Tag: parks

The large Moreton Bay Fig tree in Balboa Park.

This is one of the largest trees you're likely to ever see.
This is one of the most amazing trees you’re likely to ever see.

Have you visited Balboa Park? Perhaps you’ve seen an incredibly enormous tree standing between the San Diego Natural History Museum and Spanish Village. It’s impossible to miss! That’s the over 100 year old Moreton Bay Fig!

Sign in Balboa Park describes Ficus macrophylla, the Moreton Bay Fig.
Sign in Balboa Park describes Ficus macrophylla, the Moreton Bay Fig.

Ficus macrophylla

“Moreton Bay Fig”

Native to East Australia

This tree was planted prior to the 1915 Panama-California International Exposition and was the focus of a Formal Garden located at this site. Because of its large size, it is listed as a co-champion with the Santa Barbara Fig in the California Dept. of Forestry Registry of Big Trees.

Age: over 100 years (now)

Height: 80 feet

Trunk Girth: 42 feet

Canopy width: 145 feet

Trunk and roots of a tree once climbed by kids, but now fenced off for its protection.
Trunk and roots of a tree once climbed by kids, but now fenced off for its protection.
Huge Moreton Bay Fig tree and the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Huge Moreton Bay Fig tree and the San Diego Natural History Museum.
A big tree is a rare and valuable part of the ecosystem.
A big tree is a rare and valuable part of the ecosystem.

The Value of a Big Tree

Trees contribute to our environment by producing oxygen; reducing temperature, carbon-dioxide and stormwater runoff; improving property value and providing wildlife habitat.

Scientists have developed a value formula to determine the cost benefit of trees. The Center for Urban Forest Research states that trees over 50 feet tall contribute about $65.00/year back to the environment. Smaller trees contribute $18-36.00/year. There are about 20,000 trees in Balboa Park which contribute a value of one million dollars per year back to our environment.

Beyond dollars, Big Trees like the Moreton Bay Fig enhance the park, provide a sense of history to our community and a legacy for our children.

Someone gazes at the hundred year old leafy giant in Balboa Park.
Someone gazes at the hundred year old leafy giant in Balboa Park.

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Spring color blooms in Balboa Park rose garden.

Rainbow Sorbet
Rainbow Sorbet

Spring is only a few days old and flowers are blooming everywhere. The gardens in Balboa Park are fairly exploding with dazzling color. This weekend my feet directed me through the bright, sprawling rose garden along Park Boulevard. Using my camera’s macro setting, I took some close up photographs that you might enjoy! The rose variety is shown in each caption.

The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden contains hundreds of blooms of bright color!
The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden contains hundreds of brightly colored blooms!
On a sunny Spring Sunday, a couple walks slowly through the south part of beautiful Balboa Park rose garden next to Park Boulevard.
On a sunny Spring Sunday, a couple walks slowly through south part of beautiful Balboa Park rose garden, next to Park Boulevard.
Strike It Rich
Strike It Rich
Rainbow Sorbet
Rainbow Sorbet
Koko Loko
Koko Loko
Shockwave
Shockwave
Sheila's Perfume
Sheila’s Perfume
Love Song
Love Song
Gold Medal
Gold Medal

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Morning birds at the Children’s Park fountain.

Two seagulls carry bits of something while navigating the Children's Park fountain.
Two seagulls carry bits of something while navigating the Children’s Park fountain.

You might enjoy these fun photos.

Occasionally I walk past the Children’s Park fountain in the early morning, on my way to catch a downtown trolley for work. Even though the fountain is usually off (because of our long drought), birds like to hang out in the fountain’s man-made pond. It’s a sanctuary in the city where birds can easily scavenge human food.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, which runs parallel to Harbor Drive, passes right over the pond, and when I pause on the path camera in hand, I’m usually rewarded.

