Lower Presidio Park is a jewel in Monterey, but not enough people are aware of it.

Celia Jiménez here, wondering how many times I’ve been to Lower Presidio Park in Monterey. 

This came to mind after reading David Schmalz’s story this week. He told me he has visited Presidio Park several times. 

“It's a place I love, but it's not easy to find,” Schmalz says, pointing out it’s a secluded area. “I really wish that more people were aware of it.”

In his story, Schmalz describes the relationship between the U.S. Army and the City of Monterey to keep the park going. The Army owns the park while the city manages and maintains it, investing $80,000 a year.

He also mentioned the complexity of maintaining a place like this, since it also requires the involvement of local tribes. 

Schmalz writes the park has “some of the best views in the area code” and it makes me wonder why it isn’t a landmark more people visit if they are in the area. Schmalz says from the park, people can see the Monterey Bay and beyond including Seaside, Marina and Moss Landing. 

Entrance to the park is free and it also has a small museum open on weekends, where people can learn about the military history in the area including the Buffalo soldiers, a famed troop of Black soldiers who reportedly earned the nickname from Native Americans. 

Schmalz reported that the Army, in 2021, requested the city increase its investment by stabilizing a hillside; the estimated cost to build a retaining wall is $1.5 million and it includes working with local tribes to ensure any archeological findings are treated with respect. 

The city council could decide early next year to advocate to turn this area into a federal national monument, or have a nonprofit manage the park.

“It’s a very spiritual area and we have to acknowledge that,” City Manager Hans Uslar told Schmalz. “At the end of the day, this is the heart and soul of California.”

The way Schmalz describes this park makes it seem like it’s a must-visit in Monterey, and it has motivated me to visit it again. I’m also curious what will happen in the future and if someone else will take over. What do you think should happen?