As classes start at San Diego City College, paid parking at nearby Balboa Park’s has been in place for almost a month.

And San Diego residents are not too thrilled.

Starting Jan. 5, parking spaces around Balboa Park have converted from free to paid.

According to information released by the city on its website, the cost of each parking lot varies, depending on how close it is to the center of the park.

For parking lots within Balboa Park, day-of rates start at $2.50 for an hour to daily fees ranging from $5-16.

There are monthly, quarterly and annual parking pass options for both verified residents of the City of San Diego and for non-residents, who pay a higher rate.

Free parking is available in the Lower Inspiration Point lot on Presidents Way for up to three hours, with a free shuttle from that lot available.

The parking plan … ensures that verified City of San Diego residents can receive discounted parking, and preserves some free parking options, including for park employees and volunteers,” city officials wrote. “Parking revenues will be used within Balboa Park for improvements and maintenance.”

Much to the community’s dismay, the Balboa Park Committee announced the parking plan at a public meeting last October. It was approved by the San Diego City Council a month later.

San Diegans showed up at the October meeting to get their questions and concerns answered by the committee.

“I’d like to find out if they’re going to be in all blocks so that everybody who has the different levels of parking have availability of electric vehicles charging,” Daniel Lynn said at the October Balboa Park meeting.  

To see the map of the Balboa parking, you can click on the link. 

A community website called savebalboapark.org is calling for the preservation of Balboa Park’s free public parking.

By clicking the link, you will be sent to a page with a place to fill in your personal information and a letter to send to a council member.   

This story was edited by Nadia Lavin and Itzel Martinez.