At the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park, they’re used to lessons of a prehistoric nature. But these days, they’re getting an economics lesson, now that the city of San Diego has implemented paid parking at the park.
“We expected there would be a bit of a dip, but we had no idea it would be on the order of 20%,” said Judy Gradwohl, the president and CEO of San Diego’s Natural History Museum.
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At the neighboring Fleet Science Center, science comes to life, but president and CEO Steve Snyder says attendance has been lethargic, as well.
“We’ve seen about a 20% overall drop in of attendance, and all of that is local. Tourists are still coming in, locals are not,” Snyder said.
The two museum heads opposed the parking fees that can run up to $16 for non-residents and up to $8 for residents. They’re concerned about how the prices could reduce access to the attractions that have inspired future scientists.
“We have kids who have come back to tell us they’re engineers, they are scientists,” Snyder said. “We have an astronaut, the first Mexican woman in space, got her inspiration from an experience of the fleet.”
Councilmember Stephen Whitburn is calling for a full repeal of the paid parking plan at the park, which is in his district. Councilmembers Sean Elo-Rivera and Kent Lee, who voted in favor of the plan to help cover the city’s budget shortfall, are now pushing for a pause on charging city residents while rollout issues are addressed.
While councilmembers consider a potential fix, Gradwohl worries about the impact on events they host like Nat at Night this Friday. She says on social media a lot of people are saying if they have to pay for parking, they’re not sure they’re going to come.
She’s also concerned about a potential reckoning down the road, considering the attendance drop.
“We have 200 staff. I want to give them raises and just keep them on board, as well. Keep everybody happy, healthy, and working,” she said.
Mayor Todd Gloria issued a statement Monday after calls to repeal the parking fees saying: “The proposal discussed today would dismantle the city’s progress in creating a direct funding stream for Balboa Park’s operations and improvements … We understand this is a major change, but it’s a necessary one.”
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