Balboa Park History 1998
January, 1998, San Diego Home/Garden. Big. Bigger. Biggest. Are expansion projects corrupting historic buildings in Balboa Park?, by Wayne Carlson.
January 5, 1998. Balboa Park Committee Meeting. Adoption: 201. Inspiration Point Precise Plan; 202. Leash Free Dog Areas in Public Parks.
January 14, 1998. Design Review Committee of the Park & Recreation Board Meeting.
Action Items: 1. Balboa Park – Inspiration Point Precise Plan . . . Kevin Oliver, Northern
Parks Division, Ron Pekarek, Consultant, Pekarek Group; Motion by S. Andrews, seconded by D. Leonard, to approve the proposed precise plan as presented subject to the revision of the Activity Center Plaza, between the historic north courtyard and the Activity Center Building to address the aesthetic and physical transition. The Committee feels that the Activity Center seriously compromises the Precise Plan and does not comply with the Balboa Park Master Plan in terms of recreating the historic courtyards and providing disabled access between the two park areas which may be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Acts Guidelines.
Vote 9 in favor, 1 abstention.
January 15, 1998. Park & Recreation Board Meeting. Adoption 101. Balboa Park
Inspiration Point Precise Plan – Kevin Oliver. . . . Balboa Park Committee Reports. Ms. Lucy reported that Christmas on the Prado was a huge success. She also invited everyone to visit the Botanical Gardens as the orchids are in full bloom. It is anticipated that the Alcazar Gardens could be open sometime in April. Free organ concerts every Sunday.
January 29, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-2. Stamp honoring Panama Canal debut unveiled in ceremonies at Balboa Park, by Caitlin Rother.
February 2, 1998, Balboa Park Committee Meeting. Adoption 201. Leash Free Dog Areas in Public Parks; 202. Natural History Museum Proposed Expansion. . . . Information Items: 401. Balboa Park Parking Issues – Update.
February 11, 1998. Design Review Committee Meeting. Action Items. 2. Balboa Park – Museum of Art Fire Code Compliance – Pirouz Etemad, Staff Engineering & Capital Projects, Paul Johnson – Consultant, Ferris, Johnson & Perkins, Architects. 3. Balboa Park – Organ Pavilion Restroom Replacement – Pirouz Etemad, Staff Engineering & Capital Projects,
Carlos Rodriguez – Consultant, Rodriguez & Simon Design Associates. 5. Balboa Park –
Natural History Museum Proposed Expansion – Deborah Sharpe, Staff Park & Recreation, Richard Bundy, Consultant, Architects Bundy & Thompson.
Communications: Roger DeWeese was commended by committee members for his succinct letter to decision-makers regarding the proposed Balboa Park Activity Center and its approval process. Chairperson Glassman said he would bring up the issue at the upcoming Park & Recreation Board.
- Action Items: Museum of Art Fire Code Compliance: Motion by M. Theilacker, seconded by D. Goldman, to approve the design alternative which as a high, flat roof with cap, including a dropped interior ceiling and increase in door height to 9’0″, and extend the addition beyond the face of the 1973 addition.
Vote: Unanimous approval.
- Action Items: Organ Pavilion Restroom Replacement: Motion by R. Utt, seconded by M. Theilacker, to approve the proposed restroom replacement as presented with primary access either split or widened by 50%, and plumbing venting hidden on backside of roof away from street.
Vote: Unanimous approval.
- Action Items: Natural History Museum Proposed Expansion. Motion by R. Utt, seconded by R. DeWeese, to approve the director’s recommendation with the following conditions: 1) Reevaluate service access and possible alternative mechanical and structural elements that can service that function without creating a circulation and visual barrier; 2) Reconsider the north entrance access by raising the grade and accommodating persons with disabilities and others by entering at the building’s second level; 3) Provide a visual terminus (focal point) where sidewalk meets the parking lot on northside; 4) Obtain consultation from certified arborist on preservation of all significant trees and how the proposed expansion will affect them, and; 5) Return to the committee to present service access and north entrance reconsiderations.
Vote: Six in favor, one in opposition – motion passes.
February 15, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, E-3. It takes gumption we’ve lost to build civic pride, by Welton Jones.
February 19, 1998, Park & Recreation Board. Requests for Continuance: At the request of the Natural History Museum staff item #102 has been pulled from today’s agenda. It will be brought back to the Board at a later date. . . . Communications: Mr. Anthony Mournian, Attorney, discussed the issue of “leash free” areas for dogs and described some of the problems that are occurring at Grape Street Park.
Director’s Report. Ms. McLatchy reported that the City anticipates a $45 million budget shortfall for FY 98/99. The City Manager has directed each department head not to fill any existing vacancies other than critical safety positions until further notice.
Ms. McLatchy explained that the department is looking very seriously at corporate sponsorships and partnering with private industry as another source of revenue for programs and projects.
Ms. McLatchy announced that she and June Dudas, assistant to the director, are creating a task force to develop a Park & Recreation strategic plan for the 21st century.
Ms. McLatchy discussed the Channel 8 News report of February 16 which focused on “city slackers” in Balboa Park. The employees, a tree-trimming crew and two grounds maintenance workers, were observed over a period of days not adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Park & Recreation Department. Mike Behan, Metro Park Deputy Director, and his staff are conducting fact findings and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken if warranted. Channel 8 did point out that this was just one small incident out of an otherwise very hardworking and diligent group of employees.
Action Items, Adoption, 101. Balboa Park – Inspiration Point Precise Plan: Mr.
Kevin Oliver, Park Designer with the Northern Parks Division, explained that Inspiration Point is one of several areas in Balboa Park that was authorized for further development in the form of a Precise Plan by the Balboa Park Master Plan. The Plan, nearly seven years after its inception, has been approved by the Balboa Park Committee and the Design Review Committee, subject to the revision of the Activity Center Plaza, between the historic north courtyard and the Activity Center building, to address the aesthetic and physical transition.
The Committee feels that the Activity Center seriously compromises the Precise Plan and does not comply with the Balboa Park Master Plan in terms of recreating the historic courtyards and providing disabled access between the two park areas, which may be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Committee is recommending that the wall between the two facilities be removed.
Mr. Oliver introduces Mr. Ron Pekarek, landscape architect, who presented a historical review of the plan, the criteria that was followed and what the plan accomplished. Mr. Roger DeWeese, Design Review Committee member and landscape architect, spoke on behalf of the recommendations made by the Design Review Committee.
Mr. Mike Behan, Metro Parks Division Deputy Director, has contacted Darren Greehall, Senior Project Manager for the Parks Capital Improvement Program, to see if the interface area between Inspiration Point and the Activity Center can be made more easily accessible by both pedestrians and the disabled. A meeting was held yesterday with the landscape architect and their findings will be presented to the Design Review Committee.
