SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Mayor Todd Gloria joined local students, city staff and community volunteers on Friday for a park beautification project at Encanto Community Park, part of the City of San Diego’s “Ready, Set, Grow San Diego” initiative.
With the help of fourth-grade students from Encanto Elementary School, the team planted 27 new trees throughout the park, aiming to increase shade and enhance the natural beauty of the neighborhood. The effort is part of a broader push by the city to promote environmental equity and climate resilience across San Diego.
“This park beautification effort reflects our city’s commitment to environmental equity and climate resilience,” said Mayor Gloria. “Every tree we plant is an investment in a healthier, more vibrant community for generations to come.”
City crews from the Parks and Recreation Department and the Urban Forestry Program also worked alongside volunteers to repaint picnic tables and bleachers, clean up trash and graffiti, and spread mulch around the park’s trees and pathways.
“Thanks to our City staff and volunteers, we cleaned up the park and painted over graffiti that was on the playground,” said Andy Field, director of the Parks and Recreation Department. “It’s our goal to make all neighborhoods more welcoming and ensure every community in San Diego has access to beautiful outdoor spaces.”
The project also included clearing debris around the park’s Teen Center, which has been temporarily closed due to staffing shortages. City officials say the center is expected to reopen in the coming months. Additionally, the park’s multi-purpose field is slated for replacement.
The “Ready, Set, Grow San Diego” program is a five-year tree planting effort funded by a $10 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service. Since its launch, the initiative has led to the planting of over 2,200 trees in local communities, including Otay Mesa-Nestor, Bay Terraces, Paradise Hills, Linda Vista, City Heights, and now Encanto.
According to city officials, tree planting locations are selected based on census data and community input. Once planted, the City’s Transportation Department maintains and waters the trees for their first three years.
For more information on San Diego’s Urban Forestry Program, visit sandiego.gov/trees.
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