National City’s Pepper Park Reopens With Splash Pad and Pirate-Themed Playground

NATIONAL CITY, Calif. — Families seeking waterfront recreation in South County can use new public amenities at Pepper Park, where the Port of San Diego and National City celebrated completion of a major first phase of improvements in March 2026.

A Port of San Diego release dated March 19 confirms a ribbon cutting for the roughly $8 million project, which introduced the Port’s first splash pad, a pirate-themed playground, a shaded sand area, an overlook terrace, a hillside play area and a new entrance plaza.

What was already there?

The original approximately 5.2-acre park sits near Pier 32 Marina and has a boat launch, picnic areas, restrooms, a fishing pier, lawn space and an aquatic center. These features remain part of the waterfront park, according to the Port.

Completed work versus future plans

The new splash pad and playground were part of Phase 1, which the Port says was completed in spring 2026. A further roughly 2.5-acre expansion is contemplated under the broader Bayfront plan but remains contingent on additional financing. Readers should not assume that larger expansion is already open.

Before visiting

Residents should confirm any temporary maintenance or splash pad operating restrictions through the official waterfront project page. Waterside activities have different safety considerations from play areas, and families should follow posted restrictions at the fishing pier and boat launch.

Illustrative photograph: Huang Jiang / Unsplash. A water play area elsewhere; not Pepper Park’s splash pad.

Sources: Port of San Diego, March 19, 2026 opening announcement; Port project status page.

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