I’ve spent much of my time in the last two months immersed in the pushback over paid parking in Balboa Park. The launch of this program has been disappointing and frustrating for all of us—organizational staff members and visitors alike.
Many have reached out to me with questions about everything from the city budget to kiosk placement, stories of personal frustration, and words of gratitude for Mingei’s role in speaking up about inequitable access. I'm grateful to everyone who has stayed engaged, been in touch, and continued visiting and supporting the Museum. Thank you!
Here at Mingei, we've done everything we can to oppose this unfortunate new policy. I've lived in cities where you pay to park everywhere, including parks. And I acknowledge that San Diego faces real and pressing budget strains. But we also recognize our park is a distinctive and special gathering place, one that is far more than a collection of buildings and trees and open spaces.
Balboa Park is where many San Diegan’s grew up—starting with school visits and camps, then sports and first dates. It’s where thousands of volunteers come every week, to make a difference and build community. It’s where visitors from across the globe come to learn about our region, from history and innovation to its biodiversity and thriving arts and culture. And it’s a destination for family photos, lifelong learners, milestone moments, cultural celebrations, nature lovers, artists, the quiet pleasure of a walk and a coffee with a friend. Balboa Park is where we ALL gather. As my colleague Steve Snyder of the Fleet Science Center puts it, it is "this city's heart, a heart that only beats when everyone has uninhibited access to it."
