Balboa Park is one of the classic American urban parks. Situated directly north of downtown San Diego in the heart of the urban center of the city, Balboa Park plays an extremely positive and pivotal role in many quality of life indicators in not only its immediate area but the entire city. It is a valuable open space preserve as well as a top cultural destination for the city as well as region. The park contains many of the city's prominent museums, playhouses, and various other cultural attractions. Nearly every sport or recreation opportunity imaginable is offered by facilities throughout the length of the park. Also, not to be overlooked at all, the park is home to the San Diego Zoo, one of the largest, most visited, and respected zoos in the world.
Balboa Park was truly a park that was planned for way ahead of time and before parks were given the importance they are heeded today. In 1835, before California was a state, authorities set aside a 47,000-acre tract to be used for public recreational purposes, which included the land of Balboa Park. This designation makes the park one of the oldest places in the United States to be dedicated to public recreational usage, and it has not changed to this day. By 1870, the city had made the decision to dedicate a 1,400-acre parcel of land to create Balboa Park. At this time, San Diego was only the second American city to dedicate such a large tract of land to create a public park after New York City, which had recently achieved a similar tactic in the creation of Central Park.
The layout of the park is a masterpiece in cultural landscaping that is adapted perfectly to the particular climate in which it is placed. The park is comprised of many drought tolerant and California native plants, many of which were planted early in the park's history by legendary landscape designer Kate Sessions. This fits perfectly with the Mediterranean climate of San Diego and the Spanish architecture that dominates the main areas of the park. A stunning display of this architecture is viewable all along the main drag of the park, El Prado, which a part of is pictured below:
Balboa Park often flies in the face of many preconceived notions and stereotypes regarding San Diego and the larger Southern California region. Besides the classic Southern California weather, many of its attractions are not what usually attract people to the area or what spring to mind when outsiders or tourists think of preconceived notions regarding the region. It is park highly dependent upon classical architecture, cultural attractions, and urban activity to promote visitors. This is in contrast to the surf and beach lifestyle of which San Diego is so often equated.
No mention of the park can be complete without giving proper attention to the San Diego Zoo, which is situated within its boundaries. An incredible year-round attraction for tourists and locals alike, the zoo is situated on hilly terrain with over 3,700 animals from over 650 species within it. It is one of the largest zoos in the United States and has been a pioneer in implementing the design of cage-free exhibits for the animals. It is also a leader in the conservation and protection of animals.
Balboa Park is a decidedly historic and urban park located in the heart of one of a city that non-locals do not tend to view as very urban. San Diego is a very diverse city,whether it be geographically, ethnically, or in terms of lifestyle. Therefore, Balboa Park and its varied attractions and uses, is the perfect park centerpiece for the city in which it is located.
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