Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Water Wise Roadmap
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A Roadmap to Water-wise Parkland in Balboa Park:
Optimizing Water Use by 2020 - A Call to Action
Friends of Balboa Park - May 2012
Photograph by Richard Seignious
“With time and water, everything changes.” Leonardo da Vinci
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PREFACE
The mission of the Friends of Balboa Park (www.friendsofbalboapark.org) is to preserve Balboa Park’s legacy for future
generations through park-wide projects. We are a charitable 501(c)3 organization that collaborates with City of San
Diego Park and Recreation Department Staff (Park staff), Park stakeholders, and community members to accomplish
this mission.
One legacy we wish to impact is the environmental sustainability of the Park, and there is no more precious natural
resource than water. Thanks to the generosity of time, expertise, and money, we coalesced a community of outstanding
experts to develop a water-wise roadmap that can optimize water use in Balboa Park’s Parkland by 2020. This
document is that roadmap. It is comprised of short-term, mid-term, and long-term project proposals. For each shortterm proposal a more detailed plan will be written, resources will be raised, and final approval will be solicited from the
Park and Recreation Department. Because Park staff were involved in the development of the roadmap, we anticipate
being able to proceed quickly with the majority of these short-term projects. Also, the roadmap is a living document, to
be revised on a regular basis. In this way it can continue to respond to current needs for improved water use in the
parkland.
We began a parallel legacy with the approach taken. It involved establishing a Community of Practice in order to create
a collaborative, mutually supportive environment that allowed the experts to share their knowledge and effectively apply
it to meeting the Park’s water management needs. This approach had several benefits. It enabled the group to
successfully build this roadmap in a very short time, have a very constructive dialogue with Park staff, and, most
importantly, generate enthusiasm for implementing the roadmap.
The effort fits within the broader vision to significantly advance environmental sustainability in Balboa Park by 2015. This
vision has been promulgated by Balboa Park’s Sustainability Alliance--a key group of internal and external stakeholders
that includes Friends of Balboa Park. By the end of 2015 and beyond, the intent is to leave a legacy to future generations
in the form of a “Green Balboa Park.” The alliance is managed by the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership and has
developed an Environmental Sustainability Strategic Plan (www.bpcp.org/program/bpsp).
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Friends of Balboa Park wishes to sincerely recognize everyone who contributed to the creation of this water-wise
roadmap.
Dorothea and Richard Laub for their steadfast investments in making the parkland water-wise and recognizing the need
to involve experts from the community in achieving this goal.
Betty Peabody, a founder of the Friends of Balboa Park, for her many invaluable contributions toward furthering a vision
of a water-wise Balboa Park, and this step toward making it a reality.
Laurie Broedling, LB Organizational Consulting, for successfully performing the role of project manager and organizer of
this water-wise community.
Stanley Maloy, Dean of the College of Sciences, San Diego State University, for facilitating all the meetings of the waterwise community, infusing it with scientific professionalism, and enhancing its membership with numerous experts in the
field.
Alan Sweedler, Assistant Vice President, International Programs, San Diego State University, for assisting in launching
this project as well actively participating by contributing his scientific and practical knowledge.
The other members of the Water-wise Community of Practice for Balboa Park’s Parkland: Alexandria Bennett, Point
Loma Nazarene University; Ravi Bajaj, San Diego Green Building Council; Katie Carl, San Diego High School; Ken
Gammage, Communications & Media Relations Professional; Robert Gilleskie, Marine Corp Installations West; Richard
Graff, Richard Graff Designs Owner; Len Hering RADM, USN (ret), formerly Commander of Navy Region Southwest
and Navy Region Northwest; Douglas Kot, San Diego Green Building Council; Rebecca Lewison, San Diego State
University; Paulina Lis, Energy Eye, Inc.; David McGrew, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center; Kotaro Nakamura, San Diego
State University; Nima Nekoui, Silver Citrus LLC Owner; Matthew Rahn, San Diego State University; Jessica Rinaman,
Balboa Park Cultural Partnership ; Rory Ruppert, Balboa Park Cultural Partnership; Vinod Sasidharan, San Diego State
University; Robert Thiele, Robert Thiele AIA Architect; Marlene Williams, Friends of Balboa Park; Ann Wilson, Friends
of Balboa Park; Thomas Zink, San Diego State University. A list of the relevant professional credentials of each member
is in this report’s Introduction.
The Board of Directors of the Friends of Balboa Park for their support of such a comprehensive approach: Jim Hughes
(Chair of the Board), Barbara Brown, Libby Carson, Caroline Chen, Dean Crowder, Susan Hoekenga, Todd Kinnear,
Maureen Lamberti, Betty Peabody, Marvin Spira, Linda Spuck, Ken Tranbarger, Ann Wilson, Heather Xitco.
The Administrative Director of the Friends of Balboa Park, Lorraine Schmalenberger, for her consistent support of many
activities related to this project.
Christine Kehoe, State Senator, California 39th District, Toni Atkins, Assemblymember, California 76th Assembly
District, and Michael Kelly, President, The Committee of One Hundred, for helping lay the groundwork for this project.
Special thanks go to the City staff of the Park and Recreation Department—Greg Armstead, Ranger Kim Duclo, Bruce
Martinez, Mario Llanos, Mike Rasmusson, Ranger Ryan Robertson, Mike Tully, Bill Overstreet—and to Steve Hill of
Councilman Gloria’s office for their active involvement.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Water is a critical resource in general and for Balboa Park in particular. The Friends of Balboa Park
(http://friendsofbalboapark.org/) has recognized the need for improved usage of water in Balboa Park’s parkland, meaning
in areas outside the physical infrastructure/buildings. To address this need we sponsored the creation of a
comprehensive plan in the form of a roadmap to achieve the goal of making the parkland “water-wise” by 2020. "Waterwise" means optimizing the use of water, thereby helping make the Park more environmentally sustainable. Decisions
about the optimal use of water are based not only on reducing water usage but also on the systemic impacts of water
use on other natural resources such as air, energy, soil, re-use/recycling of materials, etc. Achieving water-wise parkland
will leave an important legacy for future generations.
This roadmap has three additional goals: Make Balboa Park a national and international water-wise model. Provide
visitors with knowledge they can apply to more wisely use water in their homes and communities. Apply a collaborative
model from the field of knowledge management, a community of practice, to accomplish this project and all the ones
that will follow.
The approach involved assembling a group of people with expertise in water management, sustainability, and related
skills into a Water-wise Community of Practice for Balboa Park’s Parkland. This model also required involving those key
stakeholders who will have primary management responsibility to oversee the execution of the projects, the relevant
staff from the City’s Park and Recreation Department. Working together this community generated this roadmap.
The roadmap consists of a series of proposed projects that will ultimately optimize water usage. The projects are
sequenced into a timeline by whether they are short-term (2012-2013), mid-term (2014-2015) or long-term (20162020). In addition five topic areas for projects were developed, recognizing the areas are inter-related:
Smartscaping: Based on intended use of each area, optimizing ecological features, e.g., flora, fauna, land
terrain/drainage, sun/shade patterns, soil composition, and the provision of water.
Documentation: Mapping of existing water infrastructure along with measuring water use through audits and
technology.
Water Delivery: Employing improved irrigation methods; Capturing/reclaiming water for re-use in irrigation.
Eco-tourism and Eco-education: Providing passive and active programs for visitors, students, and staff
integrated under the umbrella of the “Balboa Park Center for H2O Experience”.
Program Management: Keeping the initiative integrated, updated, evaluated, and communicated.
The roadmap is a living document requiring modification over time. It should be managed as a whole rather than as a set
of disparate projects. One reason is that the projects are inter-related. The other is that the synergy generated by
continued interaction among the community members is what provides this initiative with such positive prospects for
long-term success.
Needed resources include expertise, money, volunteer time, and enthusiasm. If you are interested in contributing to our
call to action, please contact us at info@friendsofbalboapark.org. We serve as the conduit for these resources, including
volunteers, on behalf of the Park and Recreation Department for this water-wise initiative in the parkland.
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INTRODUCTION
CALL TO ACTION
Balboa Park is the crown jewel of San Diego. Visitors from near and far find enjoyment and inspiration within its bounds.
Water is the building block of life and essential to sustaining life. As a living system, Balboa Park’s parkland depends upon
natural resources, including water.
Our Park faces several challenges. One is underfunding in difficult fiscal times. A recent report documented significant
infrastructure deficiencies due to resource constraints including deferred maintenance costs. (Trust for Public Land,
2008b) Another is finite availability of natural resources as part of the world-wide challenge—namely how to use its
natural resources in an environmentally sustainable way. Moreover, these fiscal and natural resource challenges are
intertwined. Wasting natural resources wastes money and degrades the quality of life for future generations.
Because mustering the resources to maintain and enhance the Park is a civic challenge, the City and concerned
community groups are rallying to address this problem. One such group, the Friends of Balboa Park (FOBP), has the
mission to preserve and enhance Balboa Park through a wide variety of projects (www.friendsofbalboapark.org). We
support the vision of achieving environmental sustainability of the Park in order to preserve it for future generations.
We determined that one specific legacy we can leave is to make more efficient and effective use of water. In partnership
with Park and Recreation Department staff, we have already implemented smart controllers in the parkland’s irrigation
system.
Water has always been extremely valuable. Various recent trends are causing it to become even more valuable and
correspondingly more expensive. Because Balboa Park exists within a desert area, its natural sources of water are very
limited. Moreover, because it contains a wide variety of valuable plants, a conservative irrigation approach exists of using
potable (fit for human consumption) water to protect plant health.
Continuing to rely on the approach of using primarily imported and potable water to sustain the parkland is untenable,
particularly since the whole region faces the same problem. With today’s state-of-the-art in water management,
numerous immediate opportunities exist to reduce water waste in the Park, and thereby also hold down costs.
