Balboa Park museums say parking fees cut visits by 20% or more

Leaders of Balboa Park museums and other organizations are calling on San Diego officials to immediately reconsider and possibly eliminate parking fees because of a sharp decline in park visits since the fees began Jan. 5.

They say declines in park visits, which range from 20% to more than 50% depending on the specific day and attraction, could reduce overall annual revenue between $20 million and $30 million.

“The volume, consistency and intensity of public feedback have made clear that this program is causing significant harm to park access, public trust and the sustainability of Balboa Park’s cultural institutions,” the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership said in a letter Wednesday to city officials.

The partnership, an umbrella group for organizations within the park, said in the letter to Mayor Todd Gloria and the City Council that paid parking could force institutions to lay off workers and reduce exhibitions.

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