Plaza de Panama’s new tables, benches, umbrellas!

Colorful umbrellas, chairs, benches, more tables, planters and even a patch of green have been added to the Plaza de Panama.
Colorful umbrellas, chairs, tables, planters and even a patch of green have been added to the Plaza de Panama.

Improvements were recently unveiled in the heart of Balboa Park, San Diego’s crown jewel and cultural center. The historic Plaza de Panama is now a gathering place containing many tables with colorful chairs and umbrellas, planters brimming with green, and art-splashed benches. A once semi-barren public square has become a truly comfortable gathering place for both locals and visitors to America’s Finest City!

In June 2013, the first wave of improvements set in motion by Mayor Filner removed unsightly parking from the Plaza de Panama. Some tables and chairs were added, but a large area between the beautiful fountain and the San Diego Museum of Art remained empty. Three weeks ago, under Mayor Faulconer, additional amenities appeared. Personally, I love the scattered reds and blues of the umbrellas, a color scheme which I find very tasteful. Plaza de Panama is now a suitably dynamic and welcoming outdoor public space.

A few days ago I got some pics!

People mix with red and blue umbrellas in the big square in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.
Someone walks between red and blue umbrellas that have sprouted in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.
Bicyclist and tourists on a rented quadracycle head through the beautified Plaza de Panama.
A bicyclist and tourists on a rented quadracycle head through the beautified Plaza de Panama.
This cool new art bench on the east side of the plaza includes an image from Balboa Park.
This cool new art bench on the east side of the plaza includes an image from Balboa Park.
You can now sit on sunshine!
You can now sit on sunshine!
Many trees, shrubs and succulents have been added to the once semi-barren area.
Many trees, shrubs and succulents have been added to the once semi-barren area.
Photo of House of Hospitality rising behind more colorful umbrellas. I love it!
Photo of House of Hospitality rising behind colorful umbrellas. I love it!
Just walking along with the dog.
Just walking along with the dog.
The Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park is a place to talk, read, enjoy, eat, relax.
The Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park is a place to talk, read, enjoy, eat, relax.

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Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.

3 thoughts on “Plaza de Panama’s new tables, benches, umbrellas!”

  1. I’m so glad they added the tables and chairs! I think I would have picked different colors for the umbrellas, though. The red and blue don’t blend well with the surroundings. But, at least they added some much-needed places to rest and enjoy the beauty.

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  2. That parking lot was there when I was a little kid of 4 years old (1964). We could park, get out and walk to the Santa’s sleigh at Christmas time. I noticed they had removed the lot when we were there in March. Love seeing your pics of my home town, Richard!

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    1. I remember the parking lot from when I was a kid, too! The only drawback I see now is one might have to park a bit farther from one’s destination. But they’ve got that long green people mover now, and people can still be dropped off at the plaza by car!

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