Chula Vista, California

The Ardurra community relations team is managing public education and engagement for the City of Chula Vista’s “Reimagine Harborside Park” effort following the City Council’s decision to temporarily close this park in August 2022 due to increased criminal activity as a homeless encampment at the park grew. The effort has layers of complexity due to the park’s proximity to Harborside Elementary, local businesses and the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, as well as a shooting at the encampment. 

Our team advised the city on community and media relations strategy, drafted key messages and a press release, prepared for community meetings, created bilingual educational poster boards (English and Spanish) and supported a 90-day public outreach effort to determine options for long-term solutions for the site. Ardurra also provided bilingual facilitation and strategic communications and community relations services for this high profile effort.

Ardurra’s efforts successfully achieved media coverage by every local broadcast news outlet. We effectively engaged the public, facilitated constructive dialogue and gathered input from the community on a difficult topic. Public feedback was used to inform the City Council on preferences and options for a temporary park opening and subsequent long-term plan.