Kate Sessions Park

I had never even heard of Kate Sessions Park before I met my husband. We had known each other only a few weeks when he sent me an invite to a gathering of friends he called "Park Day" at some park I had never heard of. I was out of town at the time, but it became a constant topic between us as we began the courting process. It wasn't until Valentine's Day that he finally took me to this hidden gem, so we could sit at benches at the apex of the park and gaze upon all of southern San Diego. It was breathtaking.

Some History
The name Kate Sessions is not well known in San Diego, except maybe to those that have found the secluded park tucked away between Pacific Beach and La Jolla that was named after her. But to those that enjoy strolling through San Diego's iconic Balboa Park can see the legacy this little known woman has left us. In 1892 Kate Olivia Sessions, a botanist, horticulturist, and landscape architect, agreed to lease 30 acres of land from the city in what is now Balboa Park in exchange for planting hundreds of trees on the mostly barren land. Now, anyone who has spent some time in the part can attest to the beauty of the vegetation in the area. Most of the older trees that are there were planted long ago by Miss Sessions. She was San Diego's very own Johnny Appleseed.


The Park
The park itself is 139 acres, 60 acres of which is preserved in its natural state. There is a one-mile walking trail that loops through it. The rest of the park offers such amenities as barbecue pits, picnic tables, a play ground, bathrooms, faucets, and of course the large sloping grassy expanse that gives way to impeccable views of downtown, mission bay, pacific beach, the ocean, and on a clear day even Mexico.

Kate Sessions Park is often filled with people playing Frisbee or catch, or just relaxing on the grass and taking in the views. Humans aren't the only ones that enjoy this piece of nature. Dogs are allowed off leash at the park, and its rare to not find our furry four legged friends dashing up and down the grassy knoll making new friends with enviable ease.

Why Go?
The obvious reason would be the view. Even on a not-so-clear day its gorgeous. Just sitting on a blanket on the grass, or perched on one of the park benches that line the highest point of the park, you can't help but pause from the whirlwind of life and just take a breath. Aside from the scenery, there is ample parking, bathrooms, drinking fountains, and a huge expanse of grass perfect for games, just laying in the grass, or playing fetch with your favorite fuzzy companion. In a city known for larger than life activities like the Zoo, Sea World, the Gaslamp, and Balboa Park, this quiet and peaceful park is truly a locals' paradise.

Sources and For More Information 
Wikipedia on Kate Sessions
www.sandiegohistory.org
The San Diego Reader - Kate Sessions