Civita Park, the long-awaited central gathering space on Civita Boulevard at Russell Parkway in Mission Valley, has officially opened, per Bisnow.

The first phase of the $20M project is now complete and the 14.3-acre green space, one of the largest constructed in San Diego in decades, is expected to become an important location for community events, concerts, and more. Some of the standout features of the park include an outdoor amphitheater stage, large plaza to host farmers markets and car shows, and a community garden with 38 plots. Other amenities include an interactive water feature, picnic tables and “outdoor living rooms,” dog park, multi-purpose fields, two half basketball courts, five exercise stations, extensive trails and walkways, and a military tribute plaza.

Phase two of the project is now underway and will eventually bring two playgrounds with shade structures, more fields, a bocce court, and three gardens. It also calls for the creation of the “Mining Relic Terrace,” which will feature historic mining equipment and a Caterpillar D8 bulldozer. Phase two is expected to be completed in 2018.

When fully completed, Civita is expected to include almost 60 acres of open space and public parks. All of these outdoor spaces will be great for the new residents moving to the region as new developments open up in the neighborhood.