The Balboa Park Committee updated its parking program to offer residents free parking in Balboa Park — again.
The latest change means level two and three lots will be free for verified San Diego residents. This includes the Lower Inspiration Point lot, which is closest to San Diego City College.
Level one premium parking will still require payment, but at a discounted price of $8 a day and $5 for four hours.
Multiple residents visiting the park talked to City Times and weren’t convinced the latest changes would end the public backlash.
“I mean, it could bring people back,” Alex Surposa, a park attendee, said, “but a lot of people probably would just be like, nah, whatever.”
To receive these accommodations, locals can use this link. A $5 fee is required to process your registration.
If you’re having trouble with registering, click the link to get a step-by-step photo guide.
The portal has been experiencing technical difficulties, according to park attendee Lindsey Ekdahl, who read about the resident discount but was unable to apply through it before visiting on Monday, March 9.
“There’s like a hiccup in their system that residents can’t apply for the resident discount at the moment,” Ekdahl said.
On Tuesday, March 10, a City Times reporter was able to input information and reach the payment page of the portal.
Parking meters have been installed on various streets, including Balboa Drive, El Prado and others. To view all street meters, click the link.
The rates remain $2.50 an hour and $10 per day, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for parking on the street regardless of residency status.
You can use the Park Smarter App to pay on your smartphone. Meters take credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and coins.
Verified San Diegans also get a discount on the monthly, quarterly, and annual parking pass rates.
Monthly will be $30, quarterly $60, and annual $150.
Verified volunteers and employees of Balboa Park organizations have access to level two and three lots for free as well as metered spots within the park’s West Mesa while working or volunteering.
If you have a verified disabled person license plate or placard, all parking lots and metered spaces will be free with no time limit. This includes all spaces, not just blue-painted spaces.
Tram service will remain free, available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the on-call shuttle for volunteers and employees is active from 7-9 a.m. and 6-11 p.m.
The San Diego Zoo has also its own established parking rate.
Non-member day rates start at $16 per vehicle and $44 per oversized vehicle. Member rates are $8 per vehicle and $22 per oversized vehicle.
To register for San Diego Zoo membership, click the link.
This story was edited by Briana Bush and Nadia Lavin.
