Downtown News Staff

A new waterfront park, the City’s 18th, was dedicated at 10 a.m.today, on Thursday, Sept. 20.

Located at the southwest corner of Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway just west of Seaport Village, Ruocco Park includes public artwork provided by local artist Roman De Salvo.

Called “The Riparium,” the 45 feet high and 70 feet wide installation is comprised of an abstract network of large eucalyptus tree branches that span the park’s entrance, acting as an access gateway to its many trees, benches, and quiet contemplative areas.

The 3.3 acre park was named for Lloyd and Ilse Ruocco, who established a trust 25-years ago to create a public park that would have an outstanding urban design.

Administered by the San Diego Foundation, the $3.5 million endowment was awarded to the Port in 2008.

Ruocco spent his career in San Diego as a prominent architect, having designed dozens of homes and buildings, most notably the County Administration Building, San Diego Civic Theater, and the Institute of Physics and Planetary Physics at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, among many others.

He is also credited with bringing the modern architectural movement to San Diego.

Mayor Jerry Sanders, Council President Pro Tem Kevin Faulconer, Councilmember Todd Gloria, Port Board Chair Lou Smith and San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox will all be on hand for the dedication.

The park was designed by Dennis Otsuji of San Diego firm ONA and Associates, Inc., and included many of the elements the Ruoccos personally requested at the time they started the fund.

In addition to the $3.5 million from the  Ruocco Fund, the Port contributed $3.8 million to demolish the former Harbor Seafood Mart and construct a basic park. The Ruocco Fund contribution was used to enhance the basic design and provide landscape, lighting and other upgrades.

The park will be maintained by the Port of San Diego.

For more information about the park, its donors, or to view a video of the dedication ceremony, click here: ruocco park.