IV-238 



Development of the 4,600 acre aquatic playground was initiated in 

 1946 when the voters of the City of San Diego authorized a $2 

 million bond issue to finance it. Shortly thereafter, the U. S. 

 Army Corps of Engineers established a floodway separating the San 

 Diego River from Mission Bay. Subsequent dredging operation by 

 both the Corps and the City of San Diego opened up the entire Bay 

 and created the many coves and islands which form its land masses. 



By the end of 1966, the City had invested a total of $14.5 million 

 in the development of Mission Bay: $9 million from three bond 

 issues, and $5.5 million in capital outlay funds. The State of 

 California contributed 2,900 acres of tidelands, and $3.5 million 

 for the realignment of public utilities and the construction of 

 new bridges. By the time of its anticipated completion it has 

 been estimated that a total of approximately $56 million in public 

 funds, and $50 million in private funds, will have been invested 

 in Mission Bay. In short, many public agencies and private groups 

 have been and will continue to be, instrumental in the development 

 of the $106 million water playground known as Mission Bay. 



The Park is a multiple-use project covering 2,500 acres of water 

 and 2,100 acres of land area. Most of the Bay has a depth ranging 

 from 6 to 12 ft at mean lower low water. The Park includes six 