A question and answer period followed between Board members, Mr. Pekarek, Mr. DeWeese and Mr. Olive to provide additional clarification of the issues. Mr. Oliver reaffirmed that there is ADA access between the two facilities via the sidewalk and turnaround area but not direct access as recommended by the Design Review Committee. Although no negative comments were received from the City’s ADA staff when the document was distributed, Mr. Oliver agreed to consult with them again to make certain they completely understand the report and the transition area. He and Mr. Pekarek explained in detail what would have to occur in order for the Design Review Committee’s recommendation to be followed. Mr. McLatchy also addressed some of the maintenance, safety and security concerns if this recommendation is followed. She agreed that after staff has met with City ADA, she will report back to the Board on how the transition will be handled.
Motion: Moved/seconded Ms, Lacy/Ms. Duffy: Ms. Lacy moved to approve the Director’s recommendation to approve the Inspiration Point Precise Plan. Motion passes.
Vote: Yea – Duffy, Lacy, Weinsheim, Curren; Nay – Crenshaw, Madaffer, Glassman.
Balboa Park Committee Report: Ms. Lacy told everyone about the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day events in the park and Earth Day in April. The park looks beautiful.
Design Review Committee Report: Mr. Glassman reported that the committee voted to approved the Balboa Park Museum of Art Fire Code Compliance Alternative and the Organ Pavilion restroom replacement with access and venting recommendations.
February 19, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, E-4. The ties that bind/Dog lovers are straining at the leash for parks where pets run free, by Caty Van Housen.
February 26, 1998, Letter Councilmember Christine Kehoe to Richard Amero regarding proposed San Diego Zoo expansion in Balboa Park.
March 1, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, Balboa Park garden begins interpretive nature series, by Karen Wilson.
March 2, 1998, Balboa Park Committee. Staff Report 1. Balboa Park special projects;
Action Items (Adoption) 201. Federal Building (Hall of Champions) landscape improvements; 202. Support for Grant Application ($30 million to $40 million) for public art installation in Balboa Park; 203. Balboa Park tram central design.
Workshop items: Pepper Grove playground improvements.
Information items: Balboa Park parking issues – update.
March 11, 1998, Design Review Committee. Action Items 1. Balboa Park – Natural History Museum Expansion: Deborah Sharpe – Staff, Northern Parks; Richard Bundy – Consultant,
Bundy Thompson Architects. . . . 2. Balboa Park tram stop – Ali Scheili, staff, Public
Buildings & Parks, Scott Molentin – consultant, Estrada Land Planning. . . . 5. Balboa Park – Federal Building (Future Hall of Champions) landscape remediation plan: Penny Scott, staff, Metro Parks; Monic Mroz – Consultant, WYA.
Chairpersons’ Report: Chairperson Glassman announced that R. DeWeese gave an excellent presentation of the Park & Recreation Board last month regarding the Balboa Park Activity Center and the Inspiration Point Precise Plan interface and approval process. Marcia C. McLatchy, the Park & Recreation Director, said she will pursue the issues raised in his presentation and report back to the Board. R. DeWeese was complimented by other committee members for his efforts.
Action Items:
1) Natural History Museum Expansion: Motion by M. Theilacker, seconded by D. Goldman, to approve the reevaluated areas with the condition that the architect put additional thought into the scale of the proposed pedestrian plaza outside of the north entry.
Vote: Unanimous approval.
2) Tram stop: Motion by R. Utt, seconded by M. Theilacker, to approve design as presented subject to the following conditions: 1) Consider adding a 6’0″ sidewalk from Park Boulevard to tram stop on parking lot side of landscaped area; 2) Simplify landscaping;
3) Move stop side into landscaped area; and
4) Incorporate park information signage into kiosk design to eliminate need for another sign across the parking lot.
Vote: Unanimous approval.
5) Federal Building – Landscape Remediation Plan: (E. Yamada abstained from discussion due to a conflict on interest.) Motion by M. Theilacker, seconded by R. DeWeese, to continue project. Vote: Unanimous approval.
March 19, 1998., Park & Recreation Board. Action Items (Adoption) 102. Federal Building (Hall of Champions) landscape improvements (Penny Scott, Metro Parks); 103. Tram Stop (Ali Soheil, Public Buildings and Parks).105. Natural History Museum Expansion (Deborah Sharpe, Northern Parks)
Approval of Minutes: Motion – Moved/Seconded Ms. Weinsheim/Mr. Glassman
Motion passed unanimously to approve the Minutes of February 19, 1998 with one correction. Mrs. Duffy requested that the Minutes include her motion to item #101 Balboa Park – Inspiration Point Precise Plan. Ms. Duffy moved that this plan be tabled until such resolution can be made and specifics put in the plan for consideration by the Park & Recreation Board. (This in reference to the transition area between Inspiration Point and the Activity Center.). Mr. Glassman seconded the motion.
Vote: Yea – Madaffer, Glassman; Nay – Duffy, Weinsheim, Grenshaw, Lacy. The motion failed.
Requests for continuance: 101. Federal Building (Hall of Champions) landscape improvements.
Director’s Report: Ms. McLatchy reported that the first day of two State of the Department Addresses began this morning in the Balboa Park Club with approximately 490 employees, volunteers and guests in attendance. . . . An historical museum has been created depicting over 100 years of Park & Recreation community services and special events.
Action Items (Adoption) 103. Balboa Park – Tram Stop. Mr. Ali Soheili, Public Buildings & Parks Division of the Engineering & Capital Projects Dept., reported that the General Development Plan for the Tram Stop at Inspiration Point had been approved by the SCRAP Committee and the Balboa Park Committee. The Design Review Committee made several recommendations that were not included in their Board report. Mr. Glassman, Board member and Chairman of the Design Review Committee, requested that the recommendations his committee made by addressed in writing by Mr. Soheili and his Dept. Mr. Current recommended that because the report was incomplete and that some Board members had not received a copy prior to the meeting that this item be continued until such time when all the issues can be addressed.
Mr. Glassman moved to sent this report back for additional clarification.
Mr. Michael Behan, Metro Parks Division Deputy Director, spoke on behalf of the project explaining that he was aware of the recommendations made by the Design Review Committee and assured Mr. Glassman that when the landscaping plan is implemented it will be done by Balboa Park staff following these recommendations. Mr. Behan announced that most of the funding is in place for the project and emphasized how important it is to be operational by Summer to best serve the needs of the public.
Mr. Darren Greenhaigh, Senior Civil Engineer with the Engineering and Capital Projects Dept., addressed the concerns Mr. Glassman expressed and assured the Board members that the recommendations of the Design Review Committee would be followed and apologized for the delay in getting the reports to Sally Pearson, Park & Recreation Board Secretary.
Mr. Glassman and Ms. Weinsheim withdrew their motions.
Motion: Moved/Seconded Ms. Lacy/Ms. Weinsheim – Ms. Lacy moved to approved the General Development Plan for the Trap Stop at Inspiration Point including the recommendations made by the Design Review Committee. Motion passed.
Vote: 6 – Yea; 1 Abstention (Ms. Duffy).
