River Studio at Grant Park almost ready to open!

Grant Park and its new River Studio are almost ready to open by the San Diego River!

Finishing touches are being put on the public park and educational center in Mission Valley. The River Studio at Grant Park will start educating local school students in mid-October.

As you can see from today’s photos, sun-filled Grant Park is receiving new greenery, while its amphitheater, shade structure and River Studio building have already been completed.

Over a year ago, before much construction had begun, I posted photos of a tour of the site and wrote about the initial plans. At the beginning of this year I walked outside the project again and posted these photos of work underway.

If you’re curious about the mountain lion and bear in today’s photos–the sculptures will be positioned inside the park to delight visitors. Grass and native plants will fill the outdoor spaces. You’ll notice I spotted some tile art created by kids, too!

(You might find it confusing–the project has also been called “The San Diego River Discovery Center at Grant Park” and “San Diego River Center at Grant Park.”)

Approaching the outdoor amphitheater and River Studio from the nearby parking lot…

Grant Park dedicated July 25, 2025.

The amphitheater is home to The Conrad Prebys Stage. Kids will learn about the San Diego River and its life here.

A beautiful fountain at one end of the amphitheater.

Looking across Grant Park areas that still need to be planted.

Turn left here and what will you encounter?

A bear!

Bears no longer live around here. Human activity is to blame.

Walking beside the McGrath Family Commons. There will be a big grassy area ideal for picnics or play.

A shady place to sit, while gazing out at nature and river vegetation.

Walking along. A friendly worker was busy digging holes and putting in plants.

Wooden benches for relaxation.

Here’s that tile art I mentioned. Each tile depicts a river plant or creature…

Those vertical posts to the right of the River Studio will support a shady canopy.

Now let’s walk back to the River Studio…

I was privileged to be shown the interior of the River Studio, where student groups will learn about the San Diego River environment.

Students from local schools will observe the effects of urban runoff. Using microscopes they’ll examine water samples. They’ll learn how the organisms they observe reflect the health of the nearby river.

Those aquariums will contain live fish.

Also inside the River Studio, there’s a gallery wall with art created by members of the San Diego River Artists Alliance. The group celebrates the San Diego River ecosystem.

The works of art will change from time to time and will be available for purchase. Sales will help fund the San Diego River Park Foundation.

When it finally opens in mid-October, this important addition to Mission Valley is going to be amazing!

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