Arts, Culture, Beautification, and Placemaking

In 2022, UCP led the effort to revitalize a historical stairway in Valencia Park. We received a $15,000 donation from Blue Shield of California to clean up the stairs and incorporate artwork from artists in our community. The stairs have been a big success and excellent improvement to the Valencia Park community. We are currently working with the San Diego County Water Authority to implement Phase II, which would include a permaculture and water reclamation project along the stairs.

UCP utilizes placemaking tools to create gathering places designed to provide a safe space for family parties, workshops, yoga classes, healthy food cooking classes, art shows and workshops, a community garden, physical activity space, and community pop up events. In 2017, UCP celebrated the grand opening of the Community Gathering Place in Lincoln Park. This project was an effort to create a more resilient and self-healing community in SESD. This Community Gathering Place acts as a safe space for community members to come and relax with their families and kids of all ages. Community input and work is what helped pull this once empty lot to a beautiful and collaborative community space.

Affirmed Housing partnered with UCP and local artist, Maxx Moses, to establish a series of art murals in an affordable housing development located at The Orchard, 5052 Hilltop Drive, San Diego, CA 92102.