Documenters explored San Diego’s Balboa Park. Here’s what they found

First up was Brett Vollrath. He stopped for a breakfast burrito and an iced mocha about 8 a.m. on a Monday at Route 6 Coffee and Smoothies as he wandered his assigned area of Balboa Park’s Morley Field Sports Complex.

Twelve members of inewsource’s Documenters program explored the park and interviewed visitors. Their notes, photos and voice memos helped us paint a comprehensive picture of the beloved park that represents seemingly everything for San Diegans — a tourist attraction, community park, cultural center, sports complex, playground, dog park and so much more.

What they found was a mixture of love and awe for San Diego’s crown jewel even as it crumbles.

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Our Documenters spent nearly 40 hours in the park, splitting up to cover as much of the 1,200 acres as they could. They found that on any given day, the park builds on a massive wealth of ordinary moments and extraordinary memories for locals and tourists alike, memories tinged golden by their setting.

“I mean, it’s my life,” said Eric Goodwin, who lives near the park. “This is kind of my second home. I do love this park.” 

People spoke of how they met their spouses here, others of taking family photos. Some shared vivid childhood memories. We heard of many people who turned free museum days into a family tradition. Nearby residents told us they enjoyed the simple things — the peaceful quiet in the morning or a late afternoon walk. 

Some memories are not as pleasant. One regular park visitor described once witnessing a violent fight, and another the awkward experience of stumbling into a couple’s love nest. It’s maybe not surprising to learn that the park has seen a bit of love and hate. 

Then there’s the architecture, the fountains, the botanical garden, the sunsets and everything that often prompts the usual response from visitors — “It’s beautiful.” 

Generally, everyone we interviewed agreed: Balboa Park is a gem.  

And yet, there’s more. 

Documenters also noted evidence of maintenance issues and neglect throughout the park, such as ailing restrooms, unfinished or damaged walking paths, scattered litter and rusted lamp posts. They described seemingly abandoned areas, lack of resources to protect visitors from the heat, overgrown vegetation and clear signs of aging buildings. 

Some buildings displayed their beauty on their public face but hid their neglect around back. In other instances, such as at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, nearby structures show drastically different levels of dilapidation and restoration. 

The vast majority of people we spoke to seem to accept the park’s flaws for its beauty. 

“It is what it is. It’s supposed to be old and charming. So it’s old and charming, and with old comes dilapidation in some areas,” said Darryl Travis Clark, a regular visitor who grew up and lives near the park.

Moments later, Clark described some of the conditions in less accepting terms. 

“Our bathrooms are horrifying, period,” he said. “If you want to know why you shouldn’t wear shoes in the house, go to the bathrooms in Spanish Village.” 

Still, Clark thinks the park has been generally well-managed. He remembers the first lighting of the newly renovated Botanical Building as something special. 

“It was a stunning aqua blue, turquoise, green light that they shined on the whole property. And it was just stunning … it was a proud moment to see,” Clark said.  

Explore the subsections below to listen for yourself to what the Documenters gathered.

The crown jewel

From the visitors

Locals and tourists love the park for a variety of reasons.

It’s old, but charming.

The buildings show their age

The buildings are aging, and many have been neglected for years.

“It seems like the more used areas, and the areas that will be seen and frequented more by the public, are kept in better shape.”

Alex Blood

San Diego Documenter

From the Documenters

From the visitors

All the other little things

In addition to the aging buildings, the park faces plenty of smaller but noticeable signs of wear and tear.

From the Documenters