Parks and Rec

Zip by the Bay and Celebrate Art, Mom and Summer!

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Take your mom to a Mother’s Day celebration to remember – one with the unveiling of colorful statues created by a world-famous artist, a special Mom Zone and, for your more adventurous types a 50-foot-high zip line crossing part of the Waterfront Park.

Add music, entertainment, bounce houses, Mother’s Day crafts for children, games and more and the whole family can enjoy this free special kickoff to summer.

The festivities begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 10, on the southeast section of the park with the unveiling of two of three large art sculptures created by the late French artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The outdoor sculptures are made of fiberglass, stones, glass, mirrors and ceramic tiles and range in height from nine to 18 feet tall. Children are invited to explore the ins and outs of one statue. Another sculpture honors a longtime baseball legend in San Diego, and the third on the park’s north side is aptly named “The Magic Serpent Tree.”

“We have a Board policy that encourages the use of public art as part of new building projects,” said County Supervisor Ron Roberts. “Our newest park, the Waterfront Park, will now be able to showcase these magnificent works for years to come and I want to personally thank the Niki Charitable Art Foundation for its generosity.”      

“It was one year ago that we officially opened the Waterfront Park to the public,” said County Supervisor Greg Cox. “Since that time, thousands of people have come here to enjoy the fountains,  playground, gardens,  expansive greens and the many special events hosted by County Parks. These sculptures will draw even more visitors to what has truly become a landmark on our waterfront.”

After the unveilings, the festivities will begin in earnest. The special Mom Zone will be offering massages, a photo booth, crafts for the kids, a flower and a sweet treat for mothers as long as supplies last.

Thrill-seeking moms and visitors can also try out a first for the Waterfront Park: a free portable zip line on the northwest side of the park that will soar 50 feet above the ground and give riders an exhilarating view of the bay.

There will also be music from the Fabulous Mar Dels, giveaways, acrobats and games. Food trucks will be on site until the party ends at 3 p.m.

The Waterfront Park is located at 1600 Pacific Highway downtown. The underground parking garage will be open but parking is limited so visitors are encouraged to take public transportation. The San Diego Trolley’s County Center/Little Italy station is one block from the park.

For more information about the event, call (619) 232-PARK (7275) or visit the Waterfront Park’s website.