Citing “embarrassing conditions” in Balboa Park, Councilman Chris Ward and park leaders on Monday called for Mayor Kevin Faulconer to earmark $9.5 million for capital improvements throughout the park.
“Balboa Park has played an integral role in the story of San Diego for the last 150 years. To ensure that story continues, we’ve asked Mayor Faulconer to invest funding back into general facility improvements across the park,” said Ward. “Park conditions are embarrassing and must be addressed.”
Ward was joined by Peter Comiskey, executive director of the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership; Joyce Gattas, chair of the Balboa Park Conservancy; and John Bolthouse, executive director of the Friends of Balboa Park, at a news conference on Monday morning.
“There are clear, immediate infrastructure needs here in Balboa Park and they are best illustrated by the dismal conditions of public restrooms throughout the park,” said Gattas. “The restoration of public restrooms, especially in the Palisades, is essential to improving the overall visitor experience that this park relies on.”
Bolthouse said Faulconer can seize upon “a golden opportunity to begin a real rebirth for Balboa Park” by making the investment.
Ward represents the City Council’s 3rd District, which includes Balboa Park.
