SeaWorld Settlement to Fund Major San Diego Park Upgrades

San Diego is reinvesting nearly $7.9 million from a legal settlement with SeaWorld into long-overdue enhancements at city parks, bringing cleaner restrooms, improved playgrounds, and increased accessibility to neighborhoods across the city.

Legal Settlement Leads to Community Investment

The San Diego City Council has approved the allocation of $7.9 million from a legal settlement with SeaWorld to fund park improvement projects at 11 locations throughout the city. The money comes from an $8.5 million settlement reached in January over unpaid lease payments by SeaWorld dating back to 2020.

A portion of the funds—approximately $560,000—has already been used to cover budget shortfalls from previous fiscal years. The remaining dollars are now being directed toward projects already in the design or construction phases, all of which aim to improve the experience for both residents and visitors.

Major Upgrades at Robb Field and Beyond

The largest share of funding—$3.6 million—will go to Robb Field in Ocean Beach. The site will receive upgraded restrooms and playgrounds, addressing concerns voiced by the local community for years.

“San Diegans have been asking for new bathrooms, safer playgrounds, and upgraded facilities — and that’s exactly what we’re delivering,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “These are real improvements that will make our parks cleaner, safer, and better for everyone.”

The Robb Field project, which was approved in April 2024, is currently in the design phase. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025.

Additional Park Projects in Mission Bay and Citywide

Other Mission Bay-area upgrades receiving funding include:

$235,000 for improvements to the South De Anza basketball courts and parking lot, with work beginning July 2025

$719,629 for restroom, playground, and parking lot improvements at Dusty Rhodes Park, set to begin January 2026

In addition, approximately $2.8 million will support projects under the San Diego Regional Park Improvement Fund, including:

Restroom upgrades at Organ Pavilion, Spanish Village, and Morley Field in Balboa Park

Electrical system upgrades at Chollas Lake

Replacement of missing and damaged wooden pier piles at Crystal Pier

Sidewalk repairs at Ellen Browning Scripps Park

Restoration of the historic barn at the Rancho Peñasquitos Equestrian Center

ADA-accessibility upgrades at Mountain View sports courts

General park improvements at the West Sycamore Staging Area

A Win for Neighborhoods Across San Diego

The decision by the City Council reflects a growing push to reinvest in aging park infrastructure. Many of these public spaces have suffered from delayed maintenance or underfunding in past years. With funding now secured, the city is prioritizing shovel-ready projects that directly enhance quality of life.

The SeaWorld settlement represents a unique opportunity to fund these improvements without requiring additional taxpayer dollars. Officials say the projects were chosen based on community impact and readiness to proceed.

SeaWorld Still Faces Court Action Over Unrelated Consumer Case

While the lease dispute has been resolved, SeaWorld San Diego is also scheduled to appear in court in August over a $1.5 million consumer protection case related to the automatic renewal of annual passes, though this is unrelated to the settlement funding the park upgrades.

Looking Ahead

With construction timelines ranging from 2025 to 2026, San Diego residents can expect visible improvements in parks across the city in the near future. As the city continues to grow and welcome more visitors, these upgrades reflect a commitment to maintaining clean, safe, and inclusive public spaces.

From Ocean Beach to Balboa Park, this is a reinvestment in community well-being — funded not by new taxes, but by holding corporate partners accountable.