Parks and Rec

County Opens Trail and Community Garden at Sweetwater County Park

Ribbon cutting at Sweetwater
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Hikers and urban farmers have reason to celebrate two new features at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, after County Parks and Recreation opened a new trail and a community garden on Saturday.

Dozens of community members attended the event that featured a ranger-led hike, self-guided tours of the garden and ribbon-cutting ceremonies with County Supervisor Greg Cox.

“These new additions improve park access and boost opportunities to recreate and connect with one another,” said Parks and Recreation Department Director Brian Albright.

Community Garden

Sweetwater community gardenThe community garden supports sustainable living by providing rented space for residents to work the land and grow fresh and healthy food for personal consumption. It spans approximately 3 acres and consists of 200 reservable garden plots. Most of the plots are 20 by 20 feet in size. The community garden at Sweetwater is the County’s fourth public garden project, joining gardens at Los Penasquitos Canyon County PreserveRancho Guajome Adobe and another at Tijuana River Valley Regional Park.

Reservations for plots in the Sweetwater Community Garden will open soon. Please contact Parks staff at 619-472-7572 for more information.

Glen Abbey Trail

Trail at Sweetwater ParkShort and steep, the Glen Abbey Trail climbs 0.6 miles from the Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary off Bonita Road. On a clear day, the trail offers views of the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge and Point Loma. At the top, this new County trail connects to an already expansive trail network operated by the City of Chula Vista, connecting a major thoroughfare to paths frequented by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. 

Glen Abbey Trail will be open sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, and maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation. A kiosk will highlight trail information, policies and local wildlife information including mule deer, red-tailed hawks and the protected least Bell’s vireo—a small songbird.

Sweetwater Summit in Bonita is a 500-acre regional park offering camping, play areas and 15 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Parking is $3.

Michelle Mowad is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact