Cool community features continue rolling into the downtown San Diego area with the inauguration of the chess area at Waterfront Park located next to the downtown County Administration Center. The inauguration of the new recreational area was coupled with a tournament and a ribbon cutting ceremony. Board of Supervisors Chairman Nathan Fletcher cut the ribbon with the assistance of young chess players ready to compete in the park.
The tournament included 36 competitors competing in three different age groups. Second place winners in each age group were awarded a $25 gift card while first place winners received a $50 gift card and a trophy. All participants also received their own commemorative chess board sets.
In walking distance from San Diego downtown condos, anyone interested in playing chess at Waterfront Park is more than welcome to. The tables are located right next to the playground near the corner of Pacific Highway and Ash Street. There is one ADA accessible table. Pieces are checked out on a first-come, first-served basis and can be collected anytime between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day at the south entrance of the County Administration Center.
The chess tables are just a small addition to a larger renovation expected to take place at Waterfront Park. The park, which opened back in 2014, will be renovated to include a dog park, exercise equipment, a T-ball area, and pickleball and basketball courts. After nearly two years of lockdowns and the uncertainty of the pandemic, outdoor recreational activity will be good for the downtown San Diego community.
Park improvements are expected to be made by the spring of next year, according to the county’s parks and recreation department, though no date has been set in stone. While downtown residents wait for the completion of Waterfront Park, they can still enjoy the many features including the interactive splash fountain, intimate garden rooms, and several picnic areas.