Balboa Park has always been an important part of my life. As a child, I spent hours lying in the grass, listening to the fountains and chatter, wandering through museums and finding inspiration in places that made history feel alive. It was where I learned to love reading and writing, where I discovered the past and where anyone could feel welcome.
Parking fees don’t just affect attendance numbers. They decide who gets access to culture, education and shared public spaces. Families without disposable income, students and young people like me are quietly being priced out of places that helped shape who we are.
I’ve lived in San Diego my whole life, and it’s hard to imagine this city without its museums and public spaces. Balboa Park should remain a place where everyone can wander, learn and belong — not something reserved for those who can afford it.
— Sophie Atkins, San Diego