- Natural History Museum Expansion: Ms. Deborah Sharpe, Park Planner for the Northern Parks Division, presented a detailed overview of the proposed expansion design to the Natural History Museum and the amendments to the Balboa Park Master Plan and the Central Mesa Precise Plan necessary to allow the expansion to proceed. The proposed landscape changes and site plan modifications have been satisfactorily addressed and a report from the arborist was submitted outlining how to protect the significant trees during the construction period. The Historic Site Board will review the project for conformance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings.
Dr. Michael Hager, Executive Director of the Natural History Museum, presented historical date on the museum as well as an overview of the significant programs the museum provides. With the dedication of this expansion, the museum will be celebrating their 125th anniversary.
Mr. Dick Bundy, architect for the project, addressed Ms. Duffy’s question pertaining to how the north entrance will be designed so as not to confuse it with the present historic south entrance. Mr. Bundy explained that when construction is complete the north entrance will also become a major entrance. He predicted that approximately 60% of park visitors will use the new north entrance. Mr. Bundy reported that a reevaluation of the north entrance design was done to see of the recommendations of the Design Review Committee could be carried out. However, they were unable to accommodate their desire to see people enter on the second level due to design limitations of the existing interior building configuration. The details of the design around the north entrance will be brought back to the Design Review Committee when ready.
Motion: Moved/Seconded Mr. Glassman/Ms. Lacy: Mr. Glassman moved to approve the proposed Natural History Museum expansion and the amendments to the Balboa Park Master Plan and the Central Mesa Precise Plan to allow the expansion of the Museum as modified per the Design Review Committee recommendations. The motion passed unanimously.
Balboa Park Committee Report: Ms. Lacy reported that Balboa Park looks beautiful, as usual.
March 26, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-11. The value of open space; MSCP (Multiple Species Conservation Program) environmental program is good for people, too, by Pam Slater, member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
March 29, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune. Phoenix rising; San Diego’s new regional rival, the home of “Zonies,” is coming of age, by Gordon Smith.
April, 1998, Uptown News Magazine, 14. Paving over a natural wonderland, by Richard W. Amero.
April 6, 1998. Balboa Park Committee. Staff Report 1. Balboa Park Special Projects; Action Items (Adoption) 201. GDP – Pepper Grove Playground and Picnic Arias; 202. Concept Plan – Lawn Bowling Clubhouse Expansion; Workshop Items: 301. San Diego Zoo – Long Range Goals; Information Items 401. Balboa Park parking issues – update.
April 8, 1998. Design Review Committee. Action Items 1. Balboa Park – Federal Building (Future Hall of Champions) landscape remediation plan; Penny Scott- Staff, Metro Parks; Monica Mroz – Consultant, Wimmer, Yamada, Caughey & Association; 7. Pepper Grove Playground Improvements – Darren Greenhaigh – Staff, Public Buildings & Parks, Nick DeLorenzo – Consultant, Amphion Environment. Information Item 1. Balboa Park – Preliminary alternatives for north and south courts on Inspiration Point – Darren Greenhaigh, Staff, Public Buildings & Parks, Mike Fotheringham – Consultant, Amphion Environmental.
Request for Continuances: Item #1. Balboa Park – Federal Building landscape remediation plan, was continued until May at the request of the consultant.
Chairperson’s report: Chairperson Glassman announced that he had received 26 letters from citizens regarding an issue which is under consideration by the city to allow dogs off leash within parks.
Staff Report: Staff representative Sharpe advised the committee that the dogs off leash issue will go before the Park & Recreation Board in May and ultimately the City Council for a policy decision. A copy of the Park & Recreation report will be forwarded to the committee members in the May packet for their information in case anyone would like to give input on the issue at any of the upcoming public hearings. The policy could have design ramifications, depending on the decision made and any parameters to be followed.
Action Items. 7. Pepper Grove playground improvements: Motion by M. Theilacker, seconded by R. Utt, to approve the proposed Pepper Grove playground improvements as presented. Vote: Unanimous approval (7 members present).
Information Item. 1. Balboa Park preliminary alternatives for north and south courts on Inspiration Point: Design alternatives were presented to the committee for input regarding access and transition between the Activity Center and the historic courtyards, and the fountain design for the north courtyard. Input from the Committee included the following:
North Court Transition – The ramp option was preferred with the ramp flared wider on the north end to match the opening in the wall, and adding steps between the cupolas and the Activity Center’s plaza level.
Fountain in North Court – Fountain option B was preferred with the base of the lantern turned so that the corners point to each of the colored tile markers.
South Court Transition – Alternative #1 was preferred with modifications; replace the two stairway wings with one central staircase while retaining a terrace wall in place of the stairway wings on either side of the central staircase.
April 16, 1998. Park & Recreation Board. Communications: Mr. Glassman asked when the dogs off leash item will be coming to the Board. Mr. Curren said it would be at the May 21 meeting.
Director’s Report: Volunteer Recognition Night will be held at the Balboa Park Club on July 29.
Action Items (Adoption) 101. Museum of Art – Fire Code Compliances: Mr. Darren Greenhaigh, Senior Civil Engineer with the Engineering and Capital Projects Department, presented an overview of the proposed design plan for fire code improvements to the Museum of Art. The National Parks Service initially was concerned about the scale of the building and that because of the height detracted from the symmetry of the historic building. They recommended that either a metal staircase hanging on the exterior of the 1973 addition be constructed or that a flat roof be used. The San Diego Museum of Art Board of Directors and the Balboa Park Committee unanimously approved the flat roof design. The Design Review Committee unanimously approved the plans with some modifications, which have been included in the design. The Historical Sites Board has not approved the project and requested that they come back with either a hip roof, which the National Park Service did not like, or a roof line that actually steps down as the staircase moves to the east. An additional stairway will be built at the east side of the building to provide an emergency exit from the second floor and meet code requirements. Mr. Greenhaigh also explained the history of the project, the site conditions, and design alternatives that have been discussed.
Mr. Bill Perkins, architect from Ferris, Johnson and Perkins, presented their proposal depicting the flat roof design.
Mr. Mitchell Gaul, Director of Operations for the Museum of Art, and Mr. Pirouz Etemad, Project Managers with the Public Buildings and Parks Division of Engineering and Capital Projects, answered questions regarding the second floor emergency exit and what impact these changes will have to the interior of the second floor galleries.
Motion: Moved/Seconded Ms. Lacy/Mr. Glassman – Ms. Lacy moved to approve the design plan for fire code improvements for the Museum of Art. It was seconded by Mr. Glassman. The motion passed unanimously.
Balboa Park Committee Report. Ms. Lacy reported that Buds ‘n Bloom is in full swing through the month of April in Balboa Park. Sunday, April 19, is Earth Day. Groundbreaking for the new Activity Center will take place on Wednesday, April 22 at 9:00 a.m. The Kate Sessions statue was unveiled at the southwest corner of the park entrance at Laurel Street on April 1. Over 300 people attended.
April 20, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-3. Blue skies, big crowd turn out for Earth Day Fair at Balboa Park, by Luis Monteagudo, Jr.
