To highlight the new playground at Dennis V. Allen Park in the Mount Hope community, Mayor Todd Gloria and Council President Sean Elo-Rivera will visit the park on Saturday, July 29. The original playground at this well-loved community park was damaged by a fire in 2021, and a complete replacement of the structure was completed in March 2023. 

“Dennis V. Allen Park has long been a popular community gathering place for residents of Mount Hope and surrounding neighborhoods and I’m happy to see its play structure restored after being destroyed in an act of vandalism,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “All San Diegans deserve great community spaces and I’m committed to ensuring we invest in every neighborhood’s parks.” 

Following a tour of the new playground structure, Mayor Gloria and Council President Elo-Rivera will participate in the Peace in the Park Youth Summer Party and Backpack Giveaway, which is taking place at Dennis V. Allen Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The free event will include a rock-climbing wall, free food, arts and crafts, music and dance, community resources, and more.  

Dennis V. Allen Park was named in honor of the Black activist who founded the San Diego Race Relations Society. The park is a popular gathering space for residents of all ages with features including  the newly replaced playground, a nature exploration area, comfort station, picnic tables, a large grassy area and basketball courts. 

“Two and a half years ago, we entered office with an intention to provide every neighborhood in our District with the love and attention they deserve,” said Council President Sean Elo-Rivera. “This was especially important in Mount Hope, a community long neglected by our city. The new play structure at Dennis V. Allen Park and plans to significantly improve the facilities are examples of turning that attention into action. This park and its neighbors deserve so much more. I look forward to continue working with the residents of Mount Hope to help them realize their vision of a recreation center in this park which will provide even more resources and investment into this long-neglected community.”