Wednesday, October 8, 2025
The SDSU Mission Valley River Park has been recognized for its innovative and sustainable design, earning an Orchid Award in the Landscape Architecture category from the San Diego Architectural Foundation. The Orchids & Onions program celebrates excellence in architecture, planning, and urban design across the San Diego-Tijuana region
“We are honored that the River Park has been recognized as a model for ecological restoration, recreation, and community connection,” said Gina Jacobs, associate vice president of Mission Valley Development. “SDSU is proud to have made this important regional project a reality. We are grateful to our partners at Schmidt Design Group and Clark Construction and the many community members whose vision inspired the final design.”
Presented annually by the San Diego Architectural Foundation, the Orchids & Onions Awards encourage public engagement and conversation about the region’s built environment. Projects are nominated and selected by a jury for their outstanding design contributions, with awards spanning categories from architecture to landscape and urban planning.
At the heart of the SDSU Mission Valley development, the River Park transforms a portion of what once was one of the largest parking lots in the western U.S. into an 80-acre network of trails, sports fields, and open space along the San Diego River. “Designed as a ‘green sponge,’ the park captures and filters stormwater runoff before it reaches the river, improving water quality and reducing flood impacts,” said Mark Moss, associate at Schmidt Design Group.
The River Park was developed on property purchased by SDSU from the City of San Diego following voter approval of a ballot measure authorizing the sale. It is situated along the San Diego Trolley Green Line and had its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 6, 2024.
Floodable zones, native landscaping — including hundreds of oaks and sycamores — and river-inspired design features create a space that’s both functional and beautiful. Interpretive elements developed in collaboration with the Kumeyaay Nation celebrate the site’s cultural and ecological heritage, while solar pathway lighting and four miles of accessible trails make it a destination for all San Diegans.
“The River Park reflects SDSU’s commitment to sustainability and community stewardship,” said President Adela de la Torre. “It’s a walkable and beautiful place that connects people, nature, and culture in meaningful ways.”
The 2025 Orchids & Onions Awards Ceremony was Oct. 2 at VESPER in Liberty Station, celebrating projects that elevate the design landscape of the region. A full list of winners (including the dreaded onion awards) can be found online.
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