22nd DAA to hold community open houses to gather feedback on Del Mar Fairgrounds master plan

The 22nd District Agricultural Association, the state agency that operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds, will host six open houses throughout San Diego in October and November to gather public input about its long-term master plan for the property.

“Our Board has been clear that we want this process to be community-led, not developer-led,” Carlene Moore, CEO of the 22nd DAA, said in a statement. “This Open House series is a wonderful opportunity for us to hear directly from San Diegans about their hopes and dreams, their advice, and their priorities for our next master site plan.”

According to the 22nd DAA, the master site plan will help determine future uses of fairgrounds property and new development at the fairgrounds, racetrack, Del Mar Horsepark, and the Surf & Turf Recreation Center.

“These properties, located near the coast and within the cities of Del Mar and San Diego, serve as major event centers, community gathering places, iconic attractions, and emergency resources,” read a news release from the fairgrounds. “In 2024, more than 2 million people visited these campuses for events and activities such as the annual San Diego County Fair, horse racing, concerts, special events, and more.”

The first open house will be on Wednesday, Oct. 1, in Oak Hall West at Mickey Cafagna Community Center in Poway, followed by another one on Oct. 6 in the Arbor View Room at MacArthur Park in La Mesa.

Two more to close out the month will be at the Balboa Park Club in San Diego on Oct. 20 and the San Elijo Rec Center in San Marcos on Oct. 29.

The final two will be at Elks Lodge in Chula Vista on Nov. 13 and The Sound at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Nov. 18.

All six events start at 6 p.m.

For more information and to register, visit delmarfairgrounds.com/openhouse.