The newly opened Progress Park at the foot of Broadway (By Frank Sabatini Jr.)

A Park is Born

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

The corner of Broadway and North Harbor Drive just got a little greener with the opening of Progress Park, a quaint 1.5-acre public space situated in relaxing eye shot of San Diego Bay.

The downtown park is a perk to the up-and-coming Research and Development District (RaDD), which will span six city blocks once it is completed. RaDD will include several office buildings for science research and with ample ground-level spaces for retailers. Its developer, IQHQ, is sinking nearly $2 billion into the project, which included funding for Progress Park’s creation and maintenance.

Serving as the park’s focal point is a curvy metal sculpture titled, “Shhh Pavilion: The Hopekeeper.” The art piece swoops over a slightly raised concrete slab that will be used to stage live performances and other activities. Opposite the sculpture are tiered grassy steps that provide amphitheater-type seating for taking in such entertainment – or for enjoying a breather after hoofing around the waterfront and San Diego’s downtown streets. 

The park is open from 6:00a to 10:00p daily. Alcohol and off-leash dogs are not permitted.