Thankfully the state-of-the-art is rapidly advancing, so that even more improvement opportunities are anticipated over
the next decade. In fact, the possibilities are extraordinary.
GOALS
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Produce a comprehensive plan in the form of a roadmap of proposed improvements to Balboa
Park that will make its parkland water-wise by 2020. “Parkland” means the space outside the
buildings/physical infrastructure. “Water-wise” means optimizing the use of water, thereby making the Park
more environmentally sustainable while keeping it healthy and fit for appropriate human uses. Decisions about
the optimal use of water are based not only on reducing water use but also on the systemic impacts of water
use on other natural resources such as air, energy, soil, re-use/recycling of materials, etc. Understanding the
Park as a living system of nature will inform water-wise projects by recognizing interdependencies and potential
synergies among natural resources.
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Make Balboa Park a national and international water-wise model. Doing so will not only be a source of
civic pride but will also attract more visitors from more places since interest in this subject is rapidly growing. By
attracting more tourism, it will benefit the local business community.
Provide visitors with knowledge they can apply to more wisely use water in their homes and
communities. These water-wise improvements will serve as demonstrations to people coming to the Park—
regular users, students, and occasional visitors—from which they can learn. Sharing knowledge will be through
both passive and active (experiential) means via eco-tourism and educational programs.
Apply a collaborative model, a Community of Practice, to accomplish this project and all the ones
that will follow. A vast amount of knowledge exists on how to optimize water use in the form of regional,
national, and international expertise. This project adopted an existing model, drawn from the field of knowledge
management, as the way to facilitate the transfer of expertise into the Park in a way workable and beneficial for
those officially responsible for maintaining the Park.
BACKGROUND
The Park history dates back to 1868 when the City of San Diego set aside 1400 acres of municipally owned lands, later
reduced to 1200 acres. San Diego had a population of 2,300 people. Today the region has over 3 million people. The
Park also attracts a large group of national and international visitors. The Friends of Balboa Park commissioned a study
that showed how much value the City of San Diego receives from its Park and Recreation system. It concluded that
“The Park system of San Diego thus provided the City with revenue of $12.5 million, city government savings of $7.3
million, resident savings of almost $1.28 billion, and a collective increase of resident wealth of almost $2.7 billion in
2007.” (Trust for Public Land, 2008a).
Over much of the last 144 years, concern had ebbed and flowed regarding the San Diego region’s limited source of
water, and actions to address the problem have been sporadic. The lifeblood of the Park, water, is in jeopardy, and
insufficient attention or planning has been given to the Park’s sustainable future with respect to water, its use, reuse and
distribution. However, in recent years public awareness has been raised about the value of water. This shift enabled
FOBP to assemble a group of highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers who rapidly coalesced to create this
roadmap.
The Balboa Park Master Plan (BPMP) 1989 / 2004 recognized the need to be concerned with its physical resources. The
planning principles are “to nurture and enhance the cultural, recreational and passive resources of the Park to meet the
needs of the region and surrounding community while respecting its physical, cultural and historical environment.”
Among other things the BPMP called for siting a water reclamation facility within the Park to service the Park. “Water
reclamation shall be employed to protect the horticulture against the possibility of severe water shortages.” Links to the
Master Plan and the Precise Plans that provide details can be found at: www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/generalinfo/consultantguide.shtml.
In October 2011, the San Diego City Council passed a Comprehensive Policy for a Sustainable Water Supply in San
Diego, Policy No 400-15. Using this policy as a guide for proposed projects will assist in further developing the overall
Water-wise Roadmap.
Last but not least, the City is sponsoring a major 2015 centennial celebration of the Panama-California Exposition
www.balboapark.org/2015/centennial-celebration. This offers a once-in-a-century opportunity to provide legacies for
future generations so they can continue to benefit from the riches that Balboa Park offers.
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APPROACH
1. Gathering information on opportunities to improve water use.
2. Assembling a knowledgeable group of experts. A formal Water-wise Community of Practice for Balboa Park’s
Parkland was formed, based on a recognized model for creating collaboration from the field of knowledge
management. (Wenger, McDermott, & Snyder, 2002) This model also requires involving those key stakeholders
who will have primary management responsibility to oversee the execution of the projects in the roadmap,
namely the relevant staff from the City’s Park and Recreation Department.
3. Applying this expert knowledge about opportunities to address these needs by developing a wide variety of
ideas for projects.
4. Culling, combining, and adding projects as needed so that the roadmap responds to the most pressing needs,
and availability of resources.
5. Writing up projects in the form of short and long versions as appropriate for different audiences.
6. Establishing that the roadmap is a series of project proposals. After publication of this roadmap, each project will
be developed into a more detailed project proposal, resources will be raised, and approval will be obtained from
the Park and Recreation Department and other City entities as required.
7. Producing and publishing this roadmap in the form of a timeline of the projects in sequence of short, mid, and
long-term accompanied by brief project descriptions.
8. Establishing that the roadmap is a living document. Since conditions change, it is expected that some of the
specific projects in the roadmap will be changed through elimination, addition, and modification.
9. Establishing a mechanism to accomplish two functions on a semi-annual basis: (a) assess progress against the
roadmap; (b) modify the roadmap to reflect current conditions.
MAJOR FINDINGS REGARDING PARKLAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVED WATER USE
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The Park has been used for many purposes by many constituencies over many years. The resulting changes have
not always been made systematically. Examples include plantings in locations that do not fit with the surrounding
ecology and hardscape (sidewalks, parking lots, structures) that have been placed directly over critical water
pipes.
Not all these changes to the Park have been fully documented as they were made. The result is incomplete and
sometimes inaccurate information about what has been put into the Park. Examples include pipes, valves,
hardscape, structures, and plants. Lack of knowledge about what is where, available to all those who need it, is a
serious impediment to optimal water management.
Alternative types of water besides potable quality are available for potential use in the Park but the feasibility of
using these resources must be studied and then a number of changes in infrastructure will have to be made.
Non-potable water resources include storm water, recycled/gray water, and black water.
Some of the water infrastructure, such as pipes and valves, is old and some of that is deteriorating, resulting in
leakage. The amount of water lost to leakage is unknown. When leaks are patched in conventional ways vs.
using state-of-the-art methods and materials, it sometimes later creates downstream leakage.
Because there are only a small number of official water meters that measure most of the water use in the entire
Park, it is not possible to easily measure the water usage in any particular area. While installation of many more
official meters is cost-prohibitive, there are methods available now as well as under development for measuring
water use in specific areas.
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ROADMAP STRUCTURE
The roadmap consists of a series of projects sequenced as short-term (2012-2013), mid-term (2014-2015), and longterm (2016-2020). The sequence of implementing the projects in the roadmap will be both strategic and tactical. The
projects are grouped into the following five subject areas based on the roadmap’s goals:
Smartscaping: Based on intended use of each area, optimizing ecological features, e.g., flora, fauna, land
terrain/drainage, sun/shade patterns, soil composition, and the provision of water.
Documentation: Mapping of existing water infrastructure along with measuring water use through audits and
technology.
Water Delivery: Employing improved irrigation methods; Capturing/reclaiming water for re-use in irrigation.
Eco-tourism and Eco-education: Providing passive and active programs for visitors, students, and staff
integrated under the umbrella of the “Balboa Park Center for H2O Experience”.
Program Management: Keeping the initiative integrated, updated, evaluated, and communicated.
The title of each project is shown in the color-coded timeline. The section immediately following the timeline contains a
summary description of each project.
ROADMAP STRATEGY - WATER-WISE SMARTSCAPE
In order to achieve this challenging goal, a strategy is required so that projects will be done in a logical and efficient
order. It recognizes the parkland as being a living system. This “water-wise smartscape strategy” avoids a patchwork
approach which often is cheaper in the short-run but costly in the long-run.
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Grid the Park into geographic areas based on existing official plans and/or visitor usage patterns.
Determine the dominant human usage patterns for each area and also if there is an existing designation.
For example, Florida Canyon is officially designated as a “native” area.
Assess and state what the purpose of each area is and/or should be. The opportunities and
requirements for optimized water use will be factored into the purpose based on the intended ecology and
landscape. For instance the purposes differ significantly between canyons; cultural experiences; dog parks;
sports; and nature experiences. Even the Arizona Landfill area offers opportunities: in the short-term to educate
people about the impact of waste and short-term planning, and in the long-term for the community to coalesce
in restoring valuable parkland in the heart of our City.
Document the ecological features and the water delivery systems that exist in the area. Examples of
ecological features include flora, fauna, human use, land terrain/drainage, sun/shade patterns, and soil
composition. Water delivery systems include both natural ones, such as rain and marine moisture, and manmade irrigation methods.
Design the necessary changes to the ecological features to match the designated purpose of the
area. For example, if a few water-hungry plants exist in the middle of an expanse of otherwise drought-resistant
plants, they should be removed or moved to a compatible area.
Design/re-design water-wise usage and delivery methods around the new ecological features. Two
components to this exist. One is using the least costly type and source of water that satisfies all the
requirements of the features and use of the area, e.g., rain water, gray water, or treated run-off water may be
options. The other is more efficient infrastructure, e.g., pipes, sprinklers, valves, and water reclamation devices.
The new water delivery infrastructure will incorporate the most cost-effective and state-of-the-art components.
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For example, when pipes are leaking, they should be replaced with long-lasting water-tight materials
accompanied by sensors that monitor leakage.
Implement the changes to ecological features and water delivery methods simultaneously.
Assess and monitor the impacts of the changes.
Collect the knowledge built from these projects and share it with Park visitors and staff. This
knowledge is shared by offering programs to students and Park visitors that enable them to apply this knowledge
in their own homes and communities.
