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== External links == |
== External links == |
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* [http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=663 Official site] |
* [http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=663 Official site] |
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== References == |
== References == |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park | |
|---|---|
| Location | San Diego, California, USA |
| Area | 29.08 acres |
| Governing body | California State Parks |
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, located in San Diego, California, is a state protected historical park in San Diego. The park preserves and recreates the old town of the city, from shortly after the Mexican War of Independence during its pueblo Alta California period beginning in 1821, through the Bear Flag Revolt, the American period, and ending in 1872, 22 years after statehood. Between 2005 and 2006, California State Parks listed Old Town San Diego as the most visited state park in California.
Five original adobes are part of the complex, which includes shops, restaurants and a museum. Other historic buildings include a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, San Diego's first newspaper office, and a stable with a carriage collection.
The Historic Park and surrounding area are a popular tourist destination, known especially for its authentic Mexican restaurants. The park itself hosts four eating establishments: The Cosmopolitan Restaurant, The Jolly Boy Restaurant and Saloon, Casa de Reyes, and El Fandango.
The Old Town Transit Center serves the area with trolley, bus, Coaster, and occasional Amtrak service.
In the Spring of 2005, a new firm, Delaware North, won the bidding for the park's concessions. Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts outbid Diane Powers' Bazaar Del Mundo, which had operated the concessions for the previous 33 years. As a result, on May 31st, 2005, Plaza Del Pasado replaced the shops at the former Bazaar Del Mundo, the former Casa De Bandini became The Cosmopolitan Hotel, and the former Rancho El Nopal became Jolly Boy Restaurant and Saloon.
Delaware North, which operates concessions at a number of other state and national parks, has faced a local backlash for the way in which it used its political influence to supplant Powers as the concessionaire at the park, and for the unpopular changes made to the park's scenery and restaurants. The company reported a 60% loss in revenues during its first year operating the concession.
Powers reopened her Bazaar Del Mundo Shops nearby at 4133 Taylor Street. The former Casa De Pico now operates in Grossmont Center, about 12 miles east of Old Town in La Mesa.
The contract inked between Delaware North and the Department of Parks and Recreation requires that the shops and restaurants adhere to the theme of Old Town as it was from 1821 to 1872. As a result, much of the floral landscaping and colorful decoration which had been a hallmark of Old Town have been removed.
