About Grant Park

The Studio exterior and patio area

Grant Park: A new home for nature learning in Mission Valley

Located in the heart of Mission Valley is a 17 acre property that is known as Grant Park. With the San Diego River running through the property it is a wonderful place to engage in not only learning about the 52 mile river but also about the incredible ecosystem that is associated with it. From pine covered forest in the mile high mountains to the rich diversity which is the San Diego River Estuary, Grant Park seeks to advance regenerative nature and celebrate the river's past, present and future. It is owned and managed by The San Diego River Park Foundation, rather than being a public park.

STATUS: Limited opening

The 17 acre property is currently providing youth nature learning experiences, special programs and is available for rental.  We haven't yet fully opened to the general public as some required work has been delayed.  The great news is we just received the permit after more than 2 1/2 years so the work can be completed.

The first building completed is known as the River Studio. It is home for the River Park Foundation's Education Program.  It is where students will come indoors from their activities for hands-on activities including using digital microscopes. It is also home base for our Trout in the Classroom program.

We are excited to partner with the San Diego River Artists' Alliance who will display their work inside the Studio and support adding art to our activities at Grant Park.

Make a secure, online donation using PayPal.

Additional Details

Event Rentals at Grant Park

There are spaces available at Grant Park suitable for your next event, gathering, or any special occasion:

  • The Courtyard: 120 to 150 plus attendees.
  • The Studio: standing reception of 30 to 40 people.
  • The 120 seat Conrad Prebys Stage
  • The Arcade and Pavilion can accommodate 100 people for a sit down dinner

Contact Jake J. Romero, Senior Manager of Events and Engagement for information and pricing or call 619-297-7380.

IMG 5484
IMG 9535

Grant Park Project Overview

Grant Park is an exciting project that will grow over time in phases

  • Phase 1 - site grading, sidewalk, traffic lights, underground utilities and more.
  • Phase 2 - complete: constructing the 100 seat Conrad Prebys stage, a section of the San Diego River Pathway, gardens and the McGrath Family Commons.
  • River Studio - complete: Add the 1200 square foot River Studio building for a Learning Workshop, Restrooms and Storage.
  • Add a PV power generation station - complete
  • Future: expanded gardens, plant nursery, and elevated river boardwalk.

Grant Park Summary

  • 17 acre site in Mission Valley with river running through it
  • Former sand mining site transformed to nature park
  • With 70,000+ students at schools within a 15 minute travel time, the goal is to provide programming for 10,000 students annually
  • 100 seat Conrad Prebys Experience Stage
  • McGrath Family Commons for neighborhood events and more
  • Sustainable and accessible design
  • Multiple locations for small group learning
  • 13+ acres available for field study
  • Touch tank and other interactive exhibits
  • Key location along regional San Diego River Trail
  • Interpretive elements with emphasis on the San Diego River as a living resource
  • Park amenities, gardens, and more

Additional Opportunities for Support

Scroll down for more details.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about these opportunities, contact our Senior Manager of Major Giving and Government Relations, Pat Rice, at 619-297-7380 or by email.

Leadership Circle

For anyone who can make a transformative gift, we have created a special opportunity to recognize your impact. This recognition is for cumulative giving including special naming opportunities.

$100,000 - Leadership Circle
Benefits: in addition to being prominently recognized on the project's donor appreciation sign,  your generous gift will be recognized at the planned Leadership Circle located in the future Entry Meadow.

$200,000 - President's Circle
Benefits: same as Leadership Circle but with the most prominent recognition.

River Society - $5000 or more

Donate now or make a pledge for up to 3 years

River Society members will be invited to special events and receive permanent recognition on the entry courtyard appreciation sign (unless you select a unique naming opportunity)

$5000 - River Club
Benefits: be recognized on the permanent courtyard appreciation sign.

$10,000 - Park Partners
Benefits: more prominent recognition sign.

$25,000 and up - Founder's Circle
Contact the River Park Foundation team, and we can discuss with you the opportunities at this level.

Naming Opportunities

Naming Opportunities - There are limited number of unique naming opportunities available:

  • Entry Courtyard - $80,000
  • Deer Grass Meadow - TAKEN!
  • Critter Walk - TAKEN!
  • Water Feature - TAKEN!
  • Entire River Studio Building - call us to discuss!
  • Art Garden - call us to discuss

Special Thanks to our President's Circle Donors

  • Vantile Company, LLC
  • Alta Company, LLC
  • Philip Pryde
  • An anonymous gift
  • State of California
  • The SDG&E Community Investment Fund at The San Diego Foundation
  • Conrad Prebys Foundation
  • Tom and Cookie Sudberry
  • Quarry Falls, LLC
  • Hervey Family Fund at the San Diego Foundation
  • McGrath Family Foundation

Join Our Newsletter

Stay up the date and be the first to know about upcoming events.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.