The San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority was founded in 1989 as a result of the grassroots efforts of early members of the Friends of the San Dieguito River Valley and San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. Click here for early park planning history. Below is a brief timeline of major events:
| 1986 | San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy established as a non-profit 501(c)3 group raising funds for land purchases in the River Park. Nancy Weare, President for the first six years. |
| 1986 | Friends of the San Dieguito River Valley established as a non-profit 501(c)4 advocacy group for protection of the River Valley. Alice Goodkind, President. |
| 1989 | San Dieguito River Valley Regional Open Space Park Joint Powers Authority is established as single-purpose government lead agency by the County of San Diego and the Cities of Del Mar, Escondido, Poway, San Diego and Solana Beach. |
| 1991 | First major land purchase by San Dieguito River Park JPA west of I-5 for Lagoon restoration. |
| 1993 | Highland Valley Trail, the first trail built by the San Dieguito River Park JPA, opens to the public. |
| 2006 | Southern California Edison begins implementation of San Dieguito Lagoon Restoration Project. |
| 2007 | Witch Creek Fire burns 62% of River Park property, including Park Headquarters and the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead. |
| 2009 | David Kreitzer Lake Hodges Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge, world’s longest stress-ribbon bridge, costing $10,580,000, opens to public. |
| 2010 | Reopening of current Park Headquarters and Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead. |
| 2011 | San Dieguito River mouth opened to tidal flux, marking the near completion of the San Dieguito Lagoon Restoration Project. |
| 2014 | Birdwing Open Air Classroom at the San Dieguito Lagoon opens to public. |