April 28, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-3. Unidentified man gravely injured in Balboa Park attack near Morley Field, by Joe Hughes.
May 4, 1998, Balboa Park Committee. Staff Report 1. Balboa Park special projects; Action Items (Adoption) 201. Balboa Park Gardens Concept Design – Reconstruction. Workshop Items. 310. Cottage construction design – House of Iran. 302. Sixth Avenue playground improvements. Information Items. 401. Balboa Park parking issues – update.
May 5, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-2, B-3, B-4. Natural History Museum work OK’d; cost of expansion will be $26 million, by Ronald W. Powell.
May 13, 1998. Design Review Committee:
Action Items 1. Balboa Park – Inspiration Point north and south courtyards; Darren Greenhaigh – Staff, Public Buildings & Parks Division; Mike Fotheringham, Consultant, Amphion Environmental. Motion by R. Utt, seconded by S. Andrews, to approve the proposed courtyard designs with the following modifications: 1) Incorporate unfinished central courtyard work as part of this project (specifically screening of Navy Hospital and wall); 2) Remove access between the central court and south court to create a “Bellevue” extension; 3) Enlarge pedestrian access through cupolas from the central to south court; 4) Encourage grand scale (4’0″ minimum) of balustrade, and reconsider the scale of all elements to ensure compatibility with design context; 5) Eliminate central sidewalk access in the north court, providing a level lawn area, and provide Italian cypress trees at 2’0″ on center along west edge to visually screen the Activity Center, shift the cupolas to the east by 3’0″ to accommodate Italian cypress trees; 6) Provide additional access width from pedestrian walks into lawn areas in both the north and south courtyards; 7) Substitute Phoenix Canariensis for Phoenix Dactylifera, and formalize planting on west slope of south court; and 8) Incorporate a ring of four Italian Cypress trees around the corners of each cupola.
Vote unanimous (7 members present).
- Federal Building landscape plan – Penny Scott, Metro Parks Division; Monica Mros, Consultant WYCA; Motion by R. Utt, seconded by M. Theilacker, to approve the proposed landscape remediation plan as presented with the following conditions: 1) Reconsider proposed plant selection on north side of building; 2) Provide an 8’0″ wide sidewalk from the south parallel to the face of the building, connecting perpendicularly to the main entry sidewalk, with planting and other amenities designed to accommodate a future extension to President’s Way.
Vote: 5 in favor, 1 abstention (6 members present, E. Yamada abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest.)
Workshop Items 1. House of Iran – The project was continued until the June meeting due to the inadequate number of committee members present.
May 13, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, A-21. Hotel-room tax a treasure trove/Its revenues, public uses are ever expanding, by Philip J. La Velle.
1994 fiscal year. Balboa Park/Mission Bay Park $4.8 million
1998 fiscal year. Balboa Park/Mission Bay Park $5.9 million
May 13, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, A-1. The battle over Proposition A/Face of downtown may hinges on fate of convention center expansion, by Philip J. La Velle.
$210 million in new debt
May 13, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, A-20. Center Expansion Q & A, by Philip J. La Velle
May 13, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, A-21. The Evolution of the Convention Center, by Philip J. LaVelle.
May 13, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, A-21. Some of the Key Players, by Philip J. LaVelle.
May 17, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-3. Laura Kim, Graphic designer fights to save historic district threatened by ballpark, by Ronald W. Powell.
May 17, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, P-17. Gardens galore/Balboa Park is jewel near downtown San Diego, and its 1,200 acres are specialty gardens to delight the eye and soothe the soul, by Kelly Terry.
Steve Remley, district manager of Balboa Park in charge of park maintenance
May 20, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-1, B-5. No-leash parks at issue in hearing/City could add up to 11 areas, by James Steinberg.
May 20, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-2, B-3. Debated fees help pay for forest improvements/But critics say pass puts price tag on nature, by David Harpster.
Hikers and picnickers paying a $5 day-use fee per vehicle in June in Cleveland National Forest
May 21, 1998. Park & Recreation Board. Action Items (Adoption) 101. Pepper Grove Playground – Darren Greenhaigh, Public Buildings & Parks: Motion made by Mr. Curren to approve on consent passed unanimously.
- Inspiration Point General Development Plan – North and South Courtyards – Darren Greenhaigh, Public Buildings & Parks: Mr. Darren Greenhaigh, Senior Civil Engineer with the Public Buildings & Park Division of the Engineering & Capital Projects Dept., reported that the Balboa Park Committee, the Design Review Committee and the Sub-Committee for the Removal of Architectural Barriers all unanimously approved the proposed plan. Recommendations from the Design Review Committee and SCRAB have been incorporated into the Director’s Recommendation, with the exception of the one recommendation made by the Design Review Committee to incorporate the screening of the Navy Hospital and the wall. The Council has authorized funding for the construction of the North Courtyard. The South Courtyard was included in the proposed GDP because it was more cost effective to do both courtyards at one time.
At Mr. Glassman’s request, Mr. Greenhaigh described briefly the six recommendations made by the Design Review Committee that were included in the proposed plan.
Motion Moved/Seconded Ms. Lacy/Mr. Glassman: Ms Lacy moved to approve the General Development Plan for the North and South Courtyards at Inspiration Point. It was seconded by Mr. Glassman. The motion passed unanimously.
- Leash Free Areas – Terri Williams, Coastal Parks Division. Ms. Terri Williams, Coastal Parks Division Deputy Director, presented a detailed report covering the issue of whether or not there should be leash-free areas for dogs in public parks and, if so, in which parks. Currently there are five leash-free areas for dogs in the City of San Diego parks. They are located in the beach area, Dog Beach ((Ocean Beach) and Fiesta Island (Mission Bay Park). These were designated by City Council in 1972. There are also three areas in Balboa Park (a portion of Morley Field behind the tennis courts, Nates Point on the west side, and Grape Street Park) that were designated by the Park & Recreation Director in 1994-95. Last year the Clairemont and Doyle Park communities began discussions on whether or not they should have leash-free parks in their neighborhoods. Citizens from the Grape Street Park started talking about whether improvements should be added to the park such as lighting and a doggie drinking fountain. There was also discussion about whether to retain Grape Street Park as a leash-free area. Over the last several months, the Recreation Councils and Area Committees have held numerous meetings in order to receive public input on this subject and recommendations have been received as a result of those meetings. The Mayor has indicated that the designation of leash-free parks would be ultimately decided by the City Council on a city-wide basis.
The Park & Recreation Department’s recommendation is to retain the existing leash-free areas at Dog Beach, Fiesta Island, Morley Field and Nates Point, as there appears to be no controversy with these areas at this time, and to consider all of the public input regarding other parks so that a recommendation can be made on whether to create or retain leash-free areas in any other specific parks in the City of San Diego. A more detailed report was made available to those attending this meeting.
Ms. Williams explained that the City Attorney has advised her that the city will not incur any liability if there are dog-related problems in leash-free areas in public parks. Attorneys Leslie Devaney and Jim Chapin were present to answer questions.
