Facility Stewardship
This is Our Home.
Due to declining membership, budget shortfalls, mismanagement and in-fighting, the San Diego Polo Club neglected in caring for and re-investing in the facility. Since 2016, Surf has invested over $3m into the property through various upgrades and improvements, some listed below. The property has truly been transformed from a rundown equestrian facility with dilapidated structures and a decaying playing surface to the most pristine youth sports field in nation. We think the neighbors should be delighted to look at the bright green grass and the new lake fountain versus the broken-down barns and abandoned trailers and vehicles that used to litter the facility. City officials, local residents and visitors to the site, old and new, have been blown away at the transformation of the facility and we’re thrilled for what’s to come. Any and all requests from the community on what Surf could add to make a better facility are welcome. As always, Surf welcomes all visitors and reasonable suggestions.
New Irrigation System
Surf invested in a new irrigation system that allows for the use of recycled water. This new irrigation system, coupled with the partnership with OWMD will result in saving over 100m gallons of potable water each year.
New Road Base
The roads have been maintained with Class 2 road base and decomposed granite to reduce dust and improve safety. Further, Surf regularly deploys water trucks on the roads as an additional measure to reduce dust.
Safety Barriers & Fences
Surf constructed fencing to create the proper safety barriers between cars and kids. They also added fencing to prevent site vandalism, and improve safety and security.
Trail
The Coast to Crest Trail is an important part of their commitment to the city and members of the community. Since the original damage done to the trail by the San Diego Polo Club over 15 years ago it has only languished. The trail construction began a few years ago with the lengthy process of securing required permitting and since then Surf has completed the removal of invasive trees, removed over a ½ mile of old fencing and they’ve installed a necessary water line to grow-in future plantings. The trail will be a great community and facility asset and we’re looking forward to its completion.
Beautification
Since taking over the facility in 2016, Surf has transformed and rejuvenated the facility from east to west. People who have been coming to the facility for years are amazed at the transformation and there is so much more to come. Trees, bushes and vegetation, additional walking/exercise trails, equestrian Coast to Crest trail access and shaded, community-use, gathering areas are just a few of the things they have planned in the near future.
Traffic Improvements
One of Surf’s first projects after taking over the facility was the improvement to the main point of ingress/ egress on Via de la Valle. This project greatly improved safety and access to the site. They also worked with the City of SD to increase signage and reduce speed along VDLV and we are all looking forward to the new road widening projects that will greatly improve facility access, traffic, and safety on the surrounding roads.
Facility Updating/ Site Clean Up
Since Day 1, Surf has worked hard to clean the site, remove dilapidated and dangerous structures. They’ve removed old equipment, abandoned trailers, and vehicles. They’ve restored the fields, improved the water, and brought onsite utilities to current standards.
The Good Ol’ Days?
These satellite photos from Google Earth were taken exactly 4 years apart. The “before” images were taken in March, 2016, 4 months before Surf Cup Sports took over the facility lease.
