In 2021 when COAR began the initial facility needs assessment for the current Imperial Beach Sports Park Recreation Center, it was clear the facility needed a major renovation in order to properly serve the community. Concrete floors in the gym and recreation spaces limited activities, a lack of windows created a dark atmosphere, and the lobby and office spaces didn’t support staff. At the time, the facility had not been used in years, other than as a COVID-19 testing site, and the City and COAR team were determined to bring life back to the space.

COAR had previously worked in the City of Imperial Beach on the Imperial Beach Library and was eager to continue that partnership and to  deliver a much-needed facility to the Imperial Beach community.

The renovations were completed in June of 2026 with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration held for the community. Community members were welcomed inside the renovated facility, and able to tour the new spaces. The gym has been revamped with a raised ceiling, a new basketball hoop and scoreboard, wood sports flooring, and lines suitable for a variety of sports; basketball, soccer, volleyball, and pickleball. One recreational room was renovated specifically for dance – equipped with new Marley floors specialized for dancers. Another multipurpose room was renovated with a kitchenette expanding options for hosted events. These new spaces will serve the community with a variety of programming and be able to support community and private events for years to come.