Test your Balboa Park knowledge of hidden treasures

November 6, 3:40 AMBalboa Park ExaminerWilliam Dudley

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Are you a knowledgeable insider when it comes to Balboa Park? If you live in San Diego, you should be -- especially if you are a frequent host of relatives or friends from colder climes. If they've already been to Sea World and are tired of beaches and decide not to go to Baja this year, what can you show them? Balboa Park has much to offer besides the San Diego Zoo, especially if you know where to look.

The Friends of Balboa Park has come up with the following list of clues to some of Balboa's "hidden treasures," all of which are to be found in the Central Mesa. See if your insider knowledge is up to the task of impressing your guests as you stroll down the Prado.

1. There are only a few national civil engineering landmark sites in San Diego County
   and one is in Balboa Park. Built for the 1915 exposition, the original structure contained
   more than one million board feet of redwood. Where is the plaque commemmorating this historic site? 
2. Created for the 1935 Exposition, these cluster of buildings showcase many
   cultures and traditions from around the world. The newest building was dedicated in
   2007 and is landscaped with plants native to the Mediterranean region it represents. What is the name of the building?
3. The facade of one of the buildings on El Prado is missing a statue which was
   removed due to damage sustained over the years. The cost of repairing and remounting
   the statue is estimated to be several thousand dollars. The
   building houses a famous sculpture by Donal Hord. What is the name of the building?
4. There are numerous gardens flourishing in the park. Which one, recently
   renamed in honor of the Order Lepidoptera, is located nearest the site of the 1935 nudist
   colony?
5. There are over 16,000 trees growing in the park. This garden, planted with the
   help of the San Diego Herb Club, contains several specimens found nowhere else in the
   park. Can you name the garden and one of the specimens?
6. This formal garden was designed by William Templeton Johnson for the 50th
   wedding anniversary of this prominent San Diegan. Many other horticulturalists and
   landscapers have had input into the garden’s plants and flowers while staying true to its
   English-Romantic style. Do you know the garden's name, where it is, and one if its flowers?
7. This shady spot, off the beaten path, is a perfect place to sit down and capture your
   inspired reflection of the park in words. Paper and a slot for completed works are
   provided. Where is it? What kind of trees provide the shade?
8. This group recently celebrated its 60th birthday and is considered to be one of the
   longest running theatre group of its type in the country. Genevieve Engman and her
   sister, for whom the theater was named, gave their first public performance in 1947.
   Name the theater and where it is located.
9. The Old Globe’s latest construction project will enable rehearsal stages to be
   located on site. Currently there are three Globe rehearsal stages located elsewhere in the
   park. What building are they in?
10. This group was founded 64 years ago and is headquartered in Balboa Park. The
    group, with over a dozen specialized units has performed all over the world but does not
    give formal performances in the park. Name the organization, location in the park, and one of the units.
11. One of the oldest sports still played today dates back to the 13th Century. Balboa
    Park hosted this sport’s national championships in 2005. Popular terms associated with
    this activity include wick, jack, rink, and hog line. Identify the sport, and its location in the park.
12. Launched in 1938, and now with two facilities in the park, this sport hosts the
    King Arthur’s Day Tournament held on Father’s Day. Can you identify the sport and find one or both locations? 
13. Created as the Palace of Electricity & Industry for the 1935 exposition, this
    building was constructed in the pre-Columbian style. For many years this facility housed
    The Thursday Club rummage sale. Can you name the building and the area of the park where it is located?

If you want to check your answers with a bonafide expert, you will have your opportunity on Saturday morning. The Friends of Balboa Park will host a walking tour of these landmarks on Saturday, November 7, 2009 led by Park Ranger Kim Duclo. The leisurely hike begins at 8:30 am. The tour will  meet at the valet drop-off area just outside the House of Hospitality. To RSVP, please call or e-mail the Friend’s office: 619.232.2282 or e-mail: info@friendsofbalboapark.org.