For every culture, there is so much history. My favorite places to visit are the ones with a fascinating story behind it. Chicano Park, built in April 20, 1970, has an amazing story.
Brief History of Park
As a result of San Diego’s proximity to Mexico, the area has become predominately bicultural. Going back to the late 1800s, that specific region in San Diego was known as East End, and later had the name changed to Logan Heights once Mexican-Americans settled in the 1910s due to the Mexican Revolution. They referred to their home as Barrio Logan.
There were nearly 20,000 Mexican Americans making it the second largest Chicano community on the west coast.
During World War II, Barrio Logan became industrialized which kicked out many of its residents. With toxic junkyards and the establishment of Interstate 5, the Barrio was being cut in half. These changes had many being forced to locate to other areas and the people accepted without question the changes made to their community. At the time of 1963, Chicano activists around the nation were fighting for their rights and this inspired the people of Barrio Logan to do the same for their loved community.
Their first demand to the government was to be given land in their Barrio to build a recreational park. In response, they were granted a tiny piece of land, which was nothing what they envisioned for their dream park. Shortly afterwards, the people patiently asked for some more land, specifically, the one that was under the Interstate 5 bridge. Instead of hearing a response back, bulldozers arrived on the land below the bridge to start construction on a Highway Patrol Station. Mario Solis, student of San Diego City College, heard the news and immediately took action. He gathered his family members and friends to protest the construction by surrounding the land with a human chain.
As the Chicano flag was raised, the people fought for the land they would use for their park. The number of people protesting the construction of the station increased as people from all over San Diego came to support the park. The protesters began planting trees and plants to commence the building of their park. Twelve days later, as the people of Barrio Logan withstood the police, they were granted the land.
The anniversary of this colorful park is still celebrated every year on April 20.
My Visit to this Park
The entire park is alive with color. The incredible artwork displayed on the columns that hold up the bridge depicts the historical struggles the Chicanos have faced. The talented artists portrayed the story in their own way that gives life to the history.
My favorite piece of work is the Historical Mural. It contains all of the famous activists and faces in the Mexican culture. It summarizes what the Chicanos/Mexicans journey to get to where they are today.
They also have 2 playgrounds. I obviously took advantage of the chance to play on this amazing playground.
I can’t wait to go back again and look more into detail the beautiful murals.
