MAY 2021

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Ribbon Cutting

After five years of extensive due diligence and construction, we were thrilled to unveil the Moreton Bay Fig Tree viewing platform earlier today!

It was an honor to celebrate with several friends including Mayor Todd Gloria, Council President Pro Tem Stephen Whitburn, City of San Diego Parks & Recreation Department Director Andy Field, Balboa Park colleagues, and project donors.

The platform is now open to the public, so we encourage all our friends to stop by and enjoy the (fig) fruits of our labor!

Social Butterflies:

A Flutter Through Balboa Park May 24 to 31

With large gathering restrictions still in place due to COVID-19, we are once again bringing our virtual Butterfly Release to you! “Social Butterflies” will be a week filled with butterflies from institutions across the park. Support pollinators in the park by being part of the festivities!

Name a Butterfly - $5

We will release butterflies in Zoro Garden in honor of designated donors in late May. We will post the release video on Friends' social media channels, and donors with their butterfly names will be listed on the website.

Adopt the Blue Butterfly at the Carousel Kiddie Ride - $50

We are crowdsourcing the adoption of the blue butterfly ride on the Kiddie Ride at the Balboa Park Carousel! Donors who contribute at least $50 will receive four tickets to the Carousel and an opportunity to submit a suggested name for the ride for every $50 increment donated.

We will share new content each day on our website and social media channels beginning May 24, so please emerge out of your cocoon and flutter through Balboa Park with us!

Donate Today

$100,000 Bessemer Giving Fund Donation

We received a $100,000 donation from the Bessemer Giving Fund from a longtime benefactor who has chosen to remain anonymous! This donation is designated to be split evenly between helping with the restoration and preservation of the Balboa Park Carousel and our general fund operations. We are grateful for so many friends who continue to give so generously to support Balboa Park and the Carousel!

After a year long closure by

CA state mandate due to COVID-19, the Balboa Park Carousel has received

re-opening criteria that allows us to re-open! Stay tuned for an open date and follow our Facebook page for updates.

Balboa Park summer youth camps are back, both in-person and virtually! We provide funding to promote Summer Camps in Balboa Park, and there are options for everyone in the park or at home. Learn more.

Our partners at the Balboa Park Conservancy are hosting their Plant It Forward event and invite you to dig in for a hands-on virtual program. Learn More

Friends has been doing a lot of newsworthy work! Check out some of our recent media coverage. Read More

Ways to Support Friends of Balboa Park

Donate to the Carousel

Support Other Projects

Visit The Balboa Park Conservancy

Friends of Balboa Park

2125 Park Boulevard | San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 232-2282 | info@friendsofbalboapark.org

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