For more than a decade, Ocean Beach residents have envisioned a glimmering entryway on the corner of Sunset Cliffs and West Point Loma boulevards. With a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, the critical phase one of the project is now more than just wishful thinking. “This project is going to take this asphalt parking lot and beautify it,” said District 2 City Councilman Kevin Faulconer. “This empty parking lot is now going to be attractive, a welcoming gateway with an oasis of raised gardens, walkways and benches — a place for everybody to enjoy.” The project cost a total of more than $872,100, of which $130,000 came from donations and private funding. It has been in the works since 1999. “We’ve all looked as the [funding] thermometer has slowly inched its way up, and the idea was we’re going to get that going and cobble together all of that funding from a variety of different sources,” Faulconer said. “This is a great example of the community working together.” Once completed, the entryway will feature a brick-landscaped plaza, native plants, benches and signs, and it provide access to Robb Field. Since 2002, the local nonprofit Ocean Beach Community Development Corporation (OBCDC) has helped see the project through by way of numerous grants and private donations. “It’s a really great day,” said Brian Pottenger, president of the OBCDC. “It is something that we have been looking forward to for at least 10 years and it’s really the final portion of the entryway master plan, which involved upgrading all the medians coming into Ocean Beach.” The groundbreaking was for the first phase of the project, which includes sidewalks and vegetation along Sunset Cliffs and West Point Loma boulevards, the main plaza and a brick wall with personalized bricks that neighbors can sponsor. The initial phase is slated for completion in February. “This project will provide significant improvements that will act as a gateway for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists,” said Tony Heinrichs, interim director for the city’s Engineering and Capital Projects Department. Pottenger said the second phase of the gateway, which includes paving down to Robb Field, a retaining art wall and more native plants, is about $200,000 short of the necessary funding. He said that phase could begin right after the initial construction is completed — if the money is secured. “We just put in an application for the Community Block Development Grant program with the city,” Pottenger said. “Hopefully, we’ll get some or all of what we ask for from that and then we also have some private donations.” Locals can help support the gateway project — while “owning” a piece of Ocean Beach — by purchasing a personalized brick on the park’s retaining wall. A brick can be purchased for a tax-deductible donation of $200 to $1,000. For more information, call (619) 224-1648, or visit www.obcdc.org.