Parks
Amici Park – features bocce ball courts, a large grass playing field, a small amphitheater and security lighting. During the school day, the park serves as a playground for students at nearby Washington Elementary School. When school is not in session, the community is welcome to enjoy the space. A public art installation by Nina Karavasiles, titled “Recipe for Friendship” consists ten brass sidewalk plaques and four café-like tables with checkerboard tablecloths made from Italian glass mosaics.
Location: 350 and 250 West Date Street, at the northeast corner of State and Date streets, one block east of the heart of Little Italy, next to Washington Elementary SchoolSchools
Washington Elementary School
Location: 1789 State Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-344-6300
Website: http://www.sandi.net/washington
Hours of Operation: M-F: 8:00am – 3:00pm
Grades Served: Kindergarten – 5th Grade
Landmarks
San Diego Firehouse Museum –1572 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Our Lady of the Rosary Church –1629 Columbia Street, San Diego CA 92101
Italian Cultural Center – 1669 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Fast Facts
Little Italy hosts over half-a-dozen annual festivals in celebration of holidays, music and art, including Fiesta, “Chalk La Strada,” a Bocce Ball Tournament, Art Walk, a jazz festival and Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter celebrations.
Community Groups
The Little Italy Residents Association – The Little Italy Residents Association (LIRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the quality of life for all who call Little Italy, Columbia & Core neighborhoods their home. From singles to married couples, to professionals and retirees, LIRA Members are as diverse as the styles of architecture that dot the landscape. Website: http://www.lirasd.org/