ROADMAP TACTICS – MEET IMMEDIATE NEEDS
While we intend to introduce a systematic strategy to improve water use, we recognize that immediate needs in the
Park also must be met. To help the City respond to these needs, certain projects will be undertaken right away and on
an as-needed basis going forward. Examples include production of better maps of water-related infrastructure in Park
areas; measurement of water delivery in selected Park areas; and rainwater collection for use in the Kate Sessions
Nursery.
COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE MEMBERS AND RELEVANT EXPERTISE
The membership of our water-wise community is what ensures the success of this project. Collectively our members
have extraordinary breadth and depth of expertise related to water management and related aspects of environmental
sustainability. They care deeply about Balboa Park and enthusiastically volunteered to apply their knowledge and skills to
this project. Moreover, their spirit of cooperation and collaboration is the extra ingredient that enabled the production
of this roadmap in a very short period of time.
Greg Armstead is Grounds Maintenance Supervisor with the City of San Diego in the Central Mesa of Balboa Park. He
has 10 years of grounds maintenance experience, and previously worked for the California Conservation Corps, with
horticultural classwork at Cuyamaca College. Before he became Supervisor with the City of San Diego, he worked as a
Grounds Maintenance Worker II in the Desert Garden in Balboa Park, where he participated in the creation of a
Geographic Information System (GIS) for the Desert Garden. He and his staff are eager and excited about making
Balboa Park 100% sustainable and efficient.
Ravi Bajaj is Project Coordinator for the San Diego Green Building Council. This organization has the vision that our
buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation.
Alexandria Bennett, Sustainability Coordinator of Point Loma Nazarene University, is experienced in water, energy and
waste conservation and management. She has an undergraduate degree in Business and Industrial Technology and is a
LEED Green Associate.
Laurie Broedling, President of LB Organizational Consulting, is a consultant and trainer in methods to improve
organizational effectiveness through collaboration and process improvement. She has a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational
Psychology from George Washington University and a B.A. from Brown University. She has been a Deputy Under
Secretary of Defense, Associate Administrator of NASA, and Senior Vice President of McDonnell Douglas. She served
on the Board of Directors of the Friends of Balboa Park and has pursued Park environmental issues for several years.
Katie Carl has a B.S. degree in Structural Engineering from UCSD, and is currently an Engineering Teacher at the School
of Science and Technology (San Diego High). At San Diego High School, she is the Academy Coordinator for a new
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Green Engineering Academy (GeoTech). In addition, she is the staff advisor for Solar Cup and ACE Mentor Programs at
SDHS. She has prior work experience in construction management, where she received her LEED Accreditation.
Kim Duclo received his B.A. degree in Communications/Visual Arts from the University of California, San Diego. He has
been a Park Ranger for the City of San Diego since 1996, based out of Balboa Park. During his tenure in the Park, he
has conducted over 500 tours highlighting the botanical heritage of this National Historic Landmark. Over the past two
decades, Kim has amassed a Balboa Park archive comprised of some 10,000 items, including a wide array of horticultural
documents.
Kennedy Gammage has an AB degree in English from U.C. Berkeley. His work experience includes more than 20 years
in advertising, marketing communications, public relations and corporate communications.
Bob Gilleskie has more than 35 years’ experience in energy management, including 20 years at San Diego Gas & Electric,
where he held various managerial positions in energy management and power quality. Most recently he was the Director
of Engineering at the California Center for Sustainable Energy, and he is currently the Regional Energy Manager for
Marine Corps Installations West. He has authored numerous articles and papers on both power quality and energy
technologies, and has spoken at conferences and seminars in Europe and the United States on these subjects. He was
instrumental in developing a Sustainability Certificate program at the University of California at San Diego Extension
School, and he currently teaches several of the courses in the program. He is a registered Professional Engineer
(Electrical) in the state of California, a Certified Energy Manager, and LEED Accredited Professional (AP). He is a
graduate of the Naval Academy, and has Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, and Business
Administration from San Diego State University.
Richard Graff, owner Richard Graff Designs, is a User Interface/User Experience Designer consultant. His background is
in architecture which he practiced for several years prior to entering the world of the web. Richard spent many years
working for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in San Diego. As a consultant, he continues to work
on an array of projects including Knowledge Management, Change Management and web application front-end design
assignments. He has been a volunteer for the Friends of Balboa Park since 1999.
Len Hering, retired Navy Rear Admiral, was formerly Commander of Navy Region Southwest and Navy Region
Northwest, and recently the VP for Business Services and Administration at the University of San Diego. A staunch
advocate for sustainability, he has been recognized at the federal, state and local levels for his efforts to make sure our
resources are used wisely. He achieved savings of more than 30 million gallons of water to date throughout the region
by instituting smart programs and conservation measures.
Stephen Hill is District 3 Councilmember Todd Gloria’s Senior Policy Advisor and liaison to Balboa Park. He has over
20 years’ experience working for elected officials at the state and local levels.
Doug Kot is the Executive Director of the San Diego Green Building Council. This organization has the vision that our
buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation.
Rebecca Lewison is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at San Diego State University and the Director of
the Institute for Ecological Monitoring and Management. Dr. Lewison received her BA from Vassar College and her PhD
in Ecology from University of California, Davis. As a conservation ecologist, Dr. Lewison's area of expertise focuses on
the impact of resource and land use on vulnerable species and systems.
Paulina Lis has a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management with Honors in Tourism Management from Napier
University in Edinburgh, Scotland. After moving to the US, Paulina has been broadening her interests in Sustainable
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Tourism development by accomplishing a Sustainable Business Practices Certificate at UCSD extension and receiving a
LEED Green Associate accreditation. Currently she is working for a local manufacturer of Energy Management systems
and volunteering with the San Diego Green Building Council to create a local Sustainable Destination Committee. As a
North Park resident, she is passionate about Balboa Park and its value to the local community.
Mario Llanos is currently the Balboa Park Horticulturist for the City of San Diego. He has a Bachelor of Science degree
in Environmental Horticultural Science from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and an Associate of
Science degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Cuyamaca College. Prior to his current position with the City, he
served as a general manager for a wholesale nursery specializing in specimen palms and a high end Maintenance firm. He
has more than 15 years’ experience in nursery management and landscape construction and maintenance.
Stanley Maloy is Dean of the College of Sciences at San Diego State University (SDSU). He has a PhD in Molecular
Biology and Biochemistry from the University of California at Irvine. Prior to joining SDSU he was a professor of
Microbiology at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign for 18 years. He was elected President of the American
Society for Microbiology (ASM), a scientific society with over 43,000 members, and financial resources over $100M. He
is currently chair of the ASM committee on communicating science to the public. He has consulted with large
agricultural and pharmaceutical companies and small biotech companies, including as a member of Scientific Advisory
Boards and as Chief Scientific Officer of Vaxiion Therapeutics Inc. He has served on federal review panels and advisory
groups, and has testified before the United States House Appropriations Committee. He has worked extensively with
the San Diego community, serving on Boards for the San Diego Science Festival, the San Diego Ethics Center, San Diego
Science Alliance, and has volunteered for many other organizations.
Bruce Martinez earned a BA in Recreation Administration from SDSU. He has worked with the City of San Diego Park
and Recreation Dept. for 25 years. Currently he is the District Manager for Balboa Park Operations. He manages the
Maintenance staff, Ranger staff and works closely with the philanthropic groups to facilitate projects for Balboa Park,
Mission Hills Park and Presidio Park.
David McGrew, Director of Engineering and Facilities at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, is a graduate of San Diego
State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. David was the project manager for the Reuben H. Fleet’s
LEED Silver certification, completed in 2010.
Kotaro Nakamura is an American architect who was born and raised in Japan. He is an associate professor in the
School of Art, Design, and Art History at San Diego State University and has run an architectural design office in
downtown San Diego for 30 years. He has an extensive knowledge of energy efficiency and environmentally sensitive
design methods from his environmental engineering and design background. His research work involves different types
of architectural vernacular that had adapted to area specific climate conditions and available materials. He has traveled
to Norway to study and document sod roofed 18th Century Norwegian Farmhouses, 10th century Native American
Cliff Dwellings at Mesa Verde at Colorado, and Japanese traditional Teahouses in Osaka, Japan.
Nima Nekoui received his BS in Computer Science from the University of California, San Diego and is the owner and
operator of SilverCitrus, LLC, a San Diego based technology solutions company offering services nationwide ranging
from website design, programming, and product development to technology administration, education, and productivity.
SilverCitrus is responsible for creating and running the online collaborative work space for this project. Nima also
teaches mathematics and logic to foreign, non-native English-speaking students at the American Language Institute at San
Diego State University.
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Bill Overstreet is Grounds Maintenance Supervisor in Balboa Park. He has worked for the City of San Diego since 1996
and has been a Supervisor in Balboa Park since August 1999. He has more than 20 years of grounds maintenance
experience in the private sector which includes irrigation installation and repair.
Betty Peabody has a long career as civic-minded volunteer, including volunteering in Balboa Park for 43 years. A few of
her notable activities include current service on the boards of Friends of Balboa Park, San Diego County Crime
Stoppers, Friends of the Library (SDSU), and Rees-Steely Research Foundation; co-founder of the Friends of Balboa Park
and the Balboa Park Alliance (BPAL); and past president of Museum of Man Auxiliary (Klee Wyk Society), House of
Hospitality, and Balboa Park Millennium Society. She has received numerous awards, such as Woman of Dedication,
Mortar Board Honoree, and Honorary Member of Rotary Club of San Diego.
Dr. Matt Rahn is the Director for Research and Education with the SDSU Field Stations Program, and the Academic
Advisor for the Environmental Sciences Program. He has nearly two decades of experience in applied sciences and
policy, with an emphasis on research design, statistics, environmental science, public policy, and law. Much of his work
has focused on the interface between science and policy, supporting state and federal programs in collaboration with
environmental lawyers and scientists on the design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental impact reports,
multi-species conservation plans, endangered species protection programs, watershed management plans, and land use
planning. He has a BS and MS in Biology from the University of Nevada, a Ph.D. in Ecology from UC Davis, and will be
completing his JD in environmental law this year.
