Checkmate! County adds chess tables to popular waterfront park

Now play chess at downtown Waterfront Park after the San Diego County playing area opens on Saturday, complete with a tournament and ribbon cutting.

The chess tables, next to the playing field, near the corner of Pacific Highway and Ash Street, include a table accessible by ADA.

Chess pieces can be checked on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the park office at the south entrance to the county administrative center, according to Gig Conaughton, a spokesperson. County.

Supervisory board chairman Nathan Fletcher and young chess tournament contestants helped cut the ribbon on Saturday.

“You might not think of it as a hobby in the traditional sense,” said Fletcher, “but the benefits of playing a game that requires this type of strategic thinking can grow exponentially when you have the opportunity. to play outside, in the open air and in a peaceful and social park.

The chess tables are part of a larger park renovation that opened in 2014. Other additions include a dog park, exercise equipment, pickleball and basketball courts, and a place to play T-ball.

Saturday’s tournament featured competitors from three age groups: “knights” up to 11; “tours”, ages 12-14, and “royals” 15-18.

All participants received commemorative chess sets. The runners-up in each category received $ 25 gift cards. The winners in each category received a trophy and a $ 50 gift card.

The county’s parks and recreation department said it hopes to open some of the other park improvements by spring 2022.

– City news service

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