Parks, Preservation, and Planning

GEORGE W. MARSTON SET A HIGH BAR for the city and his progressive family as he reached for the greater good, helping to create major parks and open space, the public library, and the San Diego YMCA, among other treasured public assets that we take for granted today. After arriving in San Diego by ship in 1870 to offer seven decades of public service, Marston advocated for growth that complemented the region's rich natural environment.

Marston had the foresight to commission restoration of the crumbling San Diego Mission de Alcalá, preserve the nationally significant Spanish Presidio with Presidio Park, and support Balboa Park's transformation from barren mesas to a lushly landscaped, floral oasis that hosted two successful international expositions he assisted in guiding.

In 1871, at age 21, George Marston led his first successful effort to defend City Park, which was later renamed Balboa Park. He would continue to work to retain and protect Balboa Park and other park lands his entire life.

His legacy is easily seen in his efforts to secure the public lands and parks that are enjoyed by millions today. Among them are Balboa Park, Presidio Park, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Agua Hedionda Estuary Beach, Mission Bay Park, Mount San Jacinto State Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, and Silver Strand State Beach.