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San Diego Scales Back Balboa Park Parking With Free Resident Lots and Earlier Cutoff

Park institutions warn of steep visitor declines, pressing for full repeal.

Overview

  • Starting March 2, verified San Diego city residents can park for free in seven outlying Balboa Park lots, including Pepper Grove, Federal, and Inspiration Point.
  • Paid parking continues at premium locations such as the Organ Pavilion and Casa de Balboa, with enforcement now ending at 6 p.m. instead of 8 p.m.
  • Museum leaders report attendance declines of 15% to 40%, and the Automotive Museum cites a 62% plunge on a recent Resident Free Tuesday.
  • The Cohn Restaurant Group says The Prado is operating at a loss, and managers report cutting staff shifts across park eateries.
  • City officials project about $1.7 million in lost revenue from the rollback, as a repeal measure filed by the Office of the Public Advocate heads to a City Council Rules Committee discussion on Aug. 7.