News Summary
Border Field State Park has reopened vehicle access to Friendship Park on weekends, yet the actual meeting area remains closed. The park, a symbol of connection at the U.S.-Mexico border, has undergone significant changes with the installation of security measures limiting public access. Local advocates express concern over the park’s transformation, emphasizing the need for restoration efforts to return it to its original purpose as a space for family reunions. Community leaders continue to advocate for improved cross-border accessibility.
San Diego – Friendship Park Remains Inaccessible Despite Reopening of Border Field State Park Access Road
Border Field State Park has officially reopened vehicle access to Friendship Park on weekends after a two-year closure. However, the actual meeting area at Friendship Park, which is located at the U.S.-Mexico border fence, remains closed and inaccessible. Visitors can now enter the park from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, but must pay a $5 cash-only fee for parking.
Despite the reopening of the park’s access road, the area designated for gatherings at Friendship Park has not resumed operations since it was closed in early 2020 due to pandemic-related containment measures. The federal government, which oversees access to Friendship Park within the U.S. Border Patrol’s enforcement zone, has maintained strict control over the site. Recent developments have resulted in the construction of a new 30-foot-tall fence with layers of concertina wire, significantly limiting access to the park.
Local advocates, including the executive director of the nonprofit Friends of Friendship Park, have expressed concern over the current state of the park, stating there is effectively “no Friendship Park to reopen” under the existing conditions. The site, once a thriving meeting place, now bears little resemblance to its previous form, having undergone substantial changes that prioritize border enforcement over public access.
Friendship Park was initially established on August 18, 1971, by first lady Pat Nixon as a symbol of binational goodwill and as a meeting space for families separated by the border. It allowed families to connect through restricted openings in the border wall. However, since the park’s closure at the onset of the pandemic, visitors have been unable to access this vital meeting space, leading to diminished attendance from both sides of the border. Meanwhile, the Mexican side of Friendship Park remains open year-round as a popular tourist attraction.
Recent construction efforts by both the previous and current administrations have focused on enhancing border security, which has transformed the park significantly. In addition to the new restrictive fencing, the Border Patrol has announced plans to paint the southern border fence black to deter climbing attempts. These measures have resulted in a park that locals and frequent visitors find unrecognizable compared to its previous condition.
Previously, Border Field State Park had closed due to storm damage caused by Hurricane Hillary, leading to infrastructure failures that required significant repair and cleanup efforts. Following these repairs, the access road was reopened, prompting community leaders and local advocates to hold events to commemorate the anniversary of Friendship Park. They have emphasized the need for a redesign of the space to restore its original purpose as a place for connection and community.
However, during recent visits, many individuals expressed surprise at the ongoing restrictions and changes to the site. Attendance at Friendship Park has noticeably declined as potential visitors come to terms with the new reality. The park has historically faced challenges related to flooding and sanitary issues, which have resulted in seasonal closures over the years. Nevertheless, the nearby U.S.-Mexico border and the access to Friendship Park have continued to attract visitors, including tourists interested in observing the dynamics of the border.
Community leaders remain focused on advocating for improved cross-border accessibility, recognizing the park’s historical significance as a space for family reunions. As discussions continue regarding the future of Friendship Park, many hope for a restoration that honors its legacy as a place for connection rather than division.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union Tribune: Friendship Park Reopening
- CBS 8: Border Field State Park Reopens
- Border Report: Road to Border Park Reopening
- Wikipedia: Friendship Park
- Google Search: Friendship Park San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
