(SAN DIEGO) – Public frustration over parking fees at Balboa Park continued last week, following Mayor Todd Gloria’s announcement expanding free parking for city residents.
Beginning March 2, residents of the City of San Diego will be able to park for free in seven lots: Pepper Grove, Federal, Upper Inspiration Point, Lower Inspiration Point, Marston Point, Palisades and Bea Evenson.
Premium lots will still require payment for everyone, regardless of residency, at $5 for up to four hours or $8 for a full day. Enforcement hours will also be reduced, ending at 6 p.m. instead of 8 p.m.
Parking Information for Balboa Park | City of San Diego Official Website
Mayor Todd Gloria previously announced the changes at a press conference and City Council meeting, saying he expanded free parking for city residents after hearing community concerns.
“Good governing also means listening,” Gloria said, noting the changes were made in partnership with the City Council.
The response online was swift. In the mayor’s recent Instagram post about the policy, the top comment received nearly 400 likes.
“Not good enough. Nobody should have to pay to use Balboa Park,” says Instagram User.
The commenter argued the policy excludes nearly 2 million county residents who live outside city boundaries and criticized the $5 online verification process required for city residents. The comment also raised concerns about accessibility for families, individuals with disabilities and safety during evening events.
Instagram Post @mayortoddgloria
Similar concerns were also raised during public comment at a recent City Council meeting on Feb. 9.
Resident Terri Thompson thanked the mayor for expanding free parking but urged the council to eliminate the distinction between city and county residents.
“The park is for all and should remain free,” Thompson said.
Resident Paul Kruger said there is widespread confusion about which lots are free and which require payment. Kruger also questioned the logic of charging county residents while exempting city residents.
The city is facing a budget shortfall of more than $105 million, a concern the City Council addressed in its updated 2027 budget priorities. Paid parking generates revenue that typically goes into the city’s General Fund to support services like infrastructure, public safety, and park maintenance. With the new changes expanding free parking, the city’s budget for this year is expected to take a hit, since the program had been expected to boost revenue.
The updated parking changes take effect March 2, with additional implementation details expected in upcoming meetings.
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