Otay Valley Regional Park was founded in 1990 in a multi-planning effort between the County of San Diego, and the Cities of San Diego and Chula Vista to provide a clean and open space for the community.
While the park keeps being of great importance to the community, it needs some improvements and restorations.
Hence, a new grant was announced this past Friday in a community event to fund the revitalization of the Otay Valley Regional Park. The grant was presented to Urban Corps of San Diego County as part of Republic Services’ National Neighborhood Promise program.
Through a Press Release from the City, we received information and statements from their attendees.
Kyle Kennedy, CEO of Urban Corps of San Diego County shared, “Urban Corps is excited to receive this grant and looks forward to working with Republic Services, the local municipalities, and the community. Urban Corps offers a unique program where our Corpsmembers earn their high school diploma while they receive paid job training. This project will give our Corpsmembers valuable training and a sense of pride helping to keep the park and the surrounding areas safe and clean.”
Republic Services presented the Urban Corps of San Diego County with a $250,000 grant to fund extensive trail restoration, waste removal, and sustainability education for the Otay Valley Regional Park.
Risa Baron, Municipal Manager for Republic Services in San Diego stated, “This project is focused on restoring the native habitat surrounding the trail systems by removing trash and hazardous waste. We estimate that we will remove 500-600 tires, 2,000 pounds of electronic and hazardous waste, and an estimated 500,000 square feet of brush and non-native plantspecies.”
The Park is one of the major open space areas within Southern San Diego County and provides 8.3 miles of non-motorized, multi-use trails, seven ponds, and bird watching opportunities. There are also active recreational areas available.
The Promise Program aims to revitalize communities and the quality of life of residents through volunteer projects, monetary donations, and in-kind services. This year, a total of $2.5 million will be awarded to 12 nonprofit organizations making a lasting difference in local neighborhoods.
Moreover, through this program, Urban Corps and Republic Services are targeting to educate volunteers about environmentalism and sustainability.
