Earlier this year, one of the historic urns in Balboa Park’s beloved Persian Rug Garden, nestled between the House of Hospitality and Casa de Balboa, was vandalized.

Instead of waiting months or even years for repairs, as often happens in public park systems, our dedicated facilities coordinator, Jorge Campos, stepped in immediately. With great skill and care, Jorge lovingly restored the urn piece by piece, ensuring that this historic feature was returned to its original beauty as quickly as possible. His meticulous work is a powerful example of the agility and dedication that Forever Balboa Park brings to park stewardship through our public-private partnership model.

This approach—where a nonprofit partner collaborates closely with the City—allows us to respond swiftly to the Park’s needs, preserving both the physical and cultural integrity of its cherished spaces.

Jorge’s craftsmanship and quick action didn’t go unnoticed. The Balboa Park Committee of 100, a respected nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of Balboa Park, praised the repair in a formal letter to Jorge.

Their recognition of the quick and careful repair underscores the importance of community stewardship and strong partnerships in protecting the park’s legacy.

At Forever Balboa Park, we believe every detail tells a story—every tile, garden, and urn is part of what makes Balboa Park the heart of San Diego. We are proud to have team members like Jorge, who pour their passion and expertise into preserving this beautiful space for all.

💚 Thank you, Jorge, for your dedication—and thank you to our supporters, who make this level of care possible.

✨ Help us continue this work. Your gift today supports rapid repairs, historic preservation, and the everyday care that keeps Balboa Park beautiful and thriving.
👉 Donate now and be part of preserving San Diego’s largest urban park.