Mayor Todd Gloria was joined today by San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn and the San Diego AIDS Memorial Task Force to celebrate the completion of Olive Street Park in Bankers Hill and Phase 1 of the City’s first AIDS memorial.  

“Olive Street Park represents the culmination of nearly three decades of work and advocacy to create a memorial to honor those impacted by the AIDS epidemic,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “I’m grateful to our LGBTQ community for their vision and persistence in creating a space that’s much more than just a park; it is a living tribute to love, resilience, and hope.” 

The nearly three-quarter-acre park sits on what was previously an empty lot at the intersection of Olive Street and Third Avenue. This $2.3 million project includes the AIDS memorial, a new playground for children of all ages, fitness equipment, an open lawn area, landscaping, lighting, a drinking fountain, and ADA-compliant pathways to facilitate access for all users, along with an overlook deck to enjoy views of Maple Canyon below.  

The pathway that leads through the park and out to the overlook deck is designed in the shape of a ribbon, symbolizing the red ribbon that has long been used to help raise awareness of AIDS and those living with the disease. 

The park features a tribute to honor the nearly 10,000 San Diegans who have lost their lives to AIDS. Phase 1 of this memorial includes boulders featuring names of organizations and individuals who worked to improve the lives of San Diegans living with AIDS and panels describing the history of AIDS in San Diego. Phase 2 of the memorial will include an installation bearing the names of people who lost their lives to AIDS to honor their memory.  

“The opening of Olive Street Park, which features the first-ever AIDS Memorial in San Diego, is a powerful tribute to those we've lost and a celebration of resilience”, said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents District 3. “This park is a testament to the hard work and dedication of City staff and community advocates, whose efforts brought this meaningful space to life. Its thoughtful design honors history, fosters reflection, and creates a lasting symbol of hope and community for generations to come.”

The City’s project team coordinated the AIDS memorial component of this project under the vision of the San Diego AIDS Memorial Task Force. Memorial boulders and interpretive panels are located throughout the park, sharing the history of the AIDS crisis in San Diego and honoring the many people and organizations who have served those living with AIDS.  

The idea to build an AIDS memorial in San Diego has been around since the early 1990s; the creation of this memorial is the culmination of nearly 30 years of work and community activism. 

“After over 40 years of lobbying for an AIDS memorial, today San Diego has joined major cities across the world in remembering the over 9,000 men, women and children who have died of AIDS in our region,” said City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez, founder/co-chair of the San Diego AIDS Memorial Task Force. “What is also important to remember today is that we must not forget that there is still no cure for AIDS and the fight continues to find a cure.” 

An additional component of the AIDS memorial is in the works. The AIDS Memorial Task Force has commissioned an artist to work with the Commission for Arts & Culture to create and donate an installation memorializing and honoring the names of individuals who lost their lives to AIDS. The installation is expected to be completed by the next World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, 2025.