County Animal Control has not taken a position on this issue but will enforce whatever the city’s policies are. Lt. John Humphrey from County Animal Control was present to answer questions. In addition, Captain Lee Vaughn and Lt. Vickie Binkerd from the Police Department were also present to explain the police department’s enforcement policy should there be questions.
Public testimony was heard and limited to 2-minutes each beginning with those in favor of leash-free areas (65 speaker slips were received) and concluding with those opposed (22 speaker slips were received.)
1st Motion Moved/Seconded Mr. Glassman/Ms. Weinsheim: Mr. Glassman moved that the Park & Recreation Board recommend that the City Council vote to expeditiously create one (or one more, as is the case in City Council Districts 2 and 3) leash-free dog areas in each City Council District, only if that is the consensus wish of the interested community groups in the Council district, with said consensus identifying the park or park areas to be designated leash-free for a 6-month trial period with strict identification of the distance of the leash-free area from homes and the hours approved for leash-free use, with the Council Office to return to City Council at the end of the trail period with an evaluation of how the trail leash-free dog area in that district worked, and a recommendation to the City Council about whether to continue it permanently. The motion was seconded by Ms. Weinsheim.
Vote in favor (Glassman, Lacy, Madaffer, Tindaro, Weinsheim), 1 opposed (Enriquez). The motion passed.
Ms. Weinsheim and Ms. Lacy both feel strongly that neighborhood parks are not the place to have leash-free areas. Ms. Weinsheim stated that there may be neighborhood parks in sections of the City of San Diego that might be appropriate because they are set far enough apart from residential areas where they wouldn’t be intrusive. However, Ms. Weinsheim feels that most neighborhood parks are located right in the middle of residential neighborhoods and are too small to accommodate leash-free areas for dogs.
2nd Motion Moved/Seconded Mr. Tindaro/Ms. Lacy: Mr. Tindaro recommended that City Council vote to: 1) retain the existing leash-free dog statue at Dog Beach in Ocean Beach, Fiesta Island in Mission Bay Park, pending future public hearings at the time funding is available for design and initial development of Fiesta Island and the designated area of Morley Field in Balboa Park behind the tennis courts, and Nates Point on the west side of Balboa Park; and 2) direct the Park & Recreation Dept. to solicit community input during the planning phase for new parks on whether or not to include a leash-free area for dogs in the new park. The motion passed unanimously.
3rd Motion Moved/Seconded Mr. Tindaro/Mr. Glassman. Mr. Tindaro recommended that the City Council retain the leash-free status of Grape Street Park.
Vote: 4 in favor (Enriquez, Tindaro, Glassman, Current); 3 opposed (Weinsheim, Madaffer, Lacy). Mr. Current cast the tie-breaking vote. The motion passed.
Mr. Current further stated that responsible dog owners who use Grape Street Park should urge other park users to not only take care of their own pets but to help educate the uneducated. If this does not work, then changes will be made.
Director’s Report: National Trails Day will be celebrated on June 6. Mission Trails, the Tecolote Tri Canyon area, Balboa Park and the Natural History Museum are included in this event.
May 22, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-1. Eight more parks may go no-leash/Panel recommends districts decide, by Ed Jahn.
May 31, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, E-3. Natural History Museum’s expansion a prepaid mistake waiting to happen, by Welton Jones.
What’s wrong with this picture is that filmy, soaring glass, which is grimly at odds with the Spanish-Colonial architecture everywhere else along the Prado.
Wrongly or rightly, it’s about to be shoved into the public’s face because a batch of well-to-do trustees told the council to do it their way or else they’d take back their $1.3 million in personal donations for the project.
June 1, 1998, Balboa Park Committee. Staff Report 1. Balboa Park special projects. Action Items (Adoption) 201. Aerospace Museum Courtyard cover. 202. Balboa Park Organ Pavilion system upgrade. 203. R. H. Fleet Outdoor Canopy Structure. Workshop items: 301. Balboa Park to Bay link. Information Items 401. Balboa Park parking issues – update.
June 3, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-4. Carlsbad residents favor removal of “Split Pavilion” beachfront sculpture, by Agnes Roletti.
June 7, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune. Criticism justified over park museum’s annex, letter from Richard W. Amero.
Critic-at-large Welton Jones’ criticism of the design for the north annex of the Natural History Museum (“Museum’s expansion a prepaid mistake waiting to happen,” May 31) is valid and should have been made long ago by San Diego architects (unwilling to attract attention), by the Committee of 100 (which does not have the knowledge it pretends to have), by historic preservationists (who respond automatically to rote clichés), and by members of the general public (who could care less what is done to Balboa Park).
The Committee of 100 got the City Council to establish a Spanish-Colonial architectural policy for El Prado after a disastrous fight over the non-conforming architecture of the Timken Museum of Art and the west annex of the San Diego Museum of Art. A predecessor organization lost this fight.
The construction of the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater in 1972 shows how easily the Spanish-Colonial policy could be evaded. El Prado has an eccentric, poorly-organized, dirt-collecting caricature, obscured thankfully by trees. As competent Mexican architects or even artists who concoct Hollywood Spanish if this freak building is Spanish-Colonial and listen to the guffaws.
Compared to the facade of the University of Salamanca, the facade of the 1925 Museum of Art, which it copies, is sterile. Local people are happy to know that Seal of San Diego crowns the facade. No one has been as kind toward Johnson’s creation of the 1933 Natural History building, to which architect Richard Bundy’s north annex is being added with the consent of historic preservationists, the Committee of 100 and the City Council. As it is, the most imposing entrance will forever be in the wrong place.
Trustees of the Natural History Museum have blackmailed the City Council into changing its Spanish-Colonial policy and into accepting another incongruous building on Balboa Park’s central mesa. By an identical process, the Council in 1961 approved the Timken Museum of Art after being informed the city could lose the Putnam collection of paintings if they did not.
Jones knows, I know, and the Committee of 100 knows that it’s too late. Birds have flown from the coop. The north annex of the Natural History Museum will be constructed. Citizens and visitors will be faced with the question how this out-of-place, out-of-character, out-of-history intrusion could have occurred.
June 7, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-3. Sea World to ask City Council to help on expansion project, by Ronald W. Powell
Sea World will ask the council tomorrow to extend its current 150-acre lease by 15 years to 2048 and allow it to expand by 16.5 acres onto city-owned land at the park’s eastern boundary.
June 10, 1998, Design Review Committee. Workshop Item 1. House of Iran, Deborah Sharpe, Staff, Northern Parks, Alan Azimi, Volunteer Coordinator: Alan Azimi, representing the House of Iran organization, introduced the proposed site plan for development of the future international cottages of which the House of Iran would be the first to be constructed. He described the design competition held within the Iranian community and requested Committee input on three designs, one of which will be refined and undergo the approval process. The designs ranged from conservative to unique, and generated the following comments from the Committee:
Committee members generally agreed with the proposed reorientation of the future cottages, but emphasized that existing major trees and required disabled access need to be considered in the layout.
