New designation grants neighborhood treasure restoration and preservation benefits

The California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Office of Historic Preservation announces that Chicano Park has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and in the California Register of Historical Resources.

“This is an exciting accomplishment not only for the community but the region as a whole,” said Assemblymember Ben Hueso. “Chicano Park is much more than a neighborhood park, it is the cornerstone of San Diego’s Mexican-American heritage and legacy.”

This special designation means Chicano Park has been recognized as a national cultural resource worthy for preservation and protection from adverse effects resulting from federally funded or licensed projects. The listing also provides a number of incentives for the preservation of the Park including special building codes to facilitate the restoration of historic structures, and certain tax advantages.

“Chicano Park is a symbol of great pride for the community, an example of the great things that can be accomplished when a neighborhood comes together for a common cause,” added Hueso whose father was an active member of the community organization that advocated for the creation of the park.

Chicano Park is located in San Diego’s community of Barrio Logan previously known as Logan Heights. Mexican-Americans settled in the area as early as the 1890s. At one point in its history, Logan Heights had contained the “second largest Chicano Barrio community on the west coast, with a population of almost twenty thousand.” The neighborhood suffered many negative impacts including losing access to the waterfront, zoning laws that brought in industrial uses and the addition of Interstate 5 and later the Coronado Bay Bridge which bisected the Barrio. The residents united in efforts to advocate for a neighborhood park under the Coronado bridge pylons. After several years of obstacles, the community’s determination and activism accomplished their goals and Chicano Park became a reality with legislation authored by Assemblymembers Peter Chacon and Wadie Deddeh. Celebrations of Chicano Park Day have been held annually since 1971 to commemorate the park takeover on April 22, 1970.