impressive entry sign on the corner across from the Spreckles Organ; the cafe straight ahead provides monthly income; the entry gate is to the right of the cafe [Bill F. Eger photo]
Takeo Uesugi and Associates plan for the garden was posted near an overlook [Bill F. Eger photo]
red ribbon marks size of original Japanese garden; model shows size of expansion completed in time for centennial
San Diego’s civic leaders set aside 1,400 acres in 1868 for a park. It sat unused for more than 20 years until Kate Sessions stepped forward with an offer to plant 100 trees a year in the park as well as donations to other sites in San Diego. An exchange was worked out for 32 acres within the park for her commercial nursery.
After the turn of the century, a master plan was introduced, taxes levied, and a water system installed. In 1910, planning was underway for the first World’s Fair to be held on its grounds and, after months of discussion, Park Commissioners decided on renaming City Park as Balboa Park.
The Panama-California Exposition of 1915-1916 marked the first Japanese tea house within park boundaries at a different location than the present cafe.
San Diego, Panama-California Expo, image #5431, used with permission of SDJFG
The Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego began in 1990 with a dry garden and pavilion by Ken Nakajima on about an acre and a half site between the Spreckles Organ and the Hospitality House. In 1999 a cafe and patio were added to generate revenue for the garden and a koi pond was installed.
new gate marks entry to the expanded garden [Bill F. Eger photo]
the new gate from the other side [Bill F. Eger photo 2012]
To plan a trip to the Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego or see the events calendar, please review the web site: http://www.niwa.org/
For additional information on all of Balboa Park, please contact the web site: http://www.balboapark.org/
or for the app, text Balboa Park to 56512.
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Any otherwise uncredited photos are by K.T. Cannon-Eger. Please feel free to share this blog and please be nice and give credit when you do.
U.S. Japanese Gardens 