San Diego district begins renovation and expansion of elementary school

The San Diego Unified School District has broken ground on a modernization and expansion of Pacific Beach Elementary School.

The Times of San Diego reports that project will provide a new kindergarten building, a grass playfield, a secure main campus entryway, renovated classrooms and shade shelters.

The kindergarten facility will include modern classrooms and collaborative workspaces that lead out to a new play structure with a shade shelter. A second shade shelter will be installed in the general play area.

All existing classrooms, the student services facility and the multipurpose room will be renovated, and all restrooms and the kitchen will be upgraded. To make room for these new facilities, all portable classrooms will be removed from campus.

First opened in 1930, Pacific Beach Elementary began with just one campus building, then added an additional building in 1938. Five additional buildings were added from 1940 to 1957. In 1976, the 1930s buildings were replaced by one building, and five buildings were constructed for a child development center.

In 2004, a 1.8-acre joint-use field was created for student and public use. According to the district, when complete, the joint-use area will be expanded to 2.8 acres and will include a walking and running track, a renovated basketball court, play equipment, new trees and benches, a drinking fountain, secure perimeter fencing and a public access gate.

The joint-use area will be accessible to the community as a local park after school hours and during school breaks.

The project is anticipated to be completed in late 2025.