Michael Rasmusson is a City of San Diego employee who has been involved with the Park & Recreation Department for
23 years. He has worked at Mission Bay, the City-wide Landscape Crew, the Park Forestry Crew, the Botanical Building,
the Kate Sessions Nursery, and the Central Crew in Balboa Park. He was also a judge for the 2012 Spring Home &
Garden Show, which involves landscape design with drought tolerant plant material.
Jessica Rinaman is the Program Coordinator, Environmental Sustainability of the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership. She
works closely with Partnership members, the City of San Diego, San Diego Gas & Electric and other Park stakeholders
to advance solutions that will help protect Park resources and strengthen economic viability, while enhancing staff and
visitor experience. Jessica graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from
the University of San Diego and is currently enrolled in University of California, San Diego’s, Sustainable Business
Practices extension program. Since joining the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership, she has been involved in facilitating over
$3 million in energy efficiency upgrades to historic Balboa Park buildings and developing professional education
opportunities for Park staff and the public.
Ryan Robertson has an Associate’s Degree from Grossmont College in Physical Geography, and a B.S. degree from
SDSU in Recreation Administration with emphasis on outdoor recreation. He has been a Ranger for the City of San
Diego for the past five years, and during that time has overseen multiple small and large scale non-native vegetation
removal projects and associated re-vegetation processes utilizing native plants. He worked to oversee and implement a
watering and monitoring schedule to ensure the establishment and long term survival of the native plants, which are
primarily planted in areas of the Park that have no irrigation.
Rory Ruppert is the Director of Environmental Sustainability for the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership. She advances
strategic planning initiatives related to Balboa Park’s environmental and economic sustainability to protect Park
resources and strengthen economic viability, while enhancing staff and visitor experience. She works closely with the
Partnership's member institutions, Park stakeholders, the City of San Diego and sustainability experts to coordinate and
implement these initiatives. She has more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit and civic organization management
and holds an MA in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from University of San Diego.
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14. Final 6-21-12
Vinod Sasidharan, Ph.D., is Past President of the Great Western Travel and Tourism Research Association and the
California Society of Park and Recreation Educators. He currently serves on the Education Resource Council for
Hostelling International and has served on the Destination Marketing Association International Student and Educator
Advisory Council. Dr. Sasidharan’s research includes the evaluation and implementation of grass-roots tourism
initiatives, involving local community participation in planning and decision making for sustainable tourism development,
sustainability assessment and Corporate Social Responsibility evaluation in tourism. He holds a Master’s Degree in
Tourism Policy and Management from the University of Birmingham, UK and a Doctorate in Recreation and Tourism
Management from The Pennsylvania State University, USA. His studies have been funded/supported by federal agencies
including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, United States Department of Interior
(USDI), National Park Service, National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Peace Corps, and nationally-renowned
philanthropic agencies such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Alan Sweedler is Assistant Vice President for International Programs at San Diego State University, where he is also
Professor of Physics and Director of the Environmental Sciences Program. He is a specialist on energy systems analysis
and the relationship between energy and water use. Professor Sweedler serves on the Board of Directors of Clean Tech
San Diego and is a former Congressional Science Fellow, serving in the U.S. Senate.
Robert Thiele is a native San Diego architect, who graduated from Arizona State University in 1971 with a degree in
Environmental Design. He is a LEED Accredited Professional, and has a passion for sustainable practices in the built and
natural environment. Robert currently serves on the Board of the San Diego Green Building Council and is the
Facilitator for the San Diego Living Building Challenge Collaborative.
Michael Tully is Grounds Maintenance Manager, and began his career with the City of San Diego in 1995 as a Grounds
Maintenance Worker in Balboa Park. His work experience includes programming, trouble shooting and ensuring
functionality of Toro Sentinel smart controllers in Balboa Park, with 17 years of work experience in irrigation installation
and repair.
Marlene Williams, Volunteer Coordinator for Friends of Balboa Park, has been a historian for more than 20 years, and
textile artist of more than 25 years. As the Council Liaison for Girl Scouts San Diego, she has played a major role in
transitioning the property of Girl Scouts in San Diego to sustainable practices, including water conservation and
reclamation, and addressing 3M dollars in deferred maintenance. A training specialist and volunteer serving on many
committees with the Red Cross and Girl Scouts, she has received several awards for her volunteer and community
service. Marlene is a former board member for Friends of Balboa Park.
Ann Wilson is Treasurer and Board Member of Friends of Balboa Park. She has been part of the Friends since 2008. A
CPA and CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), Ann has maintained a CPA practice, specializing in forensic accounting, fraud
investigation and expert witness assignments in accounting, finance, fraud and economic damages for over 25 years. She
holds a BA in Psychology from UC Berkeley and an MBA in accounting from UCLA. Ann has been a Balboa Park user
and lover since the age of 3.
Tom Zink is Program Manager for the Soil Ecology and Restoration Group, a research organization at San Diego State
University (SDSU) that specializes in native habitat restoration. He is an Ecology professor in the Biology Department
and Applied Hydraulics instructor in the Civil Engineering Department at SDSU. He has served as an expert witness in
habitat restoration for the United Nations, Geneva and the State of California, and as restoration ecologist for both the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He has also served as a panel member for Kew Royal Botanical
Gardens at the World Congress for Middle Eastern Studies in 2010 concerning the restoration of damaged desert soils.
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15. Final 6-21-12
CONCLUSION
This roadmap embodies the goal of a comprehensive plan of proposed improvements to Balboa Park that will make its
parkland water-wise by 2020. The use of the community of practice model was shown to be very effective. A disparate
group of community experts successfully coalesced with each other and City staff to produce this plan in two months.
The roadmap is a living document requiring modification over time. It must be managed as an integrated whole rather
than as a collection of individual projects for two reasons. One is that the projects are inter-related. The other is that
the synergy generated by continued interaction among the community members is what provides this initiative with such
positive prospects for long-term success.
The people who created this roadmap represent only a small percentage of those in our region with resources to
contribute to making Balboa Park’s parkland water-wise. Needed resources include expertise, money, volunteer time,
and enthusiasm. If you are interested in contributing to our call to action, please contact us at
info@friendsofbalboapark.org. We serve as the conduit for these resources, including volunteers, on behalf of the Park
and Recreation Department for the water-wise initiative.
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16. Final 6-21-12
REFERENCES
The Trust for Public Land. (2008a). How Much Value Does the City of San Diego Receive from its Park and Recreation System?
The Trust for Public Land. (2008b). The Soul of San Diego: Keeping Balboa Park Magnificent In its Second Century.
http://friendsofbalboapark.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/thesoulofsandiego.pdf
Wenger, E., R. McDermott, & Wm. Snyder. (2002). Cultivating Communities of Practice. Boston, MA: Harvard Business
School Press.
15
17. S= S
martscaping
D = Documentation
W = Water Delivery
E = Eco-tourism and Eco-education
P = Program Management
TIMELINE
Shor t T er m (2012 - 2013)
S
martscape Land Use Zones Project: Perform the first several steps in the
S
martscape S
trategy, starting with marking the park into grids.
S S
martscape the Lily Pond Area: Apply all the steps in the strategy.
Plant Material Fund: Establish a plant material fund to buy drought-tolerant
plants for the park, including the nursery bank.
Water Mapping Project: Map the city water mains and other related
D infrastructure in selected park zones as a key first step in understanding
water use in the park.
M id T er m (2014 - 2015)
Landscape Design Project: Create the most realistic horticultural/landscape
elements and appropriate sustainable irrigation for selected zones in the
grid—ones that match the area’s purpose and intended ecology.
S
martscape (continued): Apply strategy to more
parkland areas, e.g., Marston Addition.
S
martscape Grape S Park: Create a small water-wise native garden
t
attractive to neighbors and visitors.
Oak Grove Project: Create an oak grove in the
Volunteer Garden: Create a water-wise garden in
area between the Trees for Health Garden and
Golden Hill Fountain Grotto Project: Restore the S
martscape (continued): Apply smartscape strategy to more parkland areas, e.g., Florida Canyon
conjunction with potential living house
the Campfire Campus that will be an attractive self- 102 year-old Golden Hill Fountain Grotto.
and/or area at 20th and B S
t.
demonstration project(s) in the park.
sustainable landscape with stable soil.
Demonstration Garden at Kate S
essions Nursery: Create a sustainable
demonstration garden to highlight water-wise practices.
Bird Park Project: Complete this playful artistic
outdoor experience begun several years ago, and
in the process incorporate water-wise elements.
Efficient Wide S
pray Irrigation: Install more
efficient wide spray systems in appropriate areas.
Deep Root Irrigation: Improve the irrigation of
Below Ground Irrigation: Install below ground
selected plants and trees in appropriate areas with S Irrigation: Introduce use of spot irrigation
pot
irrigation systems in appropriate areas of the park. systems designed to deliver water directly to
systems in appropriate areas.
where it is absorbed.
S
Use of Fertigation: S
ystematically investigate the
The “Root Ball”: Hold a major charity event to
feasibility of using fertigation methods in selected
raise funds for water-wise plants and activities in
areas of the park and apply those methods if
the park.
appropriate.
Non-intrusive Water Measuring Devices: Use
state-of-the-art technology to measure amount of
Mapping and Auditing (continued)
water usage based on differing signatures of the
water flow.
Irrigation Mapping and Auditing Project Zone 2: Determine expected water
Water and Irrigation Mapping and Auditing (continued)
use by the irrigation system.
