Following the rollout of the city’s paid parking plan, a donor has offered to pay parking fees for staff at the Natural History Museum.

SAN DIEGO — An anonymous donor has offered to pay parking fees for employees at the San Diego Natural History Museum, providing relief just days after the City of San Diego implemented paid parking throughout Balboa Park—marking the first time in the park’s history that visitors have been required to pay to park.

The Downing Family Foundation is covering 100% of parking costs for hourly staff and half the costs for salaried staff at the museum, which employs 200 staff members and 400 volunteers. 

“The Downing Family Foundation is covering 100% of our hourly staff’s parking costs, and then half of our salaried staff. So we are very grateful, and our staff are very happy,” said Judy Gradwohl, president and CEO of the San Diego Natural History Museum.

The paid parking initiative, which began Monday, has proven controversial among both visitors and employees. While the museum offers free parking options and shuttle services, Gradwohl noted these alternatives are problematic.

“Many of our hourly staff don’t live in San Diego because they can’t afford to, and they are being charged $300 a year to park close to work,” said Gradwohl. 

She expressed concerns about safety and mobility issues related to the distant parking lots and shuttle stops.

The museum has set aside funding to cover volunteers’ parking costs as well. However, Gradwohl remains deeply concerned about the impact on visitors, citing a dramatic drop in attendance since the parking fees took effect.

“Paid parking started on Monday, and we had our first free Tuesday of the year. On Tuesday, it was the lowest attendance in a decade, 25% lower than last year, and we’re attributing that to the parking issues,” said Gradwohl.

Gradwohl is calling on the city to reconsider the paid parking plan, arguing it contradicts the museum’s mission to serve all community members. 

“We want to maximize the number of people who can take advantage of our educational programs,” said Gradwohl.