Center for H2O Experience

The mission of Friends of Balboa Park is to preserve Balboa Park’s legacy for future generations through park-wide projects.

ChallengeHow can we...

• share workable water-wise practices proven by our projects in Balboa Park?• multiply the benefi ts of park projects by educating visitors, students, and staff how to use these same practices in their homes, work-places, and communities?• introduce use of eco-tourism and eco-education to showcase Balboa Park and the Water-Wise Program as leaders in the area of sustainable tourism in San Diego?

Projected Outcomes - Multiplying The Water Savings from the Park

• Water savings each time someone implements a water-wise practice learned via the Center.• Large impact on water savings due to audience pool drawn from the park’s 12 million annual visitors, numerous school programs, and city staff participation.• Even more water savings resulting from the Center’s Internet global reach. • Establishment of Balboa Park as a recognized international best prac-tice in water management and as an eco-tourism destination, resulting in economic benefi ts to San Diego.

Solutions • The Center for H20 Experience: Conduit between the public and the Water-Wise Program. • Focus on teaching water-wise practices to visitors, students, and staff based on successful park projects. Examples: -Staff learn to use the new mapping technology -School children learn how to plant native horticulture that attracts and feeds native birds -Adults, children, and staff learn how to reclaim various grades of water for irrigation, cleaning, and other outdoor purposes

• Headquartered in Balboa Park, local reach through on-site learning activities in the park; global reach through website.• Diverse instructional methods such as videos, classroom training, tours, on-line programs, technical symposia, and experiential programs; each rooted in the principles of eco-education. • Assessment of how many people participate and impact on their water saving behavior.