Descriptions

Core Programs

Our Core Programs reflect our most important and basic (core) values to:

• Preserve and enhance parkland, park structures, and infrastructure
• Contribute to visitor safety & security
• Enhance park access & understanding
• Promote community & culture
• Preserve Balboa Park’s legacy

Click here to read more about these ongoing and annual programs funded by the Friends of Balboa Park.

Cox Conserves Heroes

Through the Cox Conserves Heroes  program, “our” special hero – a longtime Florida Canyon volunteer and avid gardener – Jesus “Chuy” Armas – won the 2nd prize cash award of $5,000!  Chuy’s award will be donated to the Friends of Balboa Park by Cox Communications.   Chuy, at age 85, continues to serve his community.  Retired from the military and the San Ysidro Health Center, Chuy has created and maintained a garden in Florida Canyon for the last 18 years. By incorporating water already running through the area, Chuy built infrastructure, planted vegetation, and now thoughtfully tends to this tropical urban oasis. Neighbors and families have become huge fans of the garden, donating plants and flowers for Chuy to plant. Not only has the Florida Canyon Community Garden become a favorite of photographers for engagements and family photos, but also the garden has enhanced the City’s walking/hiking paths with an array of diverse flowers and plants for all to enjoy. Chuy has humbly and quietly transformed this area into a neighborhood treasure for families, pets and a host of memories for all those who enjoy his masterpiece.   We’re planning on using the funds to restore

native habitat to Florida Canyon through our water conservation and sustainability program.

Arbor Day – Greening the Park

• Sponsored Arbor Day Celebration in March, 2010 with the City of San Diego Park & Recreation Dept. to celebrate California Arbor Day.  Groups participating included students from San Diego High School and Golden Hill Elementary.
• Planted Trees along Golf Course Drive across the street from the Golden Hill Recreation Center.   San Diego Urban Corps assisted in the planting.
• Donated Trees included Coastal Live Oaks.
• Help us Purchase Trees for Arbor Day 2011! Your tax deductible contribution can help us plant more trees for future generations.  Contact the office to find out how you can become a Balboa Park tree donor. A donation of $100 or more can purchase a tree in honor of or in memory of a loved one.

Click here for the 2010 event program

Click here for photos

Click here for the event press release

Education Programs – Supporting Education in The Park

Together with the Balboa Park Educators’ Council, the Friends of Balboa Park:

• Publishes Annual Summer Camp Brochure, a collaborative park-wide brochure promoting museum camps and education-centered summer youth programs. Download 2010 camp brochure here.
• Sponsors Junior Friends of Balboa Park Program Brochure for organized youth groups. Download brochure here. Download your Passport here. Complete the activities listed inside the brochure and receive a stamp or sticker for each group member on the accompanying passport.
• Funds Field Trips for over 1,000 children in Title 1 schools to visit museums in the park.  Formerly supported by Balboa Park Kiwanis, the Friends of Balboa Park is seeking funding for this wonderful program.  Contact the office if you can help!  A $100 donation helps fund a class of 25 children on a field trip in Balboa Park.

Light the Way – Reducing Energy Costs

• Installed of  4,000 LED lamps along the Cabrillo Bridge and El Prado in 2008.
• Realized Annual Energy Savings of $21,000 in electrical costs and 141,000 kilowatt-hours, equivalent to planting 65 trees
• Collaborated with public and private partners including the City of San Diego and SDG&E.
• Support the completion of LTW down El Prado by helping us to purchase the remaining bulbs (500+) at a cost of $5,000.

Horticulture - Enriching the Park’s Natural Resources

• Supporting Botanical Building Accreditation as a national Botanic Garden in partnership with City Beautiful and the Park & Recreation Dept.  Friends of Balboa Park funded plant labeling equipment and expects to support future project components.
• Sponsored the Butterfly Garden installation and re-dedication of the Zoro Garden in 2008, together with the San Diego Floral Association, CHIRP for Garden Wildlife, Inc., the San Diego County Master Gardeners, and the City of San Diego Park & Recreation.  The Friends funded a colorful new outdoor mural and brochures about the garden’s plants and butterflies. Click here for brochure.

Park Infrastructure – Ensuring the park’s legacy

• Restored Historic Fountains and balustrades in front of the Botanical Building from 1915 historical photos and blueprints. Click here for restoration story board.
• Installed  park benches to assist private donors to honor a loved one.
• Improved  fencing to ensure safety at Nate’s Point Dog Park and partially funded a human and dog drinking fountain at Morley Field DogPark.

Special Events – Educating The Public About The Park

• Hosts the Annual Millennium Awards Luncheon to recognize leaders, volunteers, and philanthropists in the park.
• Convenes public forums to educate and inform the public about park needs and assets.  Advocates on behalf of Balboa Park to preserve park resources.
• Staffs Information Booths at the December Nights Festival and distributes event information to the hosting organizations and vendors.

Project Wish List

Over the last several years we have identified high priority projects that benefit the park as a whole and which further our core values to preserve, protect, and enhance the park for everyone. These projects present multiple opportunities for your involvement. Your personal commitment makes a meaningful difference and we invite you to participate based on your own interests for making the park a better place. All projects described have the support of the Park & Recreation Department, stewards for the park’s maintenance and well-being. Major projects require significant support from $5,000 to install a historic sign to $100,000 to refurbish the water feature in the Botanical Building. The goals, timeline and budget for these projects are highlighted along with contact information.

Interactive Information Kiosks (Phase II) – Connecting People to the Park

• Designed and installed three high tech pedestrian friendly information kiosks in the park: at Sefton Plaza on the west side, on the corner of the Plaza de Panama in front of the Timken Museum, and in the Cascades Plaza, between the Reuben H. Fleet and the SD Natural History Museum. Kiosks are ADA compliant and multi-language.
• Enhanced wayfinding for park visitors through touch screen aided information identifying locations of museums, gardens, buildings, parking, recreation, special events, restaurants, and restrooms.
• Created WiFi connectivity and other functional features including ATMs and electronic postcards. Click here for press release.
• Project Partners included the City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department, and Kiosk Arts, LLC.

For a complete project summary of the Kiosks, click here.

To view a live demonstration on YouTube of the kiosks in Balboa Park, visit www.kioskarts.com.

To view sponsorship (display) opportunities and rates, click here.

To view a map of the current and future locations of the kiosks in Balboa Park, click here.

We thank all our generous donors who contributed $350,000 to complete the first three Kiosks in Phase I.

To build and install the final two kiosks planned for Phase II, $175,000 needs to be raised.  Please contact our office to learn about donor opportunities: 619.232.2282 or e-mail: info@friendsofbalboapark.org

Sixth Avenue Playground Enhancement

Click here.

Botanical Building Project

Click here.

Historical Building Signage

Click here.

Water Conservation and Sustainability

Click here.

Plaza de Panama

Click here.