Balboa Park Launches First Master Plan Update in 50 Years
The last time the city updated the Balboa Park Master Plan, President Bush was in charge — the first one — Apple still called its computers Macintoshes and Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul ruled the pop charts.
It was 1989 when the city adopted the most recent Balboa Park Master Plan. While some specific parts of the park have had focused amendments, a new plan in the works will be the first comprehensive look at the entire park in almost four decades — and city residents will play a big part.
For the overdue update, the city launched a community survey and new website Wednesday, seeking public input on the future of Balboa Park.
It’s the first of many surveys and opportunities for community engagement that the city plans to embark upon while developing a new master plan. The plan will guide the future of San Diego’s crown jewel for the next 30 years, touching on all aspects, including new recreation and facilities, transportation and accessibility, historic preservation and environmental protection, but perhaps most importantly, revenue generation and financial stability.
“We want to hear from the entire community, the entire region. Balboa Park is a regional park. We want to hear from everybody.”—Casey Smith, chief housing and community development officer
“This is a big, monumental step for Balboa Park,” said Andy Field, director of the Parks and Recreation Department.
The city council expects to adopt the plan in 2028. SANDAG, the Prebys Foundation and Caltrans are funding the nearly $2 million plan effort through grants. It is being executed by city staff and outside contractor WRT Planning + Design.
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Written by Drew Sitton | October 14, 2026 | Times of San Diego
Submitted by a Common Sense reader
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