State institution to develop new plan for 324 acres of fairgrounds by 2050.

The future of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, a prominent venue in Southern California, is poised for significant re-imagination over the next two years as the 22nd District Agricultural Association (22nd DAA) embarks on a comprehensive master planning initiative. This project, dubbed Fairgrounds 2050, aims to develop a strategy for the utilization of its expansive 324 acres of land by 2027, with a vision that extends to the year 2050.

Initiated recently, Fairgrounds 2050 seeks community input to shape the future of the fairgrounds, which include the main campus and two adjacent sites. This initiative signifies a shift in approach for the 22nd DAA, reflecting a commitment to ensuring community involvement in the planning process rather than taking a developer-led route. Tristan Hallman, chief communications officer for the Del Mar Fairgrounds, emphasized the importance of public engagement in shaping the future of this essential community asset, which has served the region for almost a century.

Founded in 1891, the 22nd DAA operates three key sites across California. Primarily funded through events such as the annual San Diego County Fair, the association’s real estate holdings are not bound by local zoning restrictions. These holdings encompass the 212-acre fairgrounds campus along Via de la Valle, the 48-acre Surf & Turf recreational area, and the 64-acre Del Mar Horsepark located two miles east of the fairgrounds.

The Fairgrounds 2050 initiative follows over five years of sporadic planning efforts. In December 2022, the 22nd DAA commissioned a consultant to undertake a feasibility analysis to optimize facility usage, though this endeavor has since been sidelined for community-driven strategies.

As the master planning progresses, potential developments under consideration include a variety of uses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, the essential requirements of maintaining the annual fair and ensuring the fairgrounds can serve as an emergency resiliency center remain non-negotiable.

The 22nd DAA’s recent efforts have included the adoption of 16 guiding principles, aimed at informing the planning process. These principles highlight the importance of revenue generation, access to coastal amenities, and the incorporation of budget-friendly accommodations into future designs.

To kickstart community engagement, the 22nd DAA launched a series of public outreach efforts, including workshops and surveys to gather input from residents throughout the county. Public awareness initiatives began with presentations to local councils and are expected to lead to a more focused discussion on land uses by 2026. Following this, a design competition will enable architectural firms worldwide to propose innovative master plans.

The overarching objective is to replace the existing master plan, set in 2008, with a transformative framework that prioritizes public input, continuing to support existing attractions, including horse racing, which remains a vital revenue stream for the organization. The planning process ultimately seeks certification from the California Coastal Commission by 2027, setting the stage for a significant evolution in how the Del Mar Fairgrounds can serve and engage the community for generations to come. Media News Source.