03-05-2025
More public parking opens up in Old Town just in time for summer
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — More than a hundred additional parking spaces will be made available in San Diego's historic Old Town neighborhood to accommodate the anticipated summertime rush.
In partnership with an organization called Hongos Coastal, the Harold J. Ballard Parent Center, which is operated by the San Diego Unified School District's Family Engagement Department, will open up 160 parking spaces on the property.
Grand jury rips into San Diego's metered parking program
Starting this Saturday, the spaces will be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., according to a statement from the district.
'This collaboration is about community,' said Daniel Scott, co-founder of Hongos Coastal. 'We're proud to support both local access and educational resources.'
People will need to pay for parking at the lot using a mobile app. The district will receive 80% of the funds raised and Hongos Coastal will receive the remaining 20% and reimburse SDUSD for custodial costs.
The funds raised will go toward more services for the families/caregivers of the students within the district, as well as providing more educational opportunities, supplies and additional resources to improve students' literacy, math and social-emotional wellness, according to the district.
The center currently serves as a meeting place for SDUSD's parent groups, such as the District Advisory Council, Down Syndrome Support Group, Autism Parent Network and District English Learners Advisory Council. It also houses the district's DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and Title VII Indian Education offices.
The Ballard Parent Center is located at 2375 Congress St. in Old Town.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
