The City of San Diego is developing a plan to maintain Balboa Park’s infrastructure, history and cultural landmarks and find funding for its upkeep. The city wants residents to share ideas.
Known as the Balboa Park Master Plan Update, its launch last week Thursday marks the first time since 1989 that the city updated the plan to preserve the 1,200-acres parkland. Residents can take part in the planning by responding to a community survey on the city’s webpage.
Another public engagement plan will be opened in November to ensure “meaningful and inclusive participation,” in the planning process, a city statement on its website said. The city’s planning department will present the feedback to the Balboa Park Committee, an advisory group that will serve as a forum for public engagement for the master plan update.
“We want to hear from people of all ages, including those who have loved the park for decades and those participating in its planning for the first time, about their hopes and ideas for its future,” City Planning Director Heidi Vonblum said in the statement.
The city will spend $2 million in funding from Caltrans, SANDAG and the Prebys Foundation, and part of the money will go to urban design group WRT Planning + Design, which will work with city staff to deliver the master plan update in 2028.
“Balboa Park is San Diego’s crown jewel, and caring for it requires a clear plan for action,” Mayor Todd Gloria said in the statement. “This update will help us set priorities, address aging infrastructure and preserve the historic, cultural and natural assets that make the park special.”
Established in 1868, Balboa Park has grown into 118 buildings with 21 cultural establishments and museums, and about 18 gardens and attractions such as San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park Carousel.
This massive infrastructure has been difficult to maintain. A recent report said that for more than 20 years, city and outside groups said the park is in need of repairs and investment, that could amount to $1 billion. This includes repairing roofs, leveling sidewalks, replenishing exhausted gardens and restoring bathrooms.
“Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s most treasured public spaces, but years of deferred maintenance have taken a toll on this historic landmark,” said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, whose district includes Balboa Park, is quoted in the city statement.
“An updated Master Plan will give us a clear vision for protecting the park’s historic character, while addressing critical infrastructure needs, and making the improvements necessary to serve future generations.”
