I once visited, and long to return to, one of the best FREE parks
around! Within this park, there is SO much to see and do, you would not
believe. So I am going to tell you, so that you too, can go and see what
you think!
The park is in San Diego, California. It is called Balboa Park. The
acreage it covers is 1,200. And trust me; they have put so much into it,
it could keep you busy all day!
For starters, as you walk through the park, the people are friendly!
There is often people sitting and talking, reading, and then sometimes
there are even peddlers, playing their musical instruments, awaiting a
little tip for their serenade. The grass is green, the flowers are
blooming, and the air smells so clean!
In one area, there is a fountain, (some call it a pool). It spews
water from little holes, which you are allowed to run through. Now on a
hot summer day, this is quite refreshing.
Both kids and adults enjoy this, to watch, and to play in. There are
also other fountains through out, that are for viewing pleasure. This is
the only fountain that you are permitted to play in!
They have declared this park as a National Historic Landmark. And when and if you go, you will see why.
There is an outdoor style auditorium; this is called Spreckles Organ
Pavilion, with a big pipe organ. This is the World's largest pipe organ!
Sometimes there is a man playing it, and it sounds so beautiful, and
you can hear it for miles! There is of course a simple roofing over the
organ to protect it, but the seating is outdoors, and it is worth the
serenade.
On the main walk path, named El Prado, the buildings that line it- are
simply beautiful. I was told this is to be considered a Spanish style
décor. The buildings are museums, such as the Museum of Man. Then there
is a railroad museum called San Diego model Railroad Museum, and then
there is the San Diego Museum of Art. There is a science center, named
Rueben H. Fleet. Everything is so interesting, and wonderful, and even
educational!
There are also many scenic floral gardens, my favorite was the
Japanese Friendship Garden, and there are of course many more. They have
all kinds of flowers, and there are so many- that all year long there
is something blooming!
There is also theatre- Old Globe Theatre. It is an imitation, or
replica of the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Inside there are a
collection of International Cottages, which are all quite exquisite.
There are also restaurants within this walk park, and also the San
Diego Zoo is a part of this; however the Zoo, does cost money. The park
is managed by San Diego parks and Recreation, and of course the city of
San Diego itself.
As you walk through out this park, it is as peaceful as can be. You
feel romantic, and safe. People are smiling, friendly, and the whole
time- everything is memorable. You will want to return time and time
again.
The upkeep of this park is always clean; you see people walking
through out, bagging and picking up trash, seeing to it, it is kept in
tip top shape. Mind you, yes there are trash receptacles through out,
it's just sometimes- debris escapes the litter bins, or people miss-if
you will.
On a rare occasion, there are police men on bikes and on foot, walking
through out, also smiling. This park has a lot to offer, and you really
need to check it out. You will be talking about it, for months, trust
me. And there are many photos to be taken while you are there,
everything is just THAT beautiful and exquisite!