The interest and focus should be created by all the new cottages. No single cottage should dominate the others.
Exterior designs should be similar in appearance with cultural identities being manifest internally. However window and door details could reflect different cultural identities.
Cottages should not compete with United Nations or Hall of Nations buildings in size and scale and should appear subservient. However roof lines could vary somewhat to create a transition from the older, smaller cottages.
Committee members did not object to increasing the size of the future cottages to 1,000 square feet inclusive of patios and entryways.
Cottage design by Bahram Maheronnaghsh was considered to be most compatible with existing cottages and had the best kitchen/patio relationship, but should have two doors to provide one-way flow of visitor traffic.
Action Items 1. San Diego Aerospace Museum Courtyard Cover – Revised Design, Penny Scott, Staff, Metro Parks Division; Wayne Donaldson, Consultant, Milford Wayne Donaldson, Architect: Motion by M. Theilacker, seconded by J. Paoluccio, to approve the proposed revised courtyard cover as presented. Vote: Unanimous approval (8 members present).
- Reuben H. Fleet Outdoor Canopy Structure, Penny Scott, Metro Parks Division; Pamela Crooks – Reuben H. Fleet Representative: Motion by R. Utt, seconded by M. Theilacker to approve the proposed canopy structure with the following modifications: 1) Downsize planter width to match column width, and 2) Tie columns across and back into the building with open metal framework matching detail of adjacent windows. Vote: 4 in favor, 3 opposed (8 members present).
- Organ Pavilion Electrical Upgrade, Harry Slayen, Staff Public Buildings & Parks; Stan Brody, Consultant LSW Engineers: Motion by F. Blecksmith, seconded by M. Theilacker, to approve the proposed electrical system upgrade as presented. Vote: Unanimous approval (8 members present).
June 14. 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, Hundreds had input into museum renovation, letter Michael Hager, executive director San Diego Natural History Museum.
Critic-at-large Welton Jones’ sources, whatever their motivation, provided a misleading perspective on the plans to renovate, endow and expand the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park (“Museum’s expansion a prepaid mistake,” May 31).
One of the remarkable aspects of the museum’s building project is that it was conceived with the participation and input of hundreds of San Diegans who told use what they wanted to see in a new natural history museum. Jones’ article, with few minor exceptions, represented the only negative comment we’ve received on this project.
With a little homework, Jones would have learned that the project was reviewed and approved by the Historic Sites Board, the Park and Recreation Design Review Committee, the Balboa Park Committee, the Central Balboa Park Association, the Park and Recreation Board, the city’s Natural Resources Committee, the Planning Commission, the Arts and Culture Commission and twice by the City Council. This project was not just approved, it was lauded as a model of inclusiveness and responsiveness to the concerns of members of those committees.
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Jones’ story was the trivialization of the transformation that has taken place in the museum over the past few years. A core of command people, who had been longtime volunteers and supporters, brought about the creation of a strategic plan for the museum’s future in 1992.
Our progress has been remarkable by any standard. Ask the families who visit the museum for exhibits and classes, the researchers who work in our scientific collections and participate in field work, the citizens concerned about our quality of life who are thrilled that the museum is leading efforts to develop environmental scientific education programs throughout the region.
The reason we’ve come so far so fast is because of our approach of involving so many people in the process, including the design of a new building. We also have a strong belief in our mission, and the support of some of San Diego’s most committed families.
We, collectively, all of the thousands who support the museum, and all of those who helped to create the design for our new building, should welcome Jones’ opinion as a critic. Criticism should make us better. But for a (former) theater critic, the first rule is – you have to go to the play.
June 18, 1998, Park & Recreation Board. Action Items (Adoption) 103. Aerospace Museum Courtyard Cover – Mike Behan. (Pulled from agenda.) 104. Reuben H. Fleet Theater Outdoor Canopy Structure – Mike Behan.
Balboa Park Committee Report: Ms. Lacy reported that Twilight in the Park has begun and the Organ Festival will start soon. The Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater remodel has been dedicated. Mr. Wayne Donaldson received an architectural award for the House of Hospitality. Ms. Lacy spoke briefly about the swastikas on the lanterns at the House of Hospitality. Ms. McLatchy provided an historical account of the symbol and said that the swastikas won’t be removed but will be covered to protect their historical significance.
June 21, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, E-1. “Noah” animals, angels celebrate artist’s arc, by Robert L. Pincus.
Niki de Saint Phalle’s painted figures in polyester, metal and wood outside the Mingei Museum; 23 pieces to be created for a “Noah’s Ark” project in Jerusalem; Mingei Museum has departed from its folks arts and crafts mission.
June 30, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-8. Fate of (Steven L. Brezzo) Museum of Art director on board docket, by Welton Jones.
July 1, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-1. Brezzo quits as museum director; he will stay until successor is chosen, by Welton Jones.
July 2, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-2. (City Council) Panel favors plan to keep areas for dogs to roam free, by Ray Huard.
July 3, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, E-1, E-12. Of Brezzo, a museum and the future, by Robert L. Pincus.
July 6, 1998, Balboa Park Committee. Staff Report: 1. Balboa Park special projects. Action Items (Adoption) 201. Sixth Avenue Playground GDP. 202. Proposed new cottage – House of Iran. 203. Proposed site plan for future construction of cottages – House of Pacific Relations.
Information Items: 401. Balboa Park parking issues – update.
July 8, 1998. Design Review Committee. Action Items 2. Balboa Park – Sixth Avenue Playground: Yousef Ibrahim – staff, Public Buildings & Parks Division; Jeremy Franzini, consultant, Estrada Land Planning. Motion by R. Utt, seconded by D. Mallec, to approve the General Development Plan as presented with comments from committee incorporated or addressed as follows: 1) Provide graffiti protection on concrete elements. 2) Slope soil against seat walls to vary landform. 3) Add accent lighting. 4) Inform Solomon family of changes. 5) Separate pedestrian path from sand area. 6) Enlarge hardscape at bus drop off to accommodate large numbers of children. Vote: Unanimous approval (7 members present).
July 9, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, A-3. In 2001, new-age zoo might link to ballpark, by Neil Morgan.
Zoo wants changes to its lease to absorb adjacent land for maintenance, engineering, kitchen, garage facilities and a new entrance with quarters for animals.
July 10, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-7. Scrutinize zoo’s plans, don’t gloss over them, letter from Richard W. Amero.
July 16, 1998, Park & Recreation Board. Director’s Report: Summer Fest ‘98 created by city employees to celebrate diversity was held on June 27 in Balboa Park. . . . The FY 98/99 budget will be officially adopted on July 27. The Park & Recreation Dept. will experience approximately $400,000 in cuts. Balboa Park Committee Report: Ms. Lacy reported that the summer programs in the park are in full swing. Design Review Committee Report. Mr. Glassman reported the 6th Avenue playground improvements were approved with modifications.
