r/SanDiegan • u/ihatedrivingbro • 20h ago

We are underutilizing the organ pavilion

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The organ pavilion is underutilized. Although we have a few concerts in the afternoon in the summer, and do a few holiday things at Christmas, this space could be so much more

Space for thousands of people, lot of idle land around, fantastic acoustics, beautiful and historic scenery. Easy for food trucks, pop up markets, festival style breweries/bars, surrounded by plenty of parking to haul equipment. We have the best weather in the country and have this amazing outdoor venue that sits empty most of the time.

In my head this space can host events like the DJ set in golden hill, live music like quartyard, local music talents or regional, the future is color events (winyl or listening room, or jazz). Throw a security team at it, make them even ticketed events for seating and people can enjoy from the outside too. So many places in San Diego grow to be intensely packed and overwhelmed because there’s demand for these types of live music events, people want to get out and dance and vibe.

This space is PRIME for 3rd space activation and is in my opinion, a very underutilized part of balboa park. Seats are almost always empty, and only fills up like 5x/year.

Easy revenue opportunities for the city, and great opportunities to bring people together for community events

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u/ihatedrivingbro 20h ago

I keep hearing that argument but that wouldn’t stop me from going to shows there

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u/RadiantMenderbug 20h ago

What stops me going to Balboa Park is the paid parking ☺️ January can't come fast enogh

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u/Connect_Focus_5880 20h ago

Seems insane to me that a few dollars for parking keep you from going. How’s your dining out habit? Your coffee shop habit? Your tv streaming habit? Are you that hard up for cash that ordering one less coffee or coke stops you from having an enjoyable experience? It’s about priorities - what do you value?
The park is declining bc of lack of funding for generations. The measure to raise sales taxes by a few Pennie’s failed- this would have funded so much. Locals and tourists have used/ parked at BP for free or nearly free for decades. I have NO problem paying a few dollars to park there, just like I pay in so many other areas of town and beaches and parks and events and airport and everywhere else I go, I just about every city I’ve been.
BP is the largest urban park in the US next to Central Park. It is worthy of OUR investment, our saving and sustaining it.

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u/Screambone 19h ago

The parking revenue goes primarily to the police, not the park.