Rohr Park Master Plan: A Window to Redevelopment?

In 2017, the City of Chula Vista commissioned a report to explore redevelopment of City-owned land along the Sweetwater River between the Willow Street bridge and Central Avenue in Bonita. A panel of experts assembled by the Urban Land Institute summarized their high level analysis into recommendations. The experts laid out a path forward for phased redevelopment that included both the golf course and park land. Yet, their scenario did not take into account that nearly two thirds of Rohr Park is protected from becoming housing [RE: File/Page 84-400979,10/24/84.]

Eight years ago, City leadership downplayed the report and its implications.

Councilmember [now Mayor] John McCann said, “I want to make sure that everybody knows that there is no project to get rid of the golf course [and] I don’t support any project to get rid of the golf course to build apartment complexes...[and] Rohr Park is a tremendous asset for just open space.” —San Diego Reader

The City has no immediate plans to redevelop the Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course despite a report that showed roughly 2700 homes built on the Bonita-area course. —Joe Little, KGTV

No immediate plans to redevelop the golf course may be valid today. The City’s golf course management agreement with Touchstone Golf, LLC is valid through 2028, with an allowable 5-year extension through 2033. Regardless, “shabby” would be an accurate descriptor for the golf course’s condition. Avid golfers, young and old, prefer other venues that maintain their greens and facilities such as the nearby Bonita Golf Course. So, developers would likely be eyeballing this golf course for housing.

Like it or not, “a public activity hub that could support housing, employment and services augmenting walkability and convenience” is land planning in this era. As demonstrated by alleged Mission Bay Park surplus land recently, an unsolicited proposal could already exist. Redevelopment planning can begin without visibility. Municipalities can also facilitate financing for development projects. Chula Vista City Council recently began a process to issue as much as $25 million in tax-exempt bonds on behalf of a developer. That $38 million project (mixed use with nearly 600 residential units) would build nearly 100 affordable homes on a vacant lot in east Chula Vista.

Recently, the City’s Parks and Recreation Director acknowledged a decline in Rohr Park grounds due to a lack of maintenance funding citywide (and gophers.) Grant-funded capital projects would be required to restore function, correct deficiencies, and enhance recreation. Concerns about equity and the under-parked west Chula Vista need to be addressed. A Rohr Park Master Plan and a citywide Recreation Program Master Plan, once in place, would help the City secure much needed grant funding.

Evidently, the value of Rohr Park as “a tremendous asset for just open space” had fallen by the wayside.

A Rohr Park Master Plan process began in May with a flurry of digital social media notices before an initial workshop. Last month, after conducting an on line survey and “pop up” events in the park, the Parks and Recreation Director revealed two alternatives.

1. The Light Touch, and

2. Active Community Hub.

The final master plan would be something between these two extremes. The “boarded up” Rohr Manor would become:

• Rohr Commemorative Garden and signage in “The Light Touch”, or

• Rohr Manor Styled Community Center in the “Active Community Hub.”

One can easily see similarities between the proposed Rohr Park Master Plan and the 2017 redevelopment concepts. The master plan survey included a cafe. The report recommended an “event space” amenity at the Rohr Manor site as the City’s initial redevelopment step.

The panel recommended the city focus initial efforts on the construction of a new clubhouse and event facility on the existing site where Rohr Manor is located. The six acres where the existing clubhouse and course parking are located should be rezoned for mixed use development with a suggested height of 80’-90’ (six stories.)

The vacated existing maintenance yard area (in both Alternatives) would open up opportunities for another river crossing that was also mentioned in the 2017 report.

Apparently, a “safe” river crossing across the golf course is being explored.

A Rohr Park Master Plan could be a catalyst for Bonita revitalization. After consideration by the Parks and Recreation Commission, the City Council is scheduled to approve a master plan this winter.

If curious where building permits have been issued in San Diego County between 2018 and 2024, check out this interactive 3D map on KPBS’ website.

By Karen Henry, P.E. | September 2, 2025

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