July 17, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, E-6. Globe patrons call police over noise at Museum of Art, by Anne Marie Welsh.
Raucous wedding reception at the San Diego Museum of Art Sculpture Garden
July 23, 1998, San Diego Daily Transcript. Revamp of Balboa Park less than half of 1989 plan, by Katie Kuehner-Hebert.
Deborah Sharp and Darren Greenhaigh gave an overview of current projects underway and future projects yet to be funded to members of Citizens Coordinate for Century 3; more than $65 million from private donors and the city in bonds financed from hotel taxes have been invested.
July 26, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, E-3. Critique (by Robert L. Pincus) demeaned museum (of Art), says president (Katy Dessent).
July 12, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, E-2. Pros and cons of Brezzo’s future – letters from Deirdre A. Hesse and David S. Kelly (pro) and Lou Cumming (con).
August 5, 1998, MSNBC, KNSD, Swastikas in park building cause outcry.
August 9, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune. E-2. First-rate art is what’s needed, letter from Beatrice Loynab critical of Katy Dessent’s defense of Brezzo.
September 9, 1998, Design Review Committee. Action Items 1. House of Iran – Mark
Marney, staff, Northern Parks Division, Bahram Maheronnaghsh, architect, House of Iran organization. 1.
Motion #1 by M. Theilacker, seconded by S. Andrews, to return to the Committee with a modified site plan which is less geometrical with unidentical building footprints placed more parallel to Pan-American road. The House of Iran cottage should be rotated so that the front door opens onto the communal area, and significant trees retained. Also, proposed fountain should come to the committee for review and approval. Vote: Unanimous approval (8 members present).
Motion #2 by M. Theilacker, seconded by S. Andrews, to approve the cottage architecture as presented with tile roof construction, signage and lighting to match original cottages, or return to the Committee with proposed new features. Vote: Unanimous approval (8 members present).
Motion #3 by M. Theilacker, seconded by D. Leonard, to have city staff bring the proposed plan for the House of Iran to the Committee for review and approval.
Chairperson’s Report: Chairperson Glassman reported that he had received a copy of a letter sent to the Balboa Park Aerospace Museum from the National Park Service approving the proposed improvements to the museum. The National Park Service oversees historically designated areas and buildings.
September 13, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, H-1. Park Row/The zoo is one of many tenants wanting a piece of Balboa’s pie, by James Steinberg.
The zoo backed off the Florida Canyon site in June and is now looking at land just north of its present parking lot. The new site is occupied by the War Memorial Building, which would be replaced by a multilevel parking structure.
September 13, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, H-1. Park Row/ In the future, the park needs strong and independent control, by Roger Showley.
Ten years ago the City Council put the park on a firm financial footing by adopting a policy that promised the park the equivalent of a 1 percent tax on hotel room charges.
That tiny amount has been enough to finance $54 million in bonded improvements so far in Balboa Park, plus $15 million in Mission Bay Park. The annual debt payment stands at $6.3 million, according to city records.
October 14, 1998, Design Review Committee Action Items 1. House of Iran – Mark Marney, staff, Northern Parks Division, Bahram Maheronnaghsh, architect, House of Iran organization. Motion by M. Theilacker, seconded by R. Utt, to approve the site plan as presented. Vote: Unanimous approval (12 members present).
Information Items: 1. Plaza de Fundadores (Founder’s Plaza). Michael Theilacker, acting as consultant, presented the plaza concepts to the Committee to solicit input early in the design process. The plaza would honor the founders of Balboa Park: George Marston, Alonzo Horton, and Ephraim Morse and would be funded by the generous donation of $200,000 from Mrs. Mary Elizabeth North. Committee members commented on the proposed wall/fountain and the sculptural elements. The project is anticipating construction to begin in March 1999. The proposed project will be revised according to comments received and be presented at the November Design Review Committee meeting as an action item.
October 15, 1998. Park & Recreation Board. Design Review Committee Report: Mr. Glassman reported on 1 agenda item and 1 information item: Balboa Park – House of Iran Cottage (unanimously approved with modifications); Mrs. Elizabeth North has generously donated $200,000 to building Founders Plaza that will honor the founders of Balboa Park: Alonzo Horton, George Marston and Ephraim Morse. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 1999 at the entrance to the Hall of Champions.
November 2, 1998. Balboa Park Committee. Staff Report: 1. Expo 2000 – A Millennium celebration in Balboa Park. 2. Hands on San Diego – volunteer event. Workshop items 301. Twenty Year Needs List – Update. Information Items: 401. Restaurant status – House of Hospitality – David Kinney, Executive Director; 402. Balboa Park Special Projects – construction updates: 1) House of Pacific Relations International Cottages rehabilitation. 2) Balboa Park Signage Program. 3) Pepper Grove Playground.
November 14, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-1. 44th annual greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair/the 1998 award winners, by David E. Graham.
The Federal Building, which traditionally houses the projects, is being renovated to serve as an athletics museum. The science presentations were housed, instead, in the park’s Municipal Gymnasium and its Recital Hall. But those spaces could not even have accommodated last year’s smaller number of entries, about 720, so organizers also needed to rent a tent to cover the additional projects.
November 14, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-3. Museum (of Natural History) to break ground on expansion, longtime patrons also to be honored in Balboa Park event, by James Steinberg.
$26 million renovation; Mary and Dallas Clark have endowed a chair of botany at the museum’s new Biodiversity Research Center.
November 18, 1998, Design Review Committee. Action Items 2. Balboa Park – Founders Plaza – Darren Greenhaigh, staff, Public Buildings & Parks; Michael Theilacker, consultant, KTU&A.
Motion by F. Blecksmith, seconded by R. Utt, to approve the proposed General Development Plan for the plaza as presented. Vote: Unanimous approval (10 members present).
Information Items San Diego Zoo Redevelopment – Dave Rice, director Zoo planning and architecture; Trish Butler, consultant, Butler Roach Group. Patricia Butler of BRG Consulting presented the Zoological Society’s long-range development plan for the “New Century Zoo.” The principal goal is to provide more exhibit space for the animals. This endeavor will necessitate the expansion of the zoo’s leasehold boundaries, and redevelopment of the existing parking lot to provide exhibit space, and a new parking structure in which a fee will be charged to use. ($45 million investment by the Zoological Society.) The Committee voiced concern over the Zoological Society’s proposal to expand the leasehold to accomplish their goals; agreed with the opportunity to emphasize the bay-to-park link now that the ballpark will be built downtown, and acknowledged the apparent incompatibility between the Archery Range and the zoo’s southern boundary.
November 18, 1998. Letter Roger DeWeese, FASLA, to Design Review Committee announcing his retirement and resignation from the Committee.
