What was just a nondescript grassy area outside of Petco Park in San Diego, California, has been transformed into Gallagher Square, a concert venue and year-round community park. This transformation highlights what it can mean for landmarks to cultivate a different type of engagement that attracts residents and visitors in distinct ways.
Improved Features and More
Previously known as known as the Park at the Park, what became Gallagher Square was part of the San Diego Padres 20th anniversary celebration to make it an even more vibrant and impactful part of the ballpark experience. This transformation would also see the space become an asset to the downtown San Diego community.
This change has turned the space into a multi-use area that hosts concerts as well as kids playing wiffle ball, adults exercising on pickleball courts and dogs running around in an off-leash park. Some of the features include an improved, expansive playground and play area with equipment for a wider range of age groups. These features are in addition to public art displays that showcase the talents of local artists.
The most distinctive feature of the space is a statue of Tony Gwynn that presides over the space on the Tony Gwynn Terrace. Known as “Mr. Padre,” the terrace provides an incredible view of the entire space. It features facts and highlights from Gwynn’s career as well as a six-minute continuous loop video of Gwynn.
The name of the space is the result of a sponsorship that was enabled in December 2019 as part of a multiyear partnership to make Gallagher the San Diego Padres’ official insurance broker. Gallagher is a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, highlighting what it can mean to capture the type of support that enables such spaces to be transformed in a way that works for audiences and entire communities.
Part of the Community
A transformation that is set to further invigorate the surrounding East Village, Gallagher Square has become a landmark that attracts different types of residents and visitors for distinct but powerful reasons. With Petco Park already being featured in maps and guides to the city, the creation of Gallagher Square showcases how such spaces can cultivate further engagement across audiences and eras, opening up countless opportunities for stakeholders and entire communities.