Investigation of Irrigation S
ystem Alternatives:
S
tudy more efficient options for existing irrigation Drip Irrigation: Introduce use of drip systems in
and possible future irrigation to save water and
appropriate areas.
improve plant health.
W
Long T er m (2016 - 2020)
Marston Addition S
martscape: Restore an area of
6th Avenue S
lope Garden: Create a garden to
the park to a composition of native species which
demonstrate sustainable gardening practices on
can be sustained by natural water supply and
steep slopes.
supplemented by efficient irrigation if needed.
Irrigation Alternatives (continued)
Irrigation Alternatives (continued)
Water Collection (continued): Collect rainwater and air conditioning condensate for irrigation.
D
Water Collection (continued): Collect rainwater and air conditioning condensate for irrigation.
W
S
low Release Irrigation: Introduce use of slow
release irrigation systems in appropriate areas.
Improved Use of S
mart Controllers: Develop a
comprehensive approach to the water needs of
Water Delivery to Key Gardens: Implement more
the park using data mining and application
efficient irrigation methods in selected key
Park Infrastructure Water-wise Pilot Program: Perform initial implementation of living system via water reclamation.
gathered from smart irrigation controllers already gardens.
in the park.
Final Implementation of Park Water Treatment Infrastructure: Maximize reclamation of all types of
water.
Water Reclamation Vision Plan: Create a water
reclamation plan that would bring true water
sustainability to the park.
Water Collection: Collect rainwater and air
conditioning condensate for irrigation, starting
with collection and usage of rain water in the
greenhouses at the Kate S
essions Nursery.
Water Delivery Infrastructure Upgrades (continued)
Water Delivery Infrastructure Upgrades: Repair
or replace aging infrastructure (e.g., pipes, valves)
that delivers water to key areas in the park’s
Central Mesa.
Water Delivery Infrastructure Upgrades (continued)
Center for “H2O Experience” – Phase 1: Create an (initially) virtual
sustainability center where staff, visitors, educators, students, and volunteers Drinking Water in Balboa Park: S
ignificantly improve the sustainability of the
Center for “H2O Experience” – Phase 2. Continue programs from Phase 1 and add the programs described in the following four projects.
can learn water-wise practices and also participate in hands-on water-wise way people access drinking water in the park, e.g. with hydration stations.
activities and improvements in the park.
Water-wise S
cavenger Hunt: Educate elementary
school-age children about the water-wise activities
taking place in the park in a fun and entertaining
manner.
Green Movie Nights: Increase use of the park at
night and promote it to young adult audiences
with sustainability-focused movies, food trucks,
etc.
Water-Wise Programs via Institutions’ Educational Initiatives: Create
E water-wise curricula in partnership with Balboa Park Institutions and other
institutions in S Diego with an interest in water use.
an
Brand for Water-wise in Balboa Park: Create a logo, message, “hub”
to streamline activities and communication
Public Database of Water-wise Activities under
H2O Experience: Include webpage, Facebook,
Twitter
P
Water-wise S
cavenger Hunt: Add a program geared to teens. Educate school-age children about the water-wise activities taking place in the park in a fun
and entertaining manner.
Water Mascot for Balboa Park: Create a mascot such as S
mokey the Bear,
2015 Educational Event S
eries: Engage world recognized experts and celebrities to speak about water sustainability, thereby attracting national and
children’s competition for artwork, local artist art submission, possible
international visitors.
gala, logo, figures, and merchandise
Marston House 2015 Exhibit: Create an exhibit of the history of water
sustainability at the Marston Property.
S
ocial Networking Opportunities for Engagement:
Integrate GIS mapping with social networking
opportunities for engagement to entice visitation
(forestry software linkage)
Ongoing Communications: Communicate roadmap milestones and
accomplishments while expanding the water-wise community.
Lecture S
eries: Educate visitors and the local
community about sustainable, water-wise
practices.
Needs Assessment: Create a database of waterwise educational activities in Balboa Park (tours,
gardens, institution exhibits, educational
programs…)
Ongoing Program Oversight: Integrate, update, and evaluate roadmap
progress.
Center for “H2O Experience” – Phase 3
E
Ongoing Communications: Communicate roadmap
Ongoing Program Oversight: Integrate, update,
milestones and accomplishments while expanding
and evaluate roadmap progress.
the water-wise community.
P
Water-wise 2015 Tour: S
how visitors the water-wise accomplishments to date, as well as the challenges to make the park water-wise by 2020.
Marston Addition S
martscape Tours: Organize water-wise tours at this location.
Ongoing Communications: Communicate roadmap milestones and
accomplishments while expanding the water-wise community.
Shor t T er m (2012 - 2013)
Ongoing Program Oversight: Integrate, update, and evaluate roadmap
progress.
M id T er m (2014 - 2015)
16
Long T er m (2016 - 2020)
18. Final 6-21-12
SUMMARY PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
SMARTSCAPE LAND USE ZONES
SMARTSCAPE
Perform the first several steps in the Smartscape Strategy and then pick a few selected areas to undertake the full
smartscaping strategy.
o
o
o
Grid the Park into geographic areas based on existing zones, official plans, and/or visitor usage patterns. (See
Figure A, following page, for the zones on the Balboa Park Master Plan.)
Determine the dominant human usage patterns for each area and also if there is an existing designation. For
example, Florida Canyon is officially designated as a “native” area.
Assess and state what the purpose of each area is and/or should be. The opportunities and requirements for
optimized water use will be factored into the purpose based on the intended ecology and landscape. For
instance the purposes differ significantly between canyons; cultural experiences; dog parks; sports; and nature
experiences. Even the Arizona Landfill area offers an opportunity: in the short-term to educate people about the
impact of waste and short-term planning, and in the long-term for the community to coalesce in restoring
valuable parkland in the heart of our City.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
SMARTSCAPE
This project is an extension of the project to smartscape the Park by implementing the strategy in selected places in the
Park. It will start by using the grid map created in that project. The purpose of the project is to create the most realistic
planting system for Balboa Park while incorporating water sustainable practices. The gardens of Balboa Park have been
planted over the decades, well before water sustainable practices were considered. Planting in other areas of the Park in
addition to the gardens has occurred as well. As a result, many plant species are not suitable for the climate and require
more water than current limitations mandate. However, with the present-day technology, it is possible to transition the
Park to a planting and irrigation system that would use the limited water in a more resourceful manner. Also using the
land use zones in the grid map will provide a time saving method for Park staff to systematically track each section on
the grid, allowing supervisors to more easily budget staff labor, expenses for landscape, irrigation systems, etc.
LILY POND SMARTSCAPE
SMARTSCAPE
This project is a very specific application of the project to smartscape the Park by implementing the strategy in a
selected place in the Park. The Lily Pond Garden is a beloved, highly visible and heavily trafficked area. The current
landscape requires large amounts of water. We intend to transition it to a Smartscape, creating a self-sustainable garden
in the Lily Pond area by gradually transitioning plantings to the desired low water varieties. Many of the plants are
already available in the Kate Sessions Nursery.
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20. Final 6-21-12
SMARTSCAPE GRAPE STREET PARK
SMARTSCAPE
We intend to create a California Native Garden at the Grape St Park. The area of the Grape Street Park was previously
a congregation site for illegal activities. The increased positive activity resulting from its use as a Dog Park has improved
the area, and a smartscape would be attractive for residents and visitors to the Dog Park area. We will perform a
general clean up, and removal of dead trees, replacing them with oak trees, weed and mulch, and plant a water-wise
native garden.
PLANT MATERIAL FUND
SMARTSCAPE
We intend to establish a fund to buy water-wise plants for the Park through the City’s Kate Sessions Nursery. One of
the drivers of this fund will be the “Root Ball.” We will also fundraise through the Center for “H2O Experience,” via the
Friends of Balboa Park and other charitable organizations, and using “Donate Now” buttons on the various Park
websites. As instant fundraising through Apps and QR Codes becomes more prevalent, we will also utilize these
channels for this key “water-wise” fund during the 2015 centennial.
DEMONSTRATION GARDEN AT KATE SESSIONS NURSERY
SMARTSCAPE
We plan to transition a section of land in the Kate Sessions City nursery to a display garden that will demonstrate
sustainable practices, including efficient water use. There is a slope along the east fence line in the Nursery area, several
feet wide that would be suitable for planting a display garden. A self-sustainable display garden in the nursery area can be
used to train/evaluate new employees and potential volunteers. A plant identification class will be held as part of the
training process as well as training on the sign-engraving machine. We will clear the intended area, prepare the soil,
install irrigation and plant a variety of native and low water plants. As the plants mature, they could provide clippings
that are rooted for new plants. The budget for this project would be in the range of $4-8K, and completely dependent
on the design of the gardens and plant selected.
WATER MAPPING
DOCUMENTATION
We intend to map the City water mains and other related infrastructure in selected Park zones as a key first step in
understanding water use in the Park. The Water Mapping Project is a short term, no cost, high value project that will
bring immediate benefit to Park and Recreation Staff and provide educational opportunities for colleges and universities
and eco-tourism to explore Balboa Park as a living laboratory. The Mapping Project is the foundation of an interactive
map that can be used for multiple purposes, from informing the public on kiosks to operation dashboards for institutions
and Park management staff.
IRRIGATION MAPPING AND AUDITING PROJECT ZONE 2
DOCUMENTATION
The purpose of this project is to establish a procedure for recording the location of all sprinkler heads on the
landscaping of Balboa Park. By using sprinkler head characteristics and irrigation schedules, it will enable the
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21. Final 6-21-12
determination of expected water use by the irrigation system. It involves the use hard audits to measure how much
water is being used before and after irrigation improvements. The irrigation system of Balboa Park has been built up
over the decades piecemeal, as conditions warranted, resulting in a system consisting of an uncertain number and
location of sprinkler heads. As a result, it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine the amount of water being used for
irrigation given the characteristics of the system. This, in turn, makes it difficult to know if the irrigation system is using
too much water, or to establish conservation programs to save water.
