Following a long-overdue project to upgrade this much-loved park space, the City of San Diego is welcoming the community back to the renovated John F. Kennedy Park in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The park recently underwent a nearly $5 million improvement, providing a revitalized gathering space highlighted by new play structures and a picnic area. 

“John F. Kennedy Park has been a cornerstone of Lincoln Park for more than 50 years, and these long-awaited upgrades ensure it remains a welcoming and safe space for generations of San Diegans to come,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. ”These major improvements reflect what this community asked for, and what they deserve.” 

Improvements to the 54-year-old John F. Kennedy Park include new play structures, a restroom facility, a picnic shelter, fitness equipment, benches, trash and recycling receptacles, a drinking fountain, planting and irrigation upgrades, accessible on-street parking and additional security lighting, which residents identified as a priority through the project’s community-input process. 

The $4.9 million project was funded by Community Development Block Grant funds from fiscal years 2022 and 2024, state grant funds from fiscal year 2022, and Encanto Neighborhood Development Impact Fees from fiscal years 2018, 2019 and 2025. 

“This is a victory for our community,” said Councilmember Henry L. Foster III, who represents District 4. “In collaboration with residents and the Mayor’s Office, the Council District 4 team worked to revitalize and redevelop John F. Kennedy Neighborhood Park. We must continue to invest in District 4 and ensure we are providing a safe and enjoyable space for the community. Thank you to our community recreation boards and our residents for their advocacy and engagement. Our residents now have a high-quality recreational space that will uplift our neighborhood and positively impact the quality of life for generations to come." 

John F. Kennedy Park was originally constructed in 1971. Security lighting was added in 1978. Prior to this improvement project, which was managed by the Engineering and Capital Projects Department, the park had not undergone any major renovations since 1978. 

For more information about City Capital Improvements Program (CIP) projects, visit the CIP website or search for projects throughout the City using the CIP Project Map Viewer. 

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department manages over 40,000 acres of park assets, including more than 400 parks, 26 miles of shoreline, 60 recreation centers, 15 pools, 13 skate parks and plazas and three golf courses. For additional information about the City’s park system, visit the Parks and Recreation webpage.