San Diego, January 26, 2026
The San Diego City Council Rules Committee is set to discuss a proposal allowing free Sunday parking at Balboa Park. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility for residents and visitors, promoting greater community engagement with the park’s cultural offerings. Currently, parking fees vary depending on location, but the proposal seeks to eliminate these fees on Sundays, balancing community access with maintenance funding needs.
San Diego Considers Free Sunday Parking at Balboa Park
San Diego, CA – The San Diego City Council Rules Committee is gearing up to discuss a proposed ballot measure on Wednesday that would enable free parking at Balboa Park on Sundays. This initiative aims to provide residents and visitors with a cost-free parking option during the weekends, aligning with local aspirations to enhance community access to the city’s cultural treasures.
Balboa Park, known for its beautiful gardens and rich cultural institutions, has seen significant changes with the introduction of paid parking, which began on January 5, 2026. By removing parking fees on Sundays, the proposal seeks to balance the need for funding park maintenance while ensuring that everyone, regardless of budget constraints, can enjoy the park’s offerings. Advocating for free access underscores the entrepreneurial spirit of San Diego, promoting not only local businesses but also community engagement in one of the city’s most treasured locations.
Details of the Proposal
The proposed measure aims to eliminate all parking fees within Balboa Park on Sundays, presenting a cost-free alternative for visitors. As it stands, parking rates vary based on proximity to the park’s center, with Level 1 lots charging up to $16 for non-residents and $8 for residents, and Level 2 lots costing up to $10 for non-residents and $5 for residents. Level 3 lots offer the first three hours free, but charge $10 for non-residents and $5 for residents thereafter. On-street parking meters are set at $2.50 per hour, capped at $10 daily. These fees are enforced from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Background Context
Paid parking in Balboa Park was approved by the San Diego City Council in September 2025 as a part of a broader parking management plan intended to support park operations and improvements. Revenue generated from these parking fees is allocated for maintenance and infrastructure enhancements within the park. The shift from free to paid parking has raised discussions about accessibility and the importance of community involvement in such decisions.
The upcoming discussion by the Rules Committee on the proposed ballot measure is pivotal, reflecting the ongoing dialogue about finding a balance between generating essential revenue for park improvements and ensuring equitable access for all visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the proposed ballot measure about?
The proposed ballot measure aims to allow free parking at Balboa Park on Sundays, providing a cost-free parking option for all visitors during the weekends.
When will the San Diego City Council Rules Committee discuss this proposal?
The Rules Committee is scheduled to discuss the proposed ballot measure on Wednesday.
What are the current parking rates at Balboa Park?
As of January 5, 2026, parking rates at Balboa Park vary depending on the lot’s proximity to the park’s center. Level 1 lots charge up to $16 per day for non-residents and $8 for residents, Level 2 lots charge up to $10 per day for non-residents and $5 for residents, and Level 3 lots offer the first three hours free, with a daily rate of $10 for non-residents and $5 for residents thereafter. On-street parking meters are set at $2.50 per hour, with a daily maximum of $10. These fees are enforced daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Why was paid parking implemented at Balboa Park?
Paid parking was implemented at Balboa Park as part of a broader parking management plan approved by the San Diego City Council in September 2025. The plan was designed to support park operations and improvements, with revenues from parking fees allocated for maintenance and infrastructure enhancements within the park.
How will the proposed free Sunday parking impact visitors?
If approved, the proposed free Sunday parking would provide visitors with a cost-free parking option during the weekends, potentially increasing accessibility and encouraging more people to visit Balboa Park on Sundays.
Key Features of the Proposed Free Sunday Parking at Balboa Park
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Sunday Parking | Proposal to eliminate parking fees within Balboa Park on Sundays, offering a cost-free parking experience for all visitors. |
| Current Parking Rates | As of January 5, 2026, parking rates vary depending on the lot’s proximity to the park’s center, with Level 1 lots charging up to $16 per day for non-residents and $8 for residents, and Level 2 lots charging up to $10 per day for non-residents and $5 for residents. Level 3 lots offer the first three hours free, with a daily rate of $10 for non-residents and $5 for residents thereafter. On-street parking meters are set at $2.50 per hour, with a daily maximum of $10. These fees are enforced daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Background | The introduction of paid parking in Balboa Park was approved by the San Diego City Council in September 2025 as part of a broader parking management plan. The plan was designed to support park operations and improvements, with revenues from parking fees allocated for maintenance and infrastructure enhancements within the park. |
| Next Steps | The San Diego City Council Rules Committee is scheduled to discuss the proposed ballot measure on Wednesday, which will be a pivotal step in determining the future of parking policies at Balboa Park. |
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