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Mayor Gloria Secures Approval to Rename City Park in Honor of Officer Austin Machitar
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES RENAMING NORTH CLAIREMONT COMMUNITY PARK AFTER FALLEN POLICE OFFICER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 15, 2025
CONTACT:
MayorPress@sandiego.gov
SAN DIEGO – North Clairemont Community Park will be renamed Officer Austin Machitar Memorial Park with the unanimous approval of the City of San Diego’s Parks and Recreation Board of Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposal. The renaming honors San Diego Police Officer Machitar, who lost his life in the line of duty on Aug. 26, 2024, while on patrol in the Clairemont community.
Mayor Gloria initiated the renaming process as a way to recognize the officer’s service, leadership, and dedication to public safety. Officer Machitar served in the San Diego Police Department’s Northern Division for more than five years and was a field training officer who helped mentor new recruits.
“I promised Officer Machitar’s family that I would never let our city forget the sacrifice he made in service to our community,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “Renaming this park in the neighborhood he served is a meaningful way for us to honor his memory and ensure future generations know the legacy he left.”
The park, located at 4421 Bannock Avenue, was selected because of its proximity to where Officer Machitar served and the deep ties he had to the Clairemont neighborhood. The proposed renaming received strong support from the Clairemont Community Planning Group, the Greater North Clairemont Community Recreation Group, the Clairemont Town Council, Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, and the San Diego Police Officers Association.
“The Police Officers Association is proud to contribute to this remembrance of Officer Machitar, who tragically gave his life protecting San Diego,” said POA President Jared Wilson. “We thank the Mayor and all the community partners who have helped ensure we have a permanent memorial that honors the commitment, generosity and dedication his time on the force represents.”
The City is working with the San Diego Police Officers Association, which is donating funds for new signage and related updates at the park that are expected to be completed this summer.
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