Rancho Bernardo Community Park Unveils New Multipurpose Fields

After a decade of neglect, the former lawn bowling green at Rancho Bernardo Community Park has been transformed into vibrant multipurpose fields, marking a significant enhancement to San Diego's recreational facilities.

On July 15, a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the opening of fields 9 and 10. Among the attendees were enthusiastic youth from the Friday Night Lights North San Diego flag football league, who eagerly took to the new fields, tossing footballs and enjoying the fresh turf.

Observing the scene, Robin Kaufman, President of the RB Community Recreation Group, remarked, "This is exactly the kind of community engagement we envisioned for this space." She emphasized that the 38-acre park along West Bernardo Drive is now better equipped to serve visitors of all ages.

The transformation was made possible by an anonymous Rancho Bernardo resident's generous donation of $250,000 to the San Diego Parks Foundation last August. Initially, the city had planned to fund the project, but resources were redirected to address recovery efforts following the January 2024 floods in southern San Diego.

Leona Sublett, President and CEO of the San Diego Parks Foundation, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project. "This is a testament to what we can achieve when the community, city, and generous donors come together," she said. "The new fields are a multipurpose space that can be enjoyed by everyone."

The journey to repurpose the space began in October 2019 when the Rancho Bernardo Community Recreation Group designated the area for multi-sports courts. After various proposals fell through due to funding challenges and pandemic-related delays, the focus shifted to creating multipurpose grass fields. This decision addressed the community's need for versatile recreational spaces, especially given the 30-acre deficit in community park space in Rancho Bernardo.

Kaufman noted that the new fields would serve multiple purposes beyond sports. Families can use them for picnics, and events like summer movie nights and the Spring Fling egg hunt could be hosted there. "This would be the perfect space for it," she added.

Eric Young, senior policy adviser for San Diego Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, emphasized the broader impact of the project. "This turf field is not just a patch of green grass," he said. "It is a living and breathing example of what it means to invest in the community—a place where kids can play, families will gather, and neighbors will build relationships and healthy habits."

The new fields have already received positive feedback from the community. Liz Hartman, a Poway resident whose twin daughters play flag football in the park, expressed her excitement. "I noticed this bare area when my kids came to play soccer and flag football. Now it is a wonderful space that is usable," she said. "There is a lot going on in this park, and I'm excited there is more space for the kids and adults."

Surrounding the two fields, separated by a sidewalk, are 12 benches—six for each field—and a couple of water fountains, enhancing the park's amenities.

The Friday Night Lights North San Diego league, which includes around 1,400 youths from various communities such as Rancho Bernardo, Poway, 4S Ranch, and Escondido, will benefit significantly from the additional space. The league spans ages from kindergarten through high school, and the new fields will help accommodate the growing demand for practice and game venues.

As San Diego continues to invest in its parks and recreational facilities, the revitalization of Rancho Bernardo Community Park stands as a shining example of community collaboration and commitment to enhancing public spaces.