San Diego’s South Bay is getting a new park – the first in the city to be named after a Filipino-American.

The Cesar Solis Community Park, to be built in Ocean View Hills near Otay Mesa, got its full funding approval from the San Diego City Council Monday.

The project gets its namesake from retired Assistant Chief Cesar Solis, who was the highest ranking Filipino American officer in the San Diego Police Department.

“It’s an honor for me to be a part of such an important project, a project that will benefit a very deserving community,” Solis said at a news conference Monday.

Solis said he grew up in Otay Mesa area, spending time playing sports at neighborhood parks. He thanked Councilmember David Alvarez, who spearheaded the project, for helping bring a new open space to Ocean View Hills.

“My staff and I canvassed this area extensively and heard from many requesting a park in their neighborhood,” said Alvarez. “I am very proud of the widespread level of community engagement that has taken place throughout this process.”

The 20-acre park will include lighted softball fields, playgrounds, a comfort station, concession stand, off-street parking, turf area, picnic shelters and more.

Construction should start next summer, and the city plans to open it in fall 2017.