The first part of this project will focus on mapping Zone 2 – that irrigation zone bordered by 6th Avenue on the west,
Laurel Street on the south, Upas Street on the north, and extending east to the vicinity of Balboa Park Drive. The
product of the effort will be a spreadsheet consisting of sprinkler head designations, and columns designating GPS
coordinates, sprinkler head type and characteristics, and flow rates. The Balboa Park Grounds Maintenance Department
will conduct a 2-3 hour training session for 2-5 people on the different types of sprinkler heads that are used on Park
grounds. The emphasis should be recognition as opposed to technical, i.e., the people should be able to recognize by
inspection which of the commonly used sprinkler heads is used at a given location. Grounds Maintenance will also assist
in developing an Excel spread sheet that will be used to capture the characteristics of each sprinkler head observed.
Also, a representative from Grounds Maintenance will describe the operation of a GPS handheld device which will be
used to record the location of each sprinkler head.
INVESTIGATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM ALTERNATIVES
WATER DELIVERY
As a general rule, spray irrigation is less efficient than other available methods. At a minimum, it is worth investigating
whether to replace existing spray irrigation methods that exist in various areas in the Park. It is also worth investigating
using alternative irrigation methods wherever the smartscaping efforts have determined that irrigation needs to be
added.
The following is a list of alternatives to spray irrigation. Several of them have their own project descriptions in this
roadmap.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Drip irrigation
Below ground irrigation
Deep root irrigation
Improved use of smart controllers
Spot irrigation using individual nozzles that provide a specific amount of water at a specific time, normally on a
timer controlled system.
Efficient wide spray irrigation
Improved timing of irrigation during the day/night to minimize evaporation.
Use of slow release irrigation from buried clay pot containers or the use of “dry water”.
Water delivery infrastructure upgrades to reduce waste through leakage
DRIP IRRIGATION
WATER DELIVERY
The purpose of this project is to improve the irrigation of selected plants in the Park with systems designed to
deliver water more directly through drip systems, thereby reducing wasted water and improving plant health.
Among other things drip irrigation systems, compared to spray systems, reduce the amount of water lost to
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22. Final 6-21-12
evaporation. Drip irrigation is one of the alternative water delivery systems that will be considered as part of
the smartscaping strategy.
EFFICIENT WIDE SPRAY IRRIGATION METHOD PROJECT
WATER DELIVERY
We plan to improve the efficiency of water delivery through existing wide spray systems (which spray water in a
sweeping motion around a wide space). These improved systems can save water and improve plant health, particularly in
large green spaces, by delivering a series of water streams rather than a steady one, thereby reducing the time for
watering, producing smarter delivery patterns tailored to the terrain being watered, avoiding over-watering, surface
erosion and ‘puddling’ while maintaining the amount of water needed for plant health. An advisory group of experts will
be formed to help City staff select the targeted area and to provide them the information necessary to write good
specifications for the system. Areas that might be amenable are ones with existing sweeping systems in and around
sporting areas or dog parks on the East Mesa. The change would be monitored as part of a study to assess the effects of
changing over to this type of irrigation system. Improvements in water usage in that particular area will be measured,
requiring the installation of a temporary water measurement device. If the expected benefits accrue, additional improved
wide spray irrigation systems will be installed where needed between 2016-2020.
BELOW GROUND IRRIGATION SYSTEM
WATER DELIVERY
We plan to install below ground irrigation systems in appropriate areas of the parkland to save water and improve plant
health. Below ground irrigation systems are designed to improve water efficiency and plant health in certain types of
areas such as large green spaces and large shrub species such as lemonadeberry, laurel sumac and toyon. They are not
appropriate for flower beds. Since evaporation can use up to 40% of water delivered through conventional irrigation
methods, such systems offer big savings. Additional benefits derive from reducing weed growth (exotic and invasive
species) by reducing the amount of water to be found in the top layer of the soil where such species absorb their water
and nutrients. By using below ground irrigation, the exotic and invasive species will be robbed of their water source and
be unable to survive.
An advisory group of experts will be formed to help City staff select the targeted green area and to provide the
information necessary to write good specifications for the system. Areas that might be amenable to below ground
irrigation are ones in and around sporting areas on the East Mesa. The change would be monitored as part of a study to
assess the effects of changing over to this type of irrigation system. If the expected benefits accrue, additional below
ground irrigation systems will be installed where needed during 2014-2020.
DEEP ROOT IRRIGATION
WATER DELIVERY
The purpose of this project is to improve the irrigation of selected plants in the Park with systems designed to deliver
water directly to where it is absorbed by the plants, reducing wasted water and improving plant health.
Deep root irrigation systems target water delivery to the tap roots of plants. The tap root is the root that absorbs
almost all the water for the plant. These systems are particularly useful for certain types of trees, e.g., palm trees, and
certain types of large shrub species. We are targeting installation of a deep root irrigation system in 2013 for a group of
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23. Final 6-21-12
trees and/or shrubs that would benefit from receiving water from this type of system, for example potentially in Palm
Canyon.
SPOT IRRIGATION
WATER DELIVERY
Spot irrigation is where shrubs and trees are irrigated with individual nozzles that provide a specific amount of water at
a specific time, normally on a timer controlled system.
SLOW RELEASE IRRIGATION
WATER DELIVERY
Slow release irrigation from buried clay pot containers can be an efficient means of watering under certain
circumstances.
IMPROVED USE OF SMART CONTROLLERS PROJECT
WATER DELIVERY
This project will improve the efficiency of the new intelligent irrigation system, by mining the data that the system now
collects to develop a comprehensive approach to the water needs of the Park. The Friends of Balboa Park provided the
resources for purchase of smart controllers, linked to a central computer, for the Park’s existing irrigation system.
Almost all of them have been installed by City staff and are operational. This new system has already reduced water
use, saved labor, and improved plant health through better accuracy in watering. To make even better use of this
intelligent irrigation system, it is important to collect as much information as possible from sensors on-site and to
develop a comprehensive data management system to properly analyze the very large amounts of data that will be
obtained. We propose to do this using a specially designed data management system to be developed specifically for this
project using wireless remote sensors, integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS), so that staff can easily
visualize how the system is operating in real time. In addition to the actual data collection and management, a website
should be developed to allow staff access to the data from remote sites in the Park. There will also be linkage to the
Center for H2O Experience, to educate the public how water is being used in the Park.
WATER DELIVERY TO KEY GARDENS
WATER DELIVERY
We plan to renew outdated sprinkler heads with a more efficient delivery method. When many of the gardens were
planted, the sprinklers were set up for a wide spray over new plants. Now that the plantings are matured, the sprinklers
are not working efficiently, the plants do not get the required watering, and water is wasted. We plan to inspect
irrigation systems in the gardens to determine at what state of efficiency they are functioning, determine the most
practical system for each area and install the selected system. A more efficient method of water delivery allows for
healthier plants and a net gain of saving water.
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WATER RECLAMATION VISION PLAN
WATER DELIVERY
The Water Reclamation Vision Plan is a two-step integrative process, beginning with the Water Reclamation Information
Package of the Parkland, a short term, no cost, high value deliverable that will bring the known information of a living
park based on natural systems and state of the art technologies together. The second step is a no cost, high value,
community conversation around living infrastructure and natural systems that will inform a Water Reclamation Vision
Plan. The vision plan for water use and reuse will come from several community educational charrettes on what a living
park constructed wetland infrastructure could look like, and where and how it would be located based on natural
systems and opportunities in the parkland. A charrette consists of one or more meetings to organize ideas from experts,
users, and stakeholders, that allows the participants to collaboratively design the solution and the plan to implement it,
thereby creating a sense of joint ownership.
WATER COLLECTION
WATER DELIVERY
We will collect air conditioning condensate and rain water for use in irrigation. The Girl Scouts of San Diego has already
developed a system of condensate water collection from seven air conditioning units at their headquarters building in
Balboa Park. The system comprises three twenty gallon catchment basins located under the roof drains for the flat roof
portions of the building which hold the A/C units. These drains carry condensate water made during the refrigerant
evaporative cycle at a rate of between 30 and 50 gallons per day, depending on air temperature and humidity. Water
collected is pumped from the catchment basins at the end of each day to a holding tank, where it can be used for
landscape irrigation, either in flower beds or vegetable gardens. In an average year this simple system can catch between
10,000 and 15,000 gallons of rain and condensate water. This volume reduces irrigation water consumption from the
municipal system by approximately 10% on an annual basis. We will replicate this project in several areas of the Park,
first on a prototype basis under controlled conditions with a final evaluation of feasibility in 2013. Based on positive
results, we will expand implementation across the Park from 2014 – 2017.
WATER DELIVERY INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES PROJECT
WATER DELIVERY
We intend to replace aging infrastructure that delivers water to key areas in the Central Mesa. This will reduce wasted
water from leaks, lessen the likelihood that all water will be shut off in the Central Mesa and beyond if a major leak
needs repair, and save long-term maintenance costs. The parkland water delivery infrastructure consists of cast iron and
steel pipes and valves, most of which are underground. This infrastructure is old and outdated. As a result, there are
pipes that leak and valves that don’t work properly. Some pipe leakage is simply a result of deteriorating pipe material.
Additional leakage results from poor pressure control from malfunctioning valves; these pressure problems contribute
to more deterioration of the pipe material. Some of the leaks are relatively small and many of them are unknown, so we
can’t tell how much seepage is occurring in the Park. Some leaks are large and noticeable, warranting repair. Leak repairs
require significant expense and time in labor and materials; they also have collateral impacts on other natural resources.
