by The City Council of San DiegoThe establishment of a parking zone on Park Boulevard and Sixth Avenue surrounding Balboa Park was approved on Monday, and recommendations were made to implement the same strategy for the park’s surface lots.
By October 1, 300 spots adjacent to Balboa Park will start charging $2.50 per hour for a maximum of four hours, seven days a week, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., as part of the new parking district’s implementation.
The Balboa Park parking meter zone should be located south of Upas Street, west of 28th Street, north of Russ Boulevard, and west to and including the western side of Sixth Avenue, according to parking studies conducted by city employees.
When the council discusses the in-park parking management in September, Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera’s amendment, which would accompany the new parking district, will look into providing city dwellers with free or discounted parking in those same 300 spaces.
Raul Campillo and Jennifer Campbell, two council members, voted against the ordinance, which was approved 6-2. Although Campbell characterized Elo-Rivera’s modification as disorderly, she stated that she would have supported the ordinance.
According to city officials, the locations will generate $750,000 for the city during the remaining months of Fiscal Year 2026 and $1 million a year following that. In September, markers, meters, and signs will be installed.
On an average day, the two streets in question are occupied to a high degree but not to capacity. As the council considers charging for parking inside Balboa Park, the city anticipates that Park Boulevard and Sixth Avenue, which have average occupancy rates of 72% and 81%, respectively, would rapidly increase.
The council also heard an informational update on the proposal on Monday, which provided an overview of important aspects such the proposed prices, city resident discounts, payment enforcement, the additional charge, and more.
Given that the city’s tenuously balanced budget depends on the expected millions of dollars in parking fees at Balboa Park and the $11 million the San Diego Zoo will receive yearly, according to a city document, the council has every reason to see this through later this year.
According to Elo-Rivera, we should all strive for the park to be its finest self. However, locals are paying for tourists to come to this city.
I can assure you that Arizonans will continue to drive their trucks here.
The plan stipulates that Balboa Park must receive the proceeds from parking fees made within the park. Road repaving, lighting renovations, signage improvements, and landscaping are just a few examples of the continuous maintenance, infrastructure, and visitor amenities that the funding can support.
Three pricing tiers—Levels 1, 2, and 3—are introduced in the parking lot draft design. These tiers are determined by proximity and demand.
- Level 1 lots, located in the core of the Central Mesa area, would be subject to the highest rate $12 a day, $6 for residents. These include: Alcazar, Organ Pavilion, Pan American Plaza (Palisades), Casa de Balboa, Fleet Science Center North (Pepper Grove North), the Natural History Museum, and South Carousel lots
- Level 2 lots would be priced at 50% of the Level 1 rate. These include: Fleet Science Center South (Pepper Grove South), Starlight Bowl (Federal), Marston Point, and Veterans Museum
- Level 3 lots would also be priced at 50% of the Level 1 rate, but with the first two hours free to preserve access for short-term visitors. This includes Inspiration Point
Councilman Stephen Whitburn suggested a $10 daily maximum for visitors and a $5 cap for San Diego locals, urging city employees to maintain the park’s affordability. Noting that parking in Balboa Park often took a little over three hours, he said that the Inspiration Point lot ought to be free for four hours.
A free option is of no value if there isn t enough time to use it, he said.
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Noting that inhabitants of La Mesa, National City, Chula Vista, and other neighboring towns technically lived closer to Balboa Park than many city dwellers in its northern reaches, Campillo encouraged the city to extend the residential discount to county residents. Additionally, he supported Whitburn’s four-hour Inspiration Point addition.
Staff suggested in a city document that parking on President’s Way, Village Place, Balboa Drive, El Prado, Quince Street, and Juniper Street within Balboa Park be made available at $2.50 per hour.
According to Andy Field, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, Balboa Park is undoubtedly San Diego’s crown gem, providing both a space for our family and friends to enjoy together and opportunities for meaningful cultural activities.
The money earned will go toward maintaining and improving our cherished park, and this proposal provides fair and reasonably priced parking options.
The plan would maintain free parking for park employees and volunteers.
This report was contributed to by City News Service.
