Celebrating Innovation in Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a source of health and wellness, economic benefit, and cultural enrichment for the San Diego region and beyond. Forever Balboa Park’s sPARK Awards recognizes outstanding people and organizations that amplify Balboa Park’s distinct role and positive impact. Please join us to celebrate award winners and nominees; learn from engaging speakers; and enjoy live music, delicious bites, an open bar, and the company of fellow Balboa park lovers!

Spring 2025 – TBA

Award Categories

The sPARK Awards inspire a sense of belonging, welcoming a wide range of nominees: individuals and organizations; nonprofit, public or private sector; and within or beyond the boundaries of Balboa Park. Award winners are selected after careful review of nominations by a volunteer Selection Committee with diverse knowledge, experience, and backgrounds, and a shared love for Balboa Park.

Igniting Innovation

The Igniting Innovation Award recognizes innovation, imagination, and risk-taking related to Balboa Park. Individuals, organizations, partnerships, or collaboratives may receive this award for efforts that spark new ways of viewing or experiencing Balboa Park, leading to increased opportunities, possibilities, and potential.

Crossing Boundaries

The Crossing Boundaries Award recognizes interdisciplinary or cross-sector collaboration that demonstrates Balboa Park’s multifaceted impact. Individuals, organizations, partnerships, or collaboratives may receive this award for efforts that cross disciplinary, organizational, cultural, generational, or other boundaries to make connections among nature, art, science, performance, learning, history, civic engagement, or other areas of interest.

Enhancing Ecosystems

The Enhancing Ecosystems Award recognizes outstanding efforts to improve the environmental wellbeing and sustainability of Balboa Park, and thus, the natural world. Individuals, organizations, partnerships, or collaboratives may receive this award for efforts that enhance Balboa Park ecosystems, expand environmental stewardship within or through Balboa Park, or support the connection between Balboa Park’s natural spaces and community health.