Plaza de Panama gets new look

Morgan M. Hurley | Downtown Editor

Plaza concept plan, which is subject to change (Courtesy of City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department)

Mayor Bob Filner made good on his promise to remove cars from Plaza de Panama the week of June 17, when the plaza was cleared of cars and painted to allow for a large open pedestrian-only space and limit the through traffic and cars to one lane in each direction.

The Cabrillo Bridge was closed for a time so the City’s contractor could apply a “tan/buff color” to the pedestrian areas and the solo traffic lanes of a “bedrock” color.

During an awards luncheon with the Greater San Diego Business Association on June 20, Filner mentioned the changes to the Plaza as one of his accomplishments of the last six months. “I didn’t need $40 million, I needed six traffic cones,” he said.

According to the Park’s Facebook page, a new red Balboa Park Tram has begun free service, which will have pick-up points at Inspiration Point, the Organ Pavilion, Air & Space Museum, Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street, and Upas Street, every half hour.

Plaza improvements underway (Courtesy Balboa Park Central)

Benches will be installed at various locations for the tram, and new trees, café style tables and chairs will be installed throughout the plaza to encourage pedestrian traffic and offer places for visitors to eat or relax.