Balboa Park is the heart of San Diego. It is where people find community, learn about culture, history and science, and can escape to nature in the middle of one of the country’s largest cities. In keeping with Forever Balboa Park’s mission to improve and advance Balboa Park so people, nature and culture thrive together, the annual sPARK Awards celebrate innovative and inclusive projects and collaborations that help make this possible. 
 
Together, we honor the work that reaches far beyond the Park’s 1,200 acres, strengthening our communities, improving access to the arts and culture, and helping steward Balboa Park’s environment. 
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. 

The award categories are: Uniting People, Sustaining Nature, and Celebrating Culture.

Nominations due by July 17th. Please click below to learn more about the process and to submit your nomination. Self-nominations are accepted. 

Celebrating Culture Award
This award honors exceptional contributions that showcase and provide access to art, performance, education, history, or civic participation to Balboa Park’s diverse local, regional and international visitors.
uniting people
Uniting People Award

This award recognizes collaborative efforts across disciplines or sectors that strengthen connections within the Balboa Park community. Nominations highlight work that bridges organizational, demographic, or generational boundaries to increase Park engagement.

Copy of FBP_Tours-07
Sustaining Nature Award

This award honors significant contributions to Balboa Park’s environment, including ecosystem enhancement, increased environmental stewardship, or strengthening connections between natural spaces and community health.

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