SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5\/KUSI) \u2014 Museums across\u00a0Balboa Park\u00a0said they have seen fewer visitors since the city\u2019s new paid parking program went into effect, raising concerns about the long-term impact on attendance, volunteers and membership support.<\/p>\n
Several cultural institutions that rely heavily on walk-in traffic reported a noticeable slowdown, with some visitors opting to skip trips to the park altogether because of the added cost of parking.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0San Diego Automotive Museum and the San Diego Air and Space Museum\u00a0both said they feel the impact. Museum leaders said attendance has dropped sharply since paid parking began, affecting not only daily visitors but also memberships and special events.<\/p>\n
\u201cPaid parking going into effect has definitely affected our attendance,\u201d said Brandi Wilson, the museum\u2019s chief operating officer.<\/p>\n
According to Wilson, the museum has seen a 38% decrease in visitors since the policy was implemented.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had about 10% of our memberships cancel or reach out saying they\u2019re not planning on renewing because they don\u2019t want to deal with the parking situation,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cWe\u2019ve also had rentals and birthday parties cancel on us for the same reason, so we\u2019re losing business.\u201d<\/p>\n
The impact extends beyond ticket sales. Volunteers, a critical part of daily operations for many Balboa Park institutions, said the parking fees are changing how often they can participate.<\/p>\n
One Balboa Park volunteer said the cost has altered how their family approaches volunteering.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy son is involved at San Diego Junior Theatre, and he\u2019s performing today,\u201d the volunteer said. \u201cThe parking charges have definitely changed how our family is approaching our volunteer time here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wilson acknowledged the city\u2019s intentions behind the paid parking program but said the outcome has been more challenging than anticipated.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all make mistakes,\u201d she said. \u201cWhat looks good on paper doesn\u2019t always end up working in reality.\u201d<\/p>\n
City officials have said the paid parking program is designed to help manage congestion and fund park improvements. However, critics argue that the policy is creating unintended consequences for cultural institutions that depend on consistent public access.<\/p>\n
In response, a petition has circulated, calling on city leaders to revisit the policy. Organizers say they plan to present the signatures to the San Diego City Council, requesting adjustments or exemptions to reduce the burden on museums, visitors and volunteers.<\/p>\n
Paid parking recently went into effect throughout much of Balboa Park, including areas near major attractions such as the\u00a0San Diego Zoo, drawing increased attention to how the changes are affecting the park\u2019s cultural ecosystem.<\/p>\n
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