With so many initiatives on the ballot, it’s paramount that we take time to understand each one.
Measure J provides San Diegans with an opportunity to provide critical assets for one of our most valuable natural resources – parks. Mission Bay Park and Balboa Park are the fourth and fifth busiest parks in the United States, according to the Trust for Public Land.
A vote in favor of Measure J supports an amendment to the city charter to increase the distribution of revenue from Mission Bay Park leases (currently $25 to $30 million annually) to San Diego regional parks, from 25 percent to 35 percent.
Parks are a key indicator of a city’s well-being and they are integral to San Diego’s vibrant, active culture. Mission Bay Park, Balboa Park and other regional parkland like Mission Trails Regional Park, Otay River Valley Park and Presidio Park are all tremendous assets that we must hold in trust for the citizens of our city and our region.
Measure J will help the city care for and preserve our beautiful parkland and open space for future generations.
Mission Bay Park benefits from this measure, as it allows many improvement projects to begin at once, not sequentially. This is important, because some of the larger and more complex projects for Mission Bay Park require extensive time and planning to obtain the necessary permits to begin work. This change will allow San Diego Park and Recreation to more efficiently improve Mission Bay Park’s restrooms, trails and playgrounds.
Measure J also provides additional investment in our other regional parks, including Balboa Park. Specifically, the measure provides vital resources to address the backlog of deferred capital investment in Balboa Park.
While approving Measure J certainly will not solve all of the Balboa Park’s infrastructure needs, it will have a significant impact on assuring that this regional treasure continues to be seen as the “crown jewel” of the city and our San Diego region.
Tomás Herrera-Mishler, CEO and president of the Balboa Park Conservancy. Herrera-Mishler’s commentary has been edited for style and clarity. See anything in there we should fact check? Tell us what to check out here.