August 9th
The party starts at 5 pm at the Sunset Firepit Pavilion (at the RV Resort), complete with cold Coronas and BBQ short ribs with all the fixings. Get ready for fun with the Jimmy Buffet/Bob Marley-style music of Joe’s Island Band.
And, before the party, enjoy the day with fellow Parrot Heads in our Dinghy Poker Run with prizes for best hands (last
year’s run was incredible!).
All Guest Dockers are invited to the Party and Dinghy Poker Run (just like regular tenants). Space is limited so make your reservations early at 619-691-1860 or
boatslips@cvmarina.com.
Dress is Island Casual - Parrot Hats optional.
CHULA VISTA MARINA • 619-862-2819 •
www.cvmarina.com 550 Marina Parkway • Chula Vista, California 91910 •
boatslips@cvmarina.com
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