San Diego, February 10, 2026
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced significant changes to the parking fee policy at Balboa Park following community backlash. Effective March 2, residents can park for free in selected lots after the initial fees led to a drop in visitors. The removal of fees aims to address public concerns while balancing the park’s financial needs and accessibility for locals.
San Diego, California: Balboa Park Parking Fee Protests Lead to Policy Revisions
San Diego, California – In response to widespread community backlash, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced on February 6, 2026, that the city will revise its recently implemented parking fees at Balboa Park. Effective March 2, 2026, residents will be able to park for free in select lots, including Pepper Grove, Federal, Upper Inspiration Point, Lower Inspiration Point, Marston Point, Palisades, and Bea Evenson.
The parking fees, introduced on January 5, 2026, required visitors to pay up to $16 per day to park in any of the park’s 12 lots. The city anticipated generating approximately $15 million in revenue for the 2026 fiscal year to support park maintenance and address the city’s budget deficit. However, the fees led to a significant decline in visitors, with some restaurants reporting revenue drops of up to 40% and museums experiencing a 25% to 57% decrease in attendance during the first week.
In response to the new fees, some individuals vandalized parking kiosks by spraying foam into card and coin slots, resulting in repair costs of $400 per kiosk. Additionally, there were reports of screens being smashed and feces smeared on one of the kiosks. These actions have prompted city officials to reconsider the parking fee policy.
Mayor Gloria acknowledged the community’s concerns, stating, “I’ve heard from residents and from members of the City Council about how this program is affecting San Diegans who love Balboa Park as much as I do. That feedback matters, and it’s why I am eliminating parking fees for City residents in select lots in the park.”
The decision to revise the parking fees follows calls from city council members for a temporary suspension of the fees for residents. The initial implementation faced challenges, including difficulties for residents to access discounted rates and technical issues with parking kiosks, leading to public dissatisfaction and decreased park attendance.
Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the United States, is a significant cultural and recreational hub for San Diego residents and visitors. The park is home to numerous museums, gardens, and theaters, attracting millions of visitors annually. The recent policy changes aim to balance the park’s financial needs with the community’s access and enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What changes have been made to the parking fees at Balboa Park?
The city of San Diego has revised the parking fee policy at Balboa Park. Starting March 2, 2026, residents will be able to park for free in select lots, including Pepper Grove, Federal, Upper Inspiration Point, Lower Inspiration Point, Marston Point, Palisades, and Bea Evenson.
Why were the parking fees implemented initially?
The parking fees were introduced to generate approximately $15 million in revenue for the 2026 fiscal year, aiming to support park maintenance and address the city’s budget deficit.
What was the community’s reaction to the new parking fees?
The community expressed significant dissatisfaction with the new fees, leading to a decline in park attendance. Some restaurants reported revenue drops of up to 40%, and museums experienced a 25% to 57% decrease in visitors during the first week after the fees were implemented.
What actions were taken in response to the parking fees?
In response to the new fees, some individuals vandalized parking kiosks by spraying foam into card and coin slots, resulting in repair costs of $400 per kiosk. Additionally, there were reports of screens being smashed and feces smeared on one of the kiosks.
What is the significance of Balboa Park?
Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States, serving as a significant cultural and recreational hub for San Diego residents and visitors. The park is home to numerous museums, gardens, and theaters, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Key Features of the Parking Fee Policy Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Change | Revised parking fees at Balboa Park, with free parking for residents in select lots starting March 2, 2026. |
| Impacted Lots | Pepper Grove, Federal, Upper Inspiration Point, Lower Inspiration Point, Marston Point, Palisades, and Bea Evenson. |
| Initial Fee | Up to $16 per day for parking in any of the park’s 12 lots. |
| Revenue Expectation | Approximately $15 million for the 2026 fiscal year to support park maintenance and address the city’s budget deficit. |
| Community Response | Significant dissatisfaction, leading to a decline in park attendance and revenue drops for local businesses. |
| Vandalism Incidents | Parking kiosks were vandalized, including foam sprayed into card and coin slots and feces smeared on one kiosk, resulting in repair costs of $400 per kiosk. |
| Mayor’s Statement | Mayor Todd Gloria acknowledged community concerns and announced the elimination of parking fees for city residents in select lots. |
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