These shots were taken shortly after sunrise…

The Children's Park was the city of San Diego's gift to kids in 1995.
The Children’s Park was the city of San Diego’s gift to kids in 1995.
The gently sprinkling fountain was off this morning, and birds were enjoying the early sun.
The gently sprinkling fountain was off this morning, and birds were enjoying the early sun.
There are many places for birds to perch at the center of the man-made pond.
There are many places for birds to perch at the center of the man-made pond.
A gull floats over to see if I have food. I'm standing on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, where it passes as a walkway over the blue water.
A gull floats over to see if I have food. I’m standing on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, where it passes as a walkway over the blue water.
These three ducks are just cruising around the Children's Park fountain.
These three ducks are just cruising around the Children’s Park fountain.
Off to the side of the fountain, pigeons congregate on the San Diego trolley's electrical wires.
Off to the side of the fountain, pigeons congregate on the San Diego trolley’s electrical wires.
Pigeons swirl in broad circles directly overhead.
Pigeons swirl in broad circles directly overhead.
A graceful seagull patrols the park as day breaks.
A graceful seagull patrols the park as day breaks.
Photo near the fountain of sunrise and a bird with outstretched wings.
Photo near the fountain of sunrise and a bird with outstretched wings.

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Hundreds of vows, one Valentine’s Day arbor.

Brides, grooms and guests approach County Administration Building on Valentine's Day.
Brides, grooms and special guests approach County Administration Building on Valentine’s Day.

Today I took the trolley to Qualcomm Stadium to check out the very cool Lunar New Year Festival. Before catching the trolley at the Little Italy station, I walked around the nearby County Administration Building and its beautiful waterfront park. Every year on Valentine’s Day, hundreds of weddings are performed here. According to an article I read, this year 187 ceremonies were scheduled!

I didn’t stay long, and I kept a respectful distance from those who were tying the knot, but I did manage to get a few decent pics!

This soon-to-wed couple is interviewed by a television reporter.
This happy soon-to-be-wed couple is interviewed by a television reporter.
People enter and leave San Diego's County Administration Center in bliss.
People enter and leave San Diego’s County Administration Center in bliss.
The first ceremony takes places at the small wedding arbor in the waterfront park.
The first ceremony takes places at the small wedding arbor in the waterfront park.
Love is in the air, and across the street at the waiting taco shop.
Love is in the air, and across the street at the waiting taco shop.

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Random happy visions in magical Balboa Park.

New bride and groom hustle through the heart of Balboa Park.
New bride and groom hustle through the heart of Balboa Park.

Please enjoy these random pics of happy visions seen on various occasions in Balboa Park. Every day in this special place is magical!

Wedding party walks down elegant El Prado, a frequent sight in Balboa Park.
Wedding party walks down elegant El Prado, a frequent sight in Balboa Park.
Getting ready to make a music video near reflecting pool flowers.
Getting ready to make a music video near reflecting pool flowers.
Classic automobile cruises over San Diego's scenic Cabrillo Bridge.
Classic automobile cruises over San Diego’s scenic Cabrillo Bridge.
Someone poses for a photo by Rolls Royce limo standing by in Balboa Park.
Someone poses for a photo by Rolls Royce limo standing by in Balboa Park.
An enthusiastic greeting from tourist passing in a GoCar rental.
An enthusiastic greeting from tourist passing in a GoCar rental.
Ice cream truck parked by children's playground on Park Boulevard.
Ice cream truck parked by children’s playground on Park Boulevard.
Artfully trimmed shrub elephant in front of San Diego Zoo.
Artfully trimmed shrub elephant in front of San Diego Zoo.
Taking a floating creation out to the big Balboa Park fountain.
Taking a floating creation out to the big Balboa Park fountain.
Kid tows handmade boat over cloudy water in the circular fountain basin.
Kid tows handmade boat over cloudy water in the circular fountain basin.
A caricature artist at work on El Prado as folks watch.
A caricature artist at work on El Prado as folks watch.
Playing a horn, trying to draw a crowd.
Playing a horn, trying to draw a crowd.
Musician plays didgeridoo that looks like a snake!
Musician plays didgeridoo that looks like a snake!
This cool didgeridoo guy can also be occasionally seen at Seaport Village.
This cool didgeridoo guy can also be occasionally seen at Seaport Village.

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A quiet spot in bustling downtown San Diego.

View of skyscrapers from Pantoja Park in San Diego's Marina District.
View of skyscrapers from Pantoja Park in San Diego’s Marina District.

Downtown San Diego might be a bit more laid back than other big cities, but it’s still a bustling place. And so it feels good once in a while to just sit in a quiet, green place to relax.

Pantoja Park is a welcome patch of tranquility in the Marina District of downtown San Diego. Registered as a San Diego Historic Landmark, it was created in 1850 and is the city’s oldest park. The park was named after Don Juan Pantoja y Arriola, a Spanish navigator who drew the first map of San Diego Bay in 1782. A couple centuries ago ships would periodically enter the bay to supply the old Spanish presidio.

