Friendship Park (San Diego–Tijuana)

Friendship Park is a park along the United States-Mexico border in San Diego–Tijuana.[1] On the United States side, it is located within Border Field State Park.[2] It was dedicated in 1971 by Pat Nixon.[3][4] In 2009, the park was closed for the construction of additional border fencing.[5] Since the secondary fence was completed, access to the park (now within the secondary fence) has been severely restricted.[6][7]

Creation and dedication

Friendship Park was dedicated on 18 August 1971 by Pat Nixon.[3]

Use before 2009

Until mid-2009, a single chain-link fence marked the international border within the park. People on opposite sides of the border were able to touch and pass objects through the barrier.[1] United Methodist pastor John Fanestil served communion through the fence during 2008 and 2009.[4]

2009 closure and secondary fence

In 2009, the park was closed for the construction of additional border fencing.[5] Since the secondary fence was completed, access to the park (now within the secondary fence) has been severely restricted.[6][7]

2011 Fence

In late 2011 and early 2012, a new 20 foot tall steel wall was constructed on the International border. Now words, fingertips and flowers fit through the thick mesh on the steel wall. Sermons of various religions are held there every Sunday [8]

References

  1. 1 2 Randal C. Archibold (22 October 2008). "U.S.-Mexico border fence will split friendship park". The New York Times. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
  2. ↑ Elliot Spagat (9 January 2009). "Border Patrol shutting down Friendship Park". SFGate. Associated Press. Retrieved 10 December 2011.
  3. 1 2 Debbi Baker (20 August 2011). "Friendship Park marks 40th anniversary". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved 10 December 2011.
  4. 1 2 Jason Beaubien (9 February 2009). "Fence Supplants 'Friendship' At U.S.-Mexico Border". NPR. Retrieved 10 December 2011.
  5. 1 2 Amy Isackson (8 July 2009). "California AG Joins Movement to Open Friendship Park". KPBS. Retrieved 10 December 2011.
  6. 1 2 Beth Elderkin (14 April 2011). "Park redesign could relieve tensions at U.S.-Mexico border". UPI. Retrieved 10 December 2011.
  7. 1 2 Vivian Marlene Dunbar (26 August 2011). "Friendship Park Celebrates 40th Anniversary". La Prensa San Diego. Retrieved 10 December 2011.
  8. ↑ "Friendship Park calendar". Retrieved 13 July 2014.

External links

Coordinates: 32°32′04″N 117°07′20″W / 32.534576°N 117.122353°W / 32.534576; -117.122353 (Friendship Park)

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