Projects
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The design is complete, the technology is in place and the prototype has been showcased for five Information Kiosks to be placed at entrances to Balboa Park and in areas which experience heavy pedestrian traffic. The kiosks will use touch screen and wireless technology to tell visitors where they are, the location and hours of operation of each institution and attraction, how to get to their desired destination, and what special programs are currently featured. The kiosks will be designed and built on special concrete pads to be completely accessible to disabled visitors. Click here for the latest description of the project.
We welcome your input as to features and information that you think would be desirable to include. Please click here for a survey you can download and return by fax or mail.
Although we have raised sufficient funds to begin this project, we need contributions to complete it. You can help by including a check when you return your survey. If you are interested in supporting this exciting project in other ways, please call us at (619) 235-5907.
In 2003, Friends of Balboa Park coordinated restoration of the balustrades and fountains near the Botanical Building. (A few “before and after” photos are below.) The Robert M. Golden Foundation funded the balustrades project.
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Click on a picture to see a larger version
Pictures of Balboa Park taken at the time of the 1915 Exposition show two circular fountains gracing the entrance of the Botanical Building. Notable in the photographs are the fountainheads – ornately carved adornments with water spilling out their tops and pouring from the mouths of their four grinning faces into pools rimmed in blue tile. Time and the elements had taken their toll on the fountains as they have other structures in the park, and eventually the fountainheads deteriorated and were removed.
The collective memories of park historians cannot pinpoint exactly when the finials disappeared, but all agree they have been missing for over 60 years. Beginning in 2003, the Friends began working with numerous groups to help restore several architecturally significant features in this area including the balustrades, fountain tiles, and the finials. Park & Recreation Manager Div Brasted helped steer the Friends in the right direction on the project.
The finials are described in the book The San Diego Garden Fair as "grotesquely shaped Baroque fountain heads." The author continues: "The Pan motif is here used once more, in a quadrangle combination of the grinning grotesqueness of the ruler of bullrushes and reeds." Rick Sparhawk, a member of the Friends and project consultant on our kiosk project, coordinated the work.
Based on a tip from Friends member Will Chandler, Rick located blueprints for the original finial design in the basement of the downtown library. Artist D. Lynne Reeves sculpted the fountainheads and mold maker Tony Neff cast the design. The work was installed by Park & Rec. grounds crew under the supervision of Gary Stromberg, Director of Operations for Balboa Park.
The last project was completed in mid-September. The restoration work received support from Thursday Club, Dr. Michael and Marilyn Kelly, the Robert Golden Foundation, San Diego Foundation, and San Diego Park & Recreation Department. A formal dedication ceremony is being planned.
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Click on a picture to see a larger version
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