November 19, 1998, Park & Recreation Board. Action Items (Adoption) 103. 6th Avenue playground General Development Plan – Darren Greenhaigh, Public Buildings & Parks. Mr. Darren Greenhaigh, Senior Civil Engineer with the Engineering & Capital Projects Dept., Public Buildings & Parks Division, reported that this project has been approved by the Balboa Park Committee, the Design Review Committee with recommendations, and the SCRAB Committee. He further explained that the 3-acre site, located north of Laurel Street between Sixth Avenue and Balboa Drive in Balboa Park, will be redesigned and upgraded once a revenue source is identified. Play equipment and surfaces, as well as disabled access, lighting and restroom facilities will be improved. Most of the existing playground equipment was generously donated by the Solomon family and they will be kept informed of any changes as they occur.
Mr. Steve Estrada, Landscape Architect with Estrada Land Planning, provided a detailed overview of the project. He explained that part of the redesign will include a “spray” water feature, a sprinkler on a timer, that children would be able to operate to allow them to get wet. This area will be constructed of hardscape texture, so that when wet the surface would not be slippery. A group picnic area, benches and seat walls are also planned and will be located near the play areas so that parents can be near their children. Additional parking spaces will be included along Balboa Drive. When funds are available, a new restroom facility will be added closer to the center of the playground.
Motion Moved/Seconded Ms. Lacy/Mr. Perry. The Board unanimously approved the 6th Avenue Playground General Development Plan as presented.
- Organ Pavilion electrical system upgrade – Darren Greenhaigh, Public Buildings & Parks. Motion made by Ms. Lacy and seconded by Mr. Leppert to approve on consent.
Director’s Report: Disabled Services Annual Holiday Carnival from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the War Memorial Building Saturday, December 5. . . . Christmas on the Prado begins Friday, December 4 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. and continues all day on Saturday, December 5.
Balboa Park Committee Report: Ms. Lacy invited everyone to attend Christmas on the Prado December 4th and 5th, which marks the beginning of the holiday season in Balboa Park. Progress on the Activity Center is continuing with an anticipated opening date in February 1999. The train station located near the administration building as are the improvements to the Federal Building for the Hall of Champions. Work will begin soon to repair the plaster and the exterior paint on the Houses of Pacific Relations.
Design Review Committee Report. The Balboa Park Founders Plaza plan was presented at the last meeting. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth North, who attended the meeting, was so impressed with the design that she offered to increase her already generous donation of $200,000 to $225,000, which was graciously accepted by the Committee.
Information Items: Ms. McLatchy said she will be attending tonight’s Orchids and Onions Awards and will be proudly accepting an Orchid award for the rebuilt House of Hospitality in Balboa Park. She praised Matt Papuga and Kris Shackelford, Project Officers for the Engineering & Capital Projects Dept., who did an exceptional job recreating this historic building back to its original design.
Ms. McLatchy introduced Ms. Carol Drummond, the Park & Recreation Department’s new Public Information Officer.
November 24, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, B-1, B-4. Balboa Park bash to usher in millennium, by James Steinberg.
The Exposition 2000 Committee plans to raise $1.2 million in sponsorships and sell an estimated $750,000 in tickets to finance the event.
Much of Balboa Park’s 1,150 acres will be fenced in for the first two days of the three-day New Year’s 2000 party, and admission will be by ticket only.
November 24, 1998, San Diego Union-Tribune, E-2. Nothing Grinchy about Globe gala, by Burl Stiff.
The gala is expected to net between $300 and $400 thousand for the Globe.
The 60 by 160-foot party tent – used again on Sunday at a Grinch party for kids – was lent to the Globe by the Port of San Diego. “We bought three of them,” commissioner David Malcolm explained Saturday night, “We’ll use them as shelters for the homeless.”
November 25, 1998., City of San Diego Memorandum, Letter from Halla Razak, Public Buildings & Parks Deputy Director, Engineering & Capital Projects Department, to Balboa Park Committee, Agenda of December 76, 1998. Subject: Plaza of the Founders.
Staffs Recommendation – Recommend approval of the proposed GDP, and the renaming of President’s Way.
Landscape and site plans, grading study and drawings of proposed three free-standing statues included.
December 5, 1998, B-1. Christmas on the Prado is an all-out feast; threat of rain can’t dampen spirits, by Jeff McDonald.
December 7, 1998, Balboa Park Committee. Action Items (Adoption) 201. Founder’s Plaza Concept Design: Two separate motions, one concerning the concept and two, renaming of Presidents Way. MSC It was moved, seconded and carried to approve the proposed concept design for Founder’s Plaza (North/Herr 10-0). MSC It was moved, seconded and carried to approve the recommendation to change the name of President’s Way to Founder’s Way (North/Powers 8-2).
- San Diego Lawn Bowling Club House Master Plan and Annex Addition. Tabled until January meeting.
- Twenty Year Needs List. Information Items: 401. Balboa Park Golf Course Club House Master Plan. Tabled until January meeting.
- Exposition 2000 Update. Tabled until January meeting.
Chairperson’s Report. Ms. Lacy distributed a copy of the City’s proposed budget for any members who may wish to review. She mentioned that the recommendations for the off-leash dog areas have been finalized. She attended Christmas on the Prado over the weekend and, as usual, it was a wonderful event. She hoped many of the committee were able to attend. She introduced the two (2) committee members, Michael Powers and Julianne Hyde.
CBPA Report. Betty Peabody spoke briefly concerning the planning of the Millennium Celebration and plans for a Millennium Club as a fund-raising effort the Expo 2000 event. Honorary Chairpersons for the Millennium Club will be named soon.
Staff Report: Balboa Park District Manager Div Brasted reported that the San Diego Foundation, Balboa Park Endowment Funds, has recently approved grants for several projects in the park, including the Easter Lily display in the Botanical building, restoration of the Golden Hill Park fountain, plaque restorations throughout the park, restoration of the Marston House pergola, restoration of the Clam Shell fountain at the Organ Pavilion and signage in the Rose Garden. Deputy Director Mike Behan also reported that the Tram Central facility is nearing completion.
Information Items 401. Balboa Park Golf Course Clubhouse Master Plan. A presentation was made by Project Manager Mark Marney concerning development of a Master Plan for reconstruction of the Balboa Park Gold Course clubhouse. The preliminary design is in compliance with the East Mesa Precise Plan and will be brought back to the committee for adoption at a later date.
Return to Amero Collection.
BALBOA PARK HISTORY
pre-1900
1900 | 1901 | 1902 | 1903 | 1904
1905 | 1906 | 1907 | 1908 | 1909
1910 | 1911 | 1912 | 1913 | 1914
1915 | 1916 | 1917 | 1918 | 1919
1920 | 1921 | 1922 | 1923 | 1924
1925 | 1926 | 1927 | 1928 | 1929
1930 | 1931 | 1932 | 1933 | 1934
1935 | 1936 | 1937 | 1938 | 1939
1940 | 1941 | 1942 | 1943 | 1944
1945 | 1946 | 1947 | 1948 | 1949
1950 | 1951 | 1952 | 1953 | 1954
1955 | 1956 | 1957 | 1958 | 1959
1960 | 1961 | 1962 | 1963 | 1964
1965 | 1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969
1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974
1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979
1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984
1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989
1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994
1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999
