Horton Plaza Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Horton Plaza Park |
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The park in 2016
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| Type | Urban park |
| Location | San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Area | 1.2 acres (0.0049 km2) |
| Created | 1910 |
| Owned by | City of San Diego |
| Operated by | Westfield |
Horton Plaza Park is a cool outdoor spot right in the middle of downtown San Diego, California. It officially opened on May 4, 2016. You can find it at the corner of 4th Avenue and Broadway. This park keeps the history of the original Horton Plaza alive. It also adds fun new features for everyone to enjoy.
The park brought back the beautiful Broadway Fountain. It also has an amphitheater for live music and shows. There are even shops and a new, interactive fountain. The City of San Diego named the plaza a historical landmark on March 19, 1971. The city owns this park. It was designed by a landscape architect named Walker Macy. Civic San Diego helped build it.
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Where is Horton Plaza Park Located?
Horton Plaza Park is surrounded by important streets and buildings. To the north, you'll find Broadway Avenue and the U.S. Grant Hotel. This hotel stands where the old Horton House Hotel used to be. On the east side is 4th Avenue, and on the west is 3rd Avenue. Right to the south of the park is the Westfield Horton Plaza shopping mall.
The History of Horton Plaza Park
Horton Plaza Park has a long and interesting history. It has been a special place in San Diego for over a hundred years.
How the Park Began: 1890s to 1960s
The land for the park was sold to the city of San Diego in 1895. It was sold by Alonzo Horton, who the plaza is named after. He originally wanted the plaza for guests staying at his Horton House Hotel.
In 1909, the plaza was chosen for a "weather kiosk." This was a small building from the U.S. Weather Bureau. Park planners designed the plaza around this kiosk. They saved the very center for a special fountain. Louis J. Wilde, a banker and part-owner of the U. S. Grant Hotel, gave money to help build this fountain. Irving J. Gill designed the Broadway Fountain, which was finished in 1910.
In 1926, a plaque was put in the park. It marked the end of the Jefferson Davis Highway in the west. After the park was redone in 2016, this plaque was moved to the western sidewalk. The San Diego City Council removed the plaque on August 16, 2017, after community discussions.
Important Moments: 1960s and 1970s
Horton Plaza Park has been the setting for many important events over the years. On November 2, 1960, John F. Kennedy spoke at Horton Plaza. He was a senator at the time. He gave a speech to ask for votes just six days before the 1960 Presidential Election. On March 19, 1971, the City of San Diego officially named the plaza a historical landmark.
The Park's New Look: 2010 to Today
In 2011, the San Diego City Council agreed to a special plan. It was a partnership between Westfield and the City of San Diego. Westfield is a company that operates shopping centers. As part of the plan, Westfield tore down an old building at the Westfield Horton Plaza Shopping Center. They then gave that land to the city. The shopping center operators worked with the city to renovate the park.
The main goal of this project was to restore the historic Horton Plaza Park and its fountain. They wanted it to be as special as it was in the early to mid-1900s. The idea was for the plaza to host many events. These include concerts, movie nights, and celebrations. The newly renovated park officially opened in May 2016.
The Beautiful Broadway Fountain
The fountain in the middle of Horton Plaza Park is a true centerpiece. It was designed by Irving Gill. He based its look on an ancient Greek monument called the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates. Louis J. Wilde, a banker, gave $10,000 to help build it. The fountain was finished in 1910. The words "Broadway Fountain for the People" are carved on its upper part.
In January 1913, something rare happened: the water in the fountain froze! San Diego usually has warm weather. People visited the fountain and even stood on the thick ice. Today, the restored Gill fountain is the main attraction. The plaza also has an amphitheater, a fun pop-jet fountain, and cool light sculptures.
What Can You Do at Horton Plaza Park?
Horton Plaza Park is over 53,000 square feet in size! It has three main areas: the South Plaza, the Amphitheater, and the Historic Park. The park features fancy granite finishes. It also has an interactive pop-jet fountain where water shoots up from the ground. You'll also see 8 "Luminaries." These are 23-foot-tall sculptures that change colors!
There are three food and drink spots at Horton Plaza Park. These include Starbucks and Sloan's Ice Cream. Each spot has outdoor seating with a covered patio.
The ArtsTix Ticket Booth is also in the park. It sells tickets to local theaters and other attractions. The San Diego Performing Arts League runs it. The park offers many fun activities for the community. These include "Park Unplugged," a free music series, and "Plaza Play," a game series. You can also rent Horton Plaza Park for your own public or private events.