Fringed with gleaming skyscrapers, Pantoja Park today contains one notable sight: a statue of Benito Juarez, by Mexican artist Ernesto Tamariz, which was a gift to San Diego from the Mexican government in 1981.

I happened to walk through recently, so I took several pics…

Statue of Benito Juarez, a gift from the Mexican government.
Statue of Benito Juarez, a friendly gift from the Mexican government.
Plaque on statue of Benito Juarez, who served as the president of Mexico for five terms.
Plaque on bronze statue of Benito Juarez, who served as the president of Mexico for five terms.
Some cool public art on a trash can in Pantoja Park.
Some cool public art on a trash can in Pantoja Park.
Caffeine can be found across the street near the Seaport Village trolley station.
Caffeine can be found across the street near the Seaport Village trolley station.
Pantoja Park is a welcome, quiet grassy area in the midst of downtown San Diego's bustle.
Pantoja Park is a welcome, quiet grassy area in the midst of downtown San Diego’s bustle.

UPDATE!

Here’s a better pic of the statue I took on a later date…

IMG_8278z

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Fun pics from the San Diego Multicultural Festival.

Japanese drummers add rhythm to the San Diego Multicultural Festival.
Japanese drummers add rhythm to the San Diego Multicultural Festival.

Today I directed my feet toward the Embarcadero, where the 17th Annual San Diego Sheila Hardin Multicultural Festival took place.

In partnership with the Port of San Diego, the World Beat Cultural Center, and other community organizations, the Multicultural Festival featured lots of diverse music, culture and perfect Southern California sunshine.

This annual festival used to take place along the narrow Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, which is dedicated to the great civil rights leader. This year it was moved to Ruocco Park to provide more space. The relatively new park, just north of Seaport Village, seems like an ideal location, with lots of grass for kids to play on, throw a ball and just have fun. Personally, I love this park and often sit on one of the benches near the water to read and watch people.

Here are a few photos that I captured…

The annual festival took place this year in Ruocco Park, just north of Seaport Village.
The annual festival took place this year in Ruocco Park, just north of Seaport Village.
Lots of local organizations and vendors had cool stuff on display and for sale.
Lots of local organizations and vendors had cool stuff on display and for sale.
Young lady with awesome smiling painted face was decorating other folks!
Young lady with awesome smiling painted face was decorating other folks!
A bubble blower floated small globes of color across the grass, all the way to the stage!
A bubble blower floated globes of color across the grass, all the way to the stage!
This nice lady from nearby USS Midway Museum helped me sit in this ejection seat!
This nice lady from nearby USS Midway Museum helped me sit in this ejection seat!
Among lots of cool things on display were these two gravity cars from the Soap Box Derby.
Among cool things on display were two gravity cars from the Soap Box Derby.
A big pile of drums wait to make music in the waterfront park!
A big pile of drums wait to make music in the waterfront park!
Serviceman with small child enjoys a sunny day at the Multicultural Festival in San Diego.
Serviceman with child enjoys a sunny day at the Multicultural Festival in San Diego.

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Sea Passage sculpture and fountain in Coronado.

Sea Passage sculpture and fountain between Coronado City Hall and Community Center.
Sea Passage sculpture and fountain between Coronado City Hall and Community Center.

Whenever I walk around Coronado, or bike down the Silver Strand, I like to pass by this graceful work of art. Sea Passage, created by James T. Hubbell, adds gentle sound and sparkling color to a long park which stretches beside Glorietta Bay.  The popular linear park can be found between the Hotel del Coronado’s old boathouse and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.

The fountain contains a sinuous mosaic of many small tiles.  They appear to me like silvery blue scales, glittering and swimming in the flowing water.  The organic form artistically connects two somewhat ordinary-looking buildings:  Coronado City Hall and the Community Center.

James T. Hubbell also designed two striking works of public art on Shelter Island, which is located just north of Coronado across San Diego Bay. I’ve already blogged about Pacific Portal. One of these days I’ll write about Pearl of the Pacific.

