Bonita Community Needed in Deciding Future of Rohr Park

Rohr Park is unique in that it is a City of Chula Vista property surrounded by a Bonita community. It can only be reached by using Bonita roadways.

"Rohr Park is a serene outdoor recreational area nestled in the heart of Bonita, CA."—MapQuest

Whatever Chula Vista City Council decides—either good or bad—will directly effect all Bonita residents, who have little say in the matter unless they make their voices heard at the last Rohr Park Workshop this Thursday. That decision could cost Bonita the tranquility of the current park and a whole onslaught of new traffic on Sweetwater Road and adjoining roads.

One of the Largest Parks in the San Diego Park System

Rohr Park | April 10, 2023 | Parks in San Diego | Click image to enlarge

According to this map published in 2023, Rohr Park currently consists of:

• 1 Equestrian Ring

• 1 Dog Park

• 7 Covered Gazebos for Parties

• 8 Picnic Areas

• 1 Ranger Station

• 1 Steam Train (rideable)

• 1-3 Basketball Courts

• 4 Baseball/Softball Fields

• 2 Children's Playgrounds

• 1 Weight Workout Station

• 3 Restrooms

• 1 Walking Trail

• Rohr Manor & Old Adobe

“People don't realize how big it is until they start walking it from end to end.”—Parks and Recreation Director Frank Carson

Measuring in at nearly 60 acres, Rohr Park is one of the largest parklands around and also one of the oldest.

History of Rohr Manor and Rohr Park

San Diego State University (SDS) detailed the history of the Rohr Manor:

Rohr Manor | Photo by SDSU | Click image to enlarge

"Named for Rohr Park's benefactor, this two-story wood and brick house sits in the center of the park.  Although it's form and function have been altered over time, Rohr Manor still looks much the same as it did when it was built in 1938 by Chula Vista contractor, Howard Sebastian.  The house changed hands several times up until 1955 when it was purchased by Rohr Aircraft Corporation.

Rohr Aircraft was a very large part of the City of Chula Vista, at one point employing as many as 9,000 people.  It's owner, Fred Rohr, cared about the health and well-being of his employees so much that he used company money to provide recreation facilities.  During the 1940's and early 50's, he accomplished this by leasing the San Diego Country Club for use by his employees.  In 1955, however, Rohr provided his employees with a place of their own.  When he purchased the land that to this day bears his name, the house became his as well, and he used it as a recreation center for his employees. 

To date, the ownership of the house and property would change hands only once more - to the City of Chula Vista.  In 1966, Rohr sold the land and the house (23 acres in all) to the City for a bargain price of $60,000." 

Rohr Manor as it appears today | Click image to enlarge

The remaining 37 acres of land creating Rohr Park and possibly the Chula Vista Golf Course remains unclear how it was acquired. I could not find any data on this. Can anyone out there provide this missing piece of information?

Popular Walking/Running Trail

Just six years ago, San Diego Magazine designated Rohr Park as "Trail of the Month." It was dog friendly, stroller friendly and had free parking. The much-used pathway was "loved" for being a flat loop that was great for running multiple laps or taking a leisurely stroll.

The key word in that article was "leisurely" . . . an open-space park where you could walk, play games and enjoy the tranquility of nature. If Rohr Park is overdeveloped by the City of Chula Vista, that walk could become less relaxing.

"The Sweetwater Park Trail is home to a gorgeous, rolling woodland, whitewater-filled creek, and the remains of a mill from the Civil War. Whitewater churns in the wide-flowing Sweetwater Creek. The creek bed has boulders and sandy shorelines in some areas. The trail passes through vast fields and thick woodlands with lots of shade. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and wildflowers in the area." —AllTrails

Removal of Equestrian Arena?

It appears that the City of Chula Vista may be removing the horse arena and replacing it with new soccer fields. I asked Parks and Recreation Director Frank Carson at the September 2, 2025 Sweetwater Community Planning Group meeting if the arena would remain and was given a definitive yes.

As reported in Karen Henry's "Rohr Park Draft Master Plan: Horses Are Out, Lighted Fields Are In", that may not be the case.

Present day view of Rohr Park | Horse arena is shown as item #12 | Click on image to enlarge.

Proposed Master Plan for Rohr Park released last Friday, September 26th, 2025 | Horse arena does not appear on this proposed plan | Click on image to enlarge

This arena is an important component for the horse riding community in Bonita. Most owners keep their horses in their backyards, leaving no place to train or work the kinks out of your horse when necessary. The Rohr Park Horse Arena is a necessity for most.

Read Proposed Removal of Rohr Park Arena a Tragedy to see all the new amenities proposed.

The list is long and turns the community into an epicenter of activity, both in the park and on our roads.

We Need Your Help!

The last workshop regarding the Master Plan for Rohr Park is this Thursday:

Rohr Park - Final Plan Update

Date: 11/20/2025 5:30-7:00 PM

Location: Provence House, 4370 Sweetwater Road, Chula Vista CA

Participate in the future of Rohr Park - Master Plan. Join our workshop to finalize the Rohr Park Master Plan

We need as many people to attend this meeting as possible. Our presence will prove our concerns as to what might be coming to our community and hopefully pare it down.

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