CONNECT with the CityEquity in Parks and Recreation
Department Mission: To provide healthy, sustainable, and enriching environments for all.
Department Vision: To connect all to the City's diverse, world-class park system.
Equity: Occurs when we eliminate institutional racism and systemic disparities, providing everyone with equitable access to opportunity and resources to thrive, no matter where they live or how they identify.
The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to advancing equity by ensuring that all community members - regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, or income - have fair and full access to safe, welcoming, and inclusive parks, programs, and recreational spaces. We recognize that historical and systemic barriers have limited access for many communities, and we are dedicated to addressing these inequities through intentional planning, inclusive engagement, and equitable investment. Our mission is to foster a sense of belonging and well-being by creating opportunities that reflect the diversity of our city and meet the unique needs of all residents.
Equity Framework
Parks for All of Us
Annual revenue collected and allocated for equitable programming.
Explore Parks & Recreation Offerings:
Get Involved, Learn and Play
Community Recreation Needs Assessment
City of San Diego is conducting a Community Recreation Needs Assessment with the help of Keen Independent Inc.
Giving Back to Make a Difference.
The Parks and Recreation Department believes in the power of giving back. Our philanthropic efforts are driven by a deep commitment to creating positive change in the communities where we live and work. Whether through charitable donations, volunteer initiatives, or partnerships with impactful nonprofit organizations, we strive to support causes that align with our values and provide a public benefit for all. Here are some organizations that give back to the Department:
Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation
Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego
The Park Talk SD meeting will be held bi-monthly on the 1st Wednesday of the month beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. Meetings will be held in the following months: January, March, May, July, September, and November. More information and zoom link can be found on the website.
Learn more about the events the City of San Diego has scheduled this month.
The City of San Diego, Parks and Recreation Department, AgeWell Services enhances the lives of older adults by providing opportunities for social interaction, recreation, health and wellness, education, community enrichment, and volunteerism. AWS’s goal is to facilitate social interaction, promote lifelong learning, encourage creative expression, enhance physical fitness and well-being, and enable successful aging for adults age 60 and over.
Did you know the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department offers reduced activity fees for income qualified participants? The goal of the fee waiver program is to minimize financial barriers for low-income residents to participate in recreation and aquatic programs.
Performance Audit of Equity in Recreation Programming 22-005
In November 2021, a Performance Audit of Equity in Recreation Programming 22-005 was conducted with recommendations for the Parks and Recreation Department to work on. On-going efforts continue by the Department. Visit Office of the City Auditor's dashboard to see progress made on audit recommendations to date. Click the link below, filter by department and select Parks and Recreation.
Therapeutic Recreation Services
The City of San Diego, Parks and Recreation Department, Therapeutic Recreation Services, provides therapeutic recreation programs for children and adults with any type of disability. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) work with participants on social and recreational skill development, leisure education, appropriate behavior, and recreation participation in inclusive environments
The City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of youth sports programs year-round at recreation centers throughout the city. Available sports include basketball, soccer, volleyball, futsal, softball, and flag football. These programs are designed to introduce children to organized sports in a positive and supportive setting. With a focus on affordability, they provide youth with valuable opportunities to stay physically active, build skills, and foster social connections.
Learn More about the Pools and Aquatic Programs the City has available.
Learn more about the Recreation Centers and Programs the City has available.
The City of San Diego's Parks and Recreation Department operates three municipal golf courses Torry Pines, Balboa Park, and Mission Bay Golf Course and Practice Center.