Sea Passage was created by noted sculptor James T. Hubbell.
Sea Passage was created in 2005 by sculptor James T. Hubbell.
Artwork adds beauty to Coronado's linear park beside Glorietta Bay.
Artwork adds gentle beauty to Coronado’s park along Glorietta Bay.
Seagulls like getting a drink of sparkling water from top of colorful fountain!
Seagulls like getting a drink of water from the top of this colorful fountain!

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Photos of Balboa Park’s unique magic at dusk.

Lights come on inside Casa del Prado in Balboa Park as the day ends.
Lights come on inside Casa del Prado in Balboa Park as another day ends.

Balboa Park in San Diego’s bright sunshine is wonderful. At night it becomes magical.

As darkness seeps in and night gentles the world, Balboa Park transforms into an entirely different place. Take a look…

Plaster statues of Spanish painters become shadowy in courtyard of Casa del Prado.
Plaster statues of Spanish painters become shadowy in courtyard of Casa del Prado.
Faces above blue-lit fountain by Botanical Building.
Faces above blue-lit fountain by Botanical Building.
Ornate building facades on El Prado take on new depth at dusk.
Ornate building facades on El Prado take on new, amazing depth at dusk.
Walking down an elegant, golden corridor as night descends.
Walking down an elegant, golden corridor as night descends.
Passage along El Prado becomes mellow and mysterious.
Passage along El Prado becomes mellow and mysterious.
The sky becomes dark blue after sunset and faint stars slowly emerge.
The sky becomes dark blue after sunset and faint stars slowly emerge.
Balboa Park after dark transforms into a fantastic, fairytale world.
Balboa Park after dark transforms into a fantastic, fairy tale world.
Foliate capitals on the columns of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion colonnade.
Foliate capitals on the columns of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion colonnade.
Illuminated fountain beside patio beneath The Prado restaurant in Balboa Park.
Illuminated fountain beside patio beneath The Prado restaurant in Balboa Park.
One last juggle by darkening fountain near Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
One last juggle by the slowly darkening fountain near Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.

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Little Italy’s tasty art, a Recipe For Friendship.

Four sculptures depict tables of tasty food in Amici Park.
Four sculptures depict tables of tasty food in Amici Park.

People love to congregate in Little Italy’s Amici Park, just north of downtown San Diego. There’s a big grassy area for dogs, a couple bocce ball courts, and some tables and chairs where neighbors can just sit and relax. Or eat.

Honestly, who wouldn’t be hungry in this park? There’s food all over the place! Metal sculptures in the shape of food, to be exact!

The red and white checkered tablecloths you see are actually glass mosaics. The recipes beside the plates are designed so that inquisitive gourmets can take a rubbing, and bring the recipe home. The various round plaques are sprinkled about the park, set in concrete where people might walk. The entire installation is called “A Recipe For Friendship” and was created by Nina Karavasiles in 2001. The public art was commissioned by the City of San Diego Commission For Arts and Culture.

Now, what’s for dinner?

Metal sculpture of blackened fish taco plate in Little Italy's unique Amici Park.
Metal sculpture of blackened fish taco plate in Little Italy’s unique Amici Park.
Blackened fish taco recipe from Debra Scott.
Blackened fish taco recipe from Debra Scott.
Food for thought is no substitute for the real thing. --Walt Kelly
Food for thought is no substitute for the real thing. –Walt Kelly
You'd need some powerful teeth to eat these stuffed artichokes!
You’d need some powerful teeth to eat these stuffed artichokes!
Stuffed artichokes recipe from Rose Cresci.
Stuffed artichokes recipe from Rose Cresci.
Round plaque at Amici Park shows many popular spices.
Round plaque at Amici Park shows many popular spices.
Marinara sauce on plate of tasty pasta makes fun public art!
Marinara sauce on plate of tasty pasta makes fun public art!
Marinara sauce recipe from restaurateurs Lisa and Joe Busalacchi.
Marinara sauce recipe from local restaurateurs Lisa and Joe Busalacchi.
Only the pure in heart can make a good soup. --Beethoven.
Only the pure in heart can make a good soup. –Beethoven.
A plate of fava beans served up on a checkered tablecloth makes for cool artwork.
A plate of fava beans served up on a checkered tablecloth makes for cool artwork.
Fava bean spread recipe from Nina Karavasiles.
Fava bean spread recipe from Nina Karavasiles.
A Recipe For Friendship celebrates food, created by Nina Karvasiles in 2001.
A Recipe For Friendship celebrates food, created by Nina Karvasiles in 2001.

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