Descriptions

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INTERACTIVE INFORMATION KIOSKS – 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

ARBOR DAY – Greening the Park

  • Sponsored Arbor Day Celebration April 23, 2009 with the City of San Diego Park & Recreation Dept. to celebrate National Arbor Day.  Groups participating included students from San Diego High School and Roosevelt Middle School.
  • Planted Trees along Balboa Drive just west of the lawn bowling green to create shade and beauty for future generations.  San Diego Urban Corps assisted in the planting.
  • Donated Trees included Engelmann Oak, Island Oak, and Western Redbud.  Trees were donated by Mr. Phillip Green, who was honored for his significant contributions of time and resources to horticulture in Balboa Park.
  • Help us Purchase Trees for Arbor Day 2010! 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.

Click here for the event program

Click here for photos

Click here for the event press release

Click here for event invitation

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 2009 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

nick May 20, 2009