The largest urban park in North America, Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre cultural complex that includes 17 museums, 8 major gardens, theaters and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The Balboa Park Activity Center is key destination within the Park and an integral part of the social fabric of the City of San Diego.
Wheeler Wimer Blackman – now JCJ – worked Robert Quigley, notable Architect and authority on urban San Diego, providing full planning and design services for the Balboa Park Activity Center.
The team came together to formulate an initial building program and to identify two potential locations within Balboa Park. After additional study, a preferred location was recommended and formally approved
The Activity Center was the first new building in Balboa Park in over 30 years. The design reflects the existing architecture of the park and incorporates concepts implying motion, health and athletics. The 38,000 square foot facility includes a large multi-use gymnasium, multipurpose meeting room, kitchen, storage rooms, public restrooms and administrative areas. The landscape, plantings and flowered arcades were designed to be integrated, informal and exuberant in contrast to the orderly symmetry of the structure.