Some leaks are so large that they require shutting off the entire water supply to a major section of the Park—creating
significant disruption for visitors and employees in the Park. The leaks are currently repaired by installing galvanized
patches. While this is the quickest and cheapest short-term approach, it is more expensive over the long-term. These
patches create deterioration downstream in the pipe, causing more problems, so it is an ongoing situation that can only
be remedied by use of contemporary materials and sensors. As the 2015 Centennial approaches, it is critical that certain
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Central Mesa areas have reliable, state-of-the art infrastructure to supply water. Since selected Central Mesa areas may
undergo other construction, this represents a particularly good opportunity to upgrade pipes and valves.
We will determine whether the pipe needs to be upgraded, the valves need to be upgraded, or both. If it includes the
pipe, we will decide whether it is more cost-effective to replace the cast iron pipe with PVC pipe, or to line the inside of
the cast iron pipe with a PVC coating. The latter is a less expensive and invasive means of reducing pipe deterioration
because no excavation is required. The coating is simply injected into the pipe. At the same time we will determine
which state-of-the-art sensors for detecting leakage on an ongoing basis can be selected for installation: ones which
detect pressure drops, or sensors which detect failed valves. We will install the new pipe material, valves and sensors
simultaneously. Based on the success and lessons learned from this project, as part of the smartscaping strategy we plan
to restore or replace the remaining out-of-date water delivery infrastructure as needed in the rest of the Park during
2016 – 2020.
BALBOA PARK CENTER FOR “H2O EXPERIENCE”
ECO-TOURISM AND ECO-EDUCATION
The purpose is to develop a Center for “H2O Experience” at Balboa Park. The goal of the center will be to enhance
the water-based experiences of visitors (local, national, and international), students, and staff through formalized
educational and experiential programs that emphasize the significance of water sustainability. This center will have
numerous benefits. How Balboa Park approaches water sustainability issues will impact the environmental quality of
both the immediate region and more far-reaching places by teaching people how to implement water-wise practices in
their own homes and communities. Subjects will include Irrigation methods, water quality management systems, water
conservation activities, waste reduction practices, energy efficiency measures associated with water reduction, in-house
environmental education and community environmental outreach programs, and ecological protection projects will be
implemented through ecotourism projects. As the projects in this roadmap proceed, Balboa Park can evolve into an
internationally renowned Water-wise benchmark.
Through educational and experiential programs and activities, the Center intends to –
1. Engage tourists and local community members in voluntourism activities relating to the significance of water
conservation: e.g., urban horticulture, farming, aquaponics, environmental design/architecture, and arts
2. Involve the Balboa Park “community,” including tourists, entrepreneurs and community residents in “giving
back” campaigns and fund-raising initiatives focusing on water-sustainability
3. Offer certificate programs, internships and/or CEUs for tourists and community participants, including university
students and working professionals, who can demonstrate the ability to make contributions towards water
conservation and waste reduction
4. Provide opportunities for collaborative research projects and scholastic activities that complement the
objectives of the Center
5. Evaluate, both quantitatively and qualitatively, whether or not ecotourism projects meet the goals and objective
of the water-wise initiative
In order to ensure environmental sustainability, it is necessary to integrate the principles of sustainable development into
Balboa Park’s water-wise policies and programs. A major requirement for the achievement of water-wise focused
environmental sustainability in Balboa Park is a demonstrated evidence of activities and policies aimed at water
sustainability and the resultant reversal of loss of environmental resources as well as the provision of equal sustainable
access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Existing research on ecotourism indicates that a tourism institution’s
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commitment towards improving sustainability can be established through ecotourism projects that emphasize existing
efforts relating to water consumption and sanitation, waste management, energy efficiency and power consumption,
environmental education, and wildlife conservation.
The Center will focus on:
1. Establishing long-term collaborative programs with tourism organizations, community entities, and educational
institutions, in the area of water-conservation and eco-efficiency
2. Developing ecotourism linkages, based on water-conversation and sustainability, between Balboa Park, tourism
and hospitality organizations, and local educational institutions of higher learning
3. Supporting the enhancement of the Park’s commitment to water conservation and sustainable human
development through innovative initiatives that promote economic development and engagement in civil society
4. Developing water-wise cooperative programs that prioritize the representation of biodiversity and culture, and
provide service to local communities.
The concept of a center related to sustainability is not a new idea; in fact, such centers have currently been established
in several countries and their respective ecological attractions. The proposal to establish a Center for “H2O
Experience” is certainly unique considering the water-sustainability issues plaguing the planet. Considering San Diego’s
border bio-region, critical issues concerning water sustainability, as it relates to environmental, social, and governance
issues have the potential to negatively impact the future of tourism in the region. Affiliation with the Center will be of
significant interest to major tourism players in the region (including major tourism attractions and marketing agencies),
particularly since much of the tourism inflow and resultant economic activity in San Diego is based on visitors’ interest
and participation in water-/marine-based activities. Partnerships with local tourism entities, community organizations
and educational institutions will be instrumental in the accomplishment of the Center’s goals.
Phase 1 (2012-2013)
A physical and/or virtual Center for H2O Experience at Balboa Park will be established for fostering both passive and active
eco-tourism, educational and experiential programs and activities, in addition to serving as a repository of water-wise
knowledge, which can be shared with Balboa Park staff, visitors, and community members.
During Phase 1 (2012-2013), the Center will attempt to accomplish the following initiatives: 1). Implement voluntourism
programs to engage tourists and local community members, 2). Create volunteer events for special groups (e.g., military,
veterans, spouses), families, organizations, 3). Reinforce linkages with Universities, schools, institutions of higher learning,
and youth organizations by providing internships/field study programs, 4). Collaborate with universities to create waterwise Certificate Programs, Training Programs and Credit Extension Unit (CEU) courses for Balboa Park staff, 5). Initiate
Water-Wise Lecture Series, 6). Offer Green Movie Nights to showcase sustainability-themed movies, 7). Build the IT
infrastructure necessary to house the Center for H2O Experience, 8). Design visitor and community education programs
and identify best practices associated with drinking water in Balboa Park, 9). Start a Water-Wise Scavenger Hunt for
young people, 10). Capture the history of Marston family’s use of their house and property in wise use of water and use
it as a basis of an educational program, 11). Study the possibility of the Marston House and adjacent property as an
exhibit and staging Center for H2O Experience at Balboa Park, 12). Facilitate the overlay of maps/grids with
attractions/trails, and, 13). Implement a mechanism to evaluate, both quantitatively and qualitatively, whether or not
ecotourism projects meet the goals and objectives of the water-wise initiative.
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DRINKING WATER IN BALBOA PARK
ECO-TOURISM AND ECO-EDUCATION
The purpose is to significantly improve the sustainability of the way in which our visitors access drinking water in Balboa
Park. Currently drinking water is not always consumed by Park visitors and staff in a sustainable way, e.g., use of
disposable plastic bottles. To reach the objective that sustainable drinking water will be the norm in the Park by 2020,
two major measures will take place:
1. A shared non-binding agreement among major entities in the Park to adopt practices for their employees and
vendors that encourages them to use more sustainable drinking water methods.
2. Introduction, starting in 2012, by a few Park entities, of means to supply high quality drinking water to their
staffs and visitors. Best practices from other parks will also be gathered and considered for adoption.
These measures will reduce the cost of drinkable water for visitors and staff, reduce the amounts of pollutants such as
CO2 into our environment by the production, transportation and disposal of plastic bottles, and reduce trash in Balboa
Park. An added benefit is that this education will improve the way visitors access drinking water in their communities
and homes.
WATER-WISE SCAVENGER HUNT (ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN)
ECO-TOURISM AND ECO-EDUCATION
The Phase 1 Scavenger Hunt will be directed to elementary school age children. It will be modeled on the Balboa Park
Scavenger Hunt already available through the Park Visitors’ Center. This Scavenger Hunt was developed by FOBP and
the Balboa Park Educators’ Council (BPEC). Children receive a printed brochure directing them to specific locations. A
question is then posed. The answer to the question is obtainable at the specific location. Completed questionnaires are
then turned in to the Visitors’ Center. Successful completion is rewarded with a Jr. Friends of Balboa Park patch.
The Water-Wise Scavenger Hunt will be modeled along similar lines. Working with BPEC and others, water-wise
questions will be developed and the participants directed to specific locations within the Park where the answers can be
found. Perhaps there will be “hands-on” types of experiences and/or experiments. We want to make this activity fun,
as well as educational. We want children to be excited about water conservation and understand why it is important.
An additional benefit of the Scavenger Hunt will be “stealth” education of parents at the same time as the children. This
activity will increase awareness and knowledge of water-wise issues for the whole family.
Currently, the Scavenger Hunt is a paper document. We will explore the possibility of delivering the water-wise
Scavenger Hunt in a “greener” way. Perhaps a smart phone “app,” or some other method. We will also explore prizes,
other than patches, and other ways to reward our “hunters” for participation in the program.
GREEN MOVIE NIGHTS
ECO-TOURISM AND ECO-EDUCATION
To further develop eco-tourism as part of the H2O Experience Center, we propose a series of outdoor movie
screenings in one of the many open areas of the Park.
The goal is to create events that promote sustainability for both San Diego residents and visitors. An organization, e.g.,
Earth Cinema, will show movies focused on environmental, social and economic issues while relating in subject to the
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other events promoted by The Center for H2O Experience. A speaker, with expertise in the discipline related to the
movie subject, would introduce the movie to the audience. The Event could be ticketed or free, depending on the scale
and experience we would like to achieve. The event could be hosted by the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, which already
provides seating and a stage, or be located in one of the open areas with BYO blanket seating. Local food trucks or
restaurants could have their presence at the event. A separate beer garden area with local brews and local wines could
contribute in creating a relaxed atmosphere and provide additional financial resources.
LECTURE SERIES
ECO-TOURISM AND ECO-EDUCATION
Under the umbrella of the educational programs offered by the Balboa Park Center for H2O Experience, the Lecture
Series is a proposal for a series of monthly lectures leading up to the Signature Water-Wise Educational Events during
the 2015 Centennial. The goal is to build up the brand and educate our audience in anticipation of the 2015 Centennial
events. Subjects of lectures would start at an entry level and gradually progress towards more advanced discussions
about sustainability. Targeted audiences would include both private residents and businesses sector. Events would take
place once a month, last about 90 minutes and be followed by a short networking event. Materials used during the
presentations would be available online through Center for H2O Experience to support and enhance our external
communication process and visibility. From the marketing standpoint this series would offer a regular opportunity to
promote 2015 Centennial and related initiatives.
WATER-WISE PROGRAMS (SUB-PROJECT OF BALBOA PARK CENTER FOR “H2O EXPERIENCE”)
ECO-TOURISM AND ECO-EDUCATION
BALBOA PARK WATER MASCOT
ECO-TOURISM AND ECO-EDUCATION
To attract the interest of children to water-wise concepts and the importance of the issues involved, we propose the
development of a water-wise mascot for Balboa Park. This would be along the lines of "Smokey the Bear," and the owl
that says: "Give a hoot - don't pollute." We propose developing a mascot and a signature slogan that speaks to
awareness of the importance of being water-wise. A contest could be held for school children to come up with the
mascot and the slogan. This could be on an individual basis, or by classroom or school. A competition could also be
held for adult artists to design posters, banners, etc. A mascot could be used to sell various merchandise, such as
stuffed toys, hats, reusable tote bags, and reusable water bottles.
BRAND FOR WATER-WISE (SUB-PROJECT OF BALBOA PARK CENTER FOR “H2O EXPERIENCE”)
ECO-TOURISM AND ECO-EDUCATION
MARSTON HOUSE 2015 EXHIBIT
ECO-TOURISM AND ECO-EDUCATION
The Marston House, at the edge of Balboa Park, at 3525 Seventh Avenue, was built for George and Anna Marston in
1905. The architects were William Sterling Hebbard & Irving J. Gill. George Marston is well-known for being a civic
leader of great vision. He was concerned with many things, including historic preservation, urban planning and
conservation. Mr. Marston engaged George Cook to be the landscape architect of his new home. Mr. Cook, in
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consultation with the Marstons, took an English garden concept and adapted it to the San Diego climate and growing
conditions. The garden evolved over the years. The Marstons engaged a number of prominent landscape designers to
work on the grounds from time to time. The Marston family also used sustainable practices for their personal water use.
In the 1990's the Marston House was given to the City of San Diego by the Marston family to be maintained and opened
to the public. It is an excellent example of visionaries in San Diego who were 100 years ahead of their time. The
property is now managed and operated as a museum by Save Our Heritage Organization. It is open to the public at
designated times. The grounds may also be rented out for private functions.
We propose an exhibit near or at the house for 2015 to showcase the history of water sustainability and other sound
forward-looking "green" practices at the Marston House for over 100 years. Docent tours are already offered at the
home and gardens. We propose either adding a water-wise component to the tours, or adding tours especially geared
to water-wise and other conservation subjects. The Marston House will be 110 years old in 2015. Highlighting the
forward-thinking design of this property will be an excellent way to celebrate the 2015 Centennial and the 110th
anniversary of the building of the home. This project can be coordinated with the project to smartscape Marston
Addition which is open property behind the Marston House.
PUBLIC DATABASE (SUB-PROJECT OF BALBOA PARK CENTER FOR “H2O EXPERIENCE”)
ECO-TOURISM AND ECO-EDUCATION
SOCIAL NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES (SUB-PROJECT OF BALBOA PARK CENTER FOR “H2O
EXPERIENCE”)
ECO-TOURISM AND ECO-EDUCATION
NEEDS ASSESSMENT (SUB-PROJECT OF BALBOA PARK CENTER FOR “H2O EXPERIENCE”)
ECO-TOURISM AND ECO-EDUCATION
ONGOING COMMUNICATIONS (SEE ONGOING PROGRAM OVERSIGHT)
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
ONGOING PROGRAM OVERSIGHT
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
The implementation of the roadmap will require management oversight to keep it integrated, to assess progress, and to
continuously revise it. It is recognized that the roadmap must be adjusted as conditions and requirements in the Park
change and also as technology develops. This effort will provide that overall program management. It will also provide
the point of contact, on behalf of the Friends of Balboa Park, with the City staff, including the Park and Recreation
Department.
SMARTSCAPE (CONTINUED)
SMARTSCAPE
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MARSTON ADDITION SMARTSCAPE
SMARTSCAPE
We propose to restore an area of the Park to a composition of native species which can be sustained by natural water
supply. A landscape is defined by the fauna and flora that exist within natural geographic features. Most areas of the
Park’s native landscape have been actively modified in various ways over many years to accommodate human usage and
human interests. Some areas have also been passively modified, e.g., through unintentional introduction of non-native
and/or invasive species. Several areas of the Park are designated to be native. Marston Addition/Canyon is an area that
has been both actively and passively modified. It is also little visited, yet it is adjacent to a visitor attraction—the Marston
House.
Marston Addition/Canyon will become a “smartscape”, meaning a natural, environmentally sustainable area of the Park
that reflects the native ecology of its location. One necessary but not sufficient element is that the water supply will be
sustainable based on natural water patterns. It will be a showcase for the native fauna as well as the flora of the location.
If Marston Addition is not a viable area, then another area will be selected.
Transitioning the area to becoming a smartscape will be in three phases. The short-term (2012-2013) involves (1)
researching what was there before human modifications: (2) documenting what is now there (e.g., infrastructure, soil,
water patterns, flora, and fauna); and (3) deciding what changes can be made to restore it as a native eco-system. The
mid-term (2014-2015) involves making the first set of these changes (e.g., removing non-native/invasive species, building
shelters and introducing plants that will encourage native wildlife to repopulate the area). While some of these changes
will be made by those directly committed to the project, community groups and visitors will also be engaged in
“voluntourism” activities to help make these changes.
6TH AVENUE SLOPE GARDEN
SMARTSCAPE
We will create the most realistic planting system for a steep slope area of Balboa Park while incorporating water
sustainable practices. The canyons and slopes of Balboa Park have not always been a focus of a planting plan. As a result,
many plant species are present that are not the best choice. We plan to research and install the most appropriate
irrigation system and plants for steep slopes and make interpretive signage for visitors. The Slope Garden will be a selfsustainable landscape that controls erosion and educates visitors.
VOLUNTEER GARDEN
SMARTSCAPE
Some potential already exists for one or more buildings in the Park constructed for purpose of demonstrating and
teaching sustainable living practices. The purpose of this project is to create a water-wise garden in conjunction with one
or more of these living house/building demonstrations. This project also relates to the Center for H2O Experience
because the garden would offer both passive and active opportunities for staff, visitors, and students. Not only could
people learn water-wise gardening practices, but some of them could also become active participants in maintaining and
improving the garden from an irrigation perspective.
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OAK GROVE
SMARTSCAPE
Create an oak grove in the area between the Trees for Health Garden and the Campfire campus. This area is currently a
meadow that has a problem with soil retention. Planting a grove of oak trees will add a visually pleasant landscape, the
roots will help with soil retention, and it will be a beneficial addition to the eco-system. The plan is to plant several trees
every year over a number of years so they are not all the same age; as a result, they reach maturity at different times.
The benefits would be an attractive self-sustainable landscape and stable soil. Many plants are available in the Kate
Sessions Nursery.
GOLDEN HILL FOUNTAIN GROTTO
SMARTSCAPE
Our purpose is to restore the 102-year-old Golden Hill Fountain Grotto. In 1907 architect Henry Lord Gray designed
an inglenook with benches, walls, radiating trails, rock double stairways and a fountain in a rustic Arts & Crafts style.
Once complete, the Golden Hill Fountain Grotto will become a neighborhood treasure once again. It will draw more
visitors to this generally under-visited area of the Park. It will encourage residents and visitors to adopt sustainable
practices to appreciate and take pride in their own neighborhoods. It will reduce the problems associated with vagrants
in this and adjacent areas because this population shuns places with frequent visitors and community oversight.
Restoring the Grotto will be a complex task. It will begin with research of what was in the Grotto originally and what is
now in the canyon. Next, we will create a plan for repairs and restoration, based on a smartscaping strategy for the
area. We will carry out those tasks with specialists, staff and volunteers. Expertise and other assistance will come from
regional universities, partner institutions in the Park, advocacy organizations, community groups, and visitors.
BIRD PARK
SMARTSCAPE
Our goal is to complete the playful artistic outdoor experience begun several years ago at Bird Park. This playground
was developed as a site where generations of families can enjoy nature and games built into the structure of the Park.
Since it is only a matter of finishing the existing design and incorporating water sustainable varieties of plants, progress
could be rapid. The surrounding neighborhood would benefit with the visually interesting design. It will encourage
residents to adopt practices to appreciate and take pride in their own neighborhoods. This will draw 2015 visitors and
beyond to an area outside the Central Mesa, reducing congestion; it will also draw visitors to the North Park
neighborhood businesses.
THE ‘ROOT BALL’
SMARTSCAPE
The “Root Ball” will be a major black-tie/blue jean event, to raise funds for water-wise new plants and plantings in the
Park. The event will start in the early evening, and be held outside. There will be food, drink, music and activities
consistent with the theme. Suggested attire would be a combination of black tie and blue jeans. Since 2000, Friends of
Balboa Park has held an annual luncheon as a major fund-raiser. It is time to “kick this up a notch,” and graduate to an
evening gala fund-raiser for which premium ticket prices can be commanded. A gala committee will be established which
will guide how the event will unfold. Co-chairs, committee members, sponsors, etc. will be put in place. The Friends has
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