SAN DIEGO.- Border authorities began a pilot project yesterday, that would allow family and friends from both sides of the U.S and Mexico border between San Diego(U.S.) and Tijuana(Mexico), to see each other at the historic bi-national Friendship Park.
Friendship Park located along the Pacific Ocean, has always been traditionally a meeting place for friends and family that are not able to cross the border, although they are separated by a large fence they were still able to see each other and reunite.
However in February of 2009 the U.S. government restricted all public access to this area, to continue the construction of a second border fence, which ended the tradition that stared back in 1971.
Community organizations like "Angeles de la Frontera" founded by Enrique Morones, has struggled to negotiate with authorities from the U.S. to reopen the park, that although it has now been reopened for the public, the access is limited from 10:00a.m. – 2:00p.m on Saturdays and Sundays.
The new rules will only allow a certain amount of people into a designated area inside the park, which divides both sides of the border, and also any physical contact like handshakes, hugs or the exchange of any objects is strictly prohibited.
In declarations made to Efe, Morones recognized that although the access "is not perfect", this is just a pilot program for now and if it works, the authorities have committed to evaluate it again next year, and maybe consider opening the park every day of the week with more flexible hours.
His organization is trying to achieve the possibility of getting some physical contact approved by the authorities, which is a goal that was very articulated back in its inauguration on August 18th 1971 with the first lady at that moment Ryan "Pat" Nixon, whom extend her hand to shake and greet Mexican residents who were across the border fence.
From the Tijuana side of the border, 26 year old German Castañeda who does not have any possibilities to enter into the United States and lives here in Tijuana, made statements to Efe where he said that this park is the best possible option for him to see his kids that live in San Diego, 6 year old Isabela and his 3 year old son Isaiah.
"I'm very excited to have them near, and wish that they could get rid of this fence so that I can be able to hug my kids", said Castañeda, whose wife Yesenia found out about the reopening of the park through the internet, and came here with her kids so that they would be able to see and communicate with their father.
"The park is not only a great important symbol of the connection between these two cities from both countries, but also a point of contact where family and friends can reunite with their loved ones", said in a statement the San Diego congressman Bob Filner, who also pressed for the reopening of this park.
Michael J. Scappechio who is the community liaison officer of Customs and Border Protection, said to Efe that his agency is looking towards the reopening of the park, and encouraged the openness and contact between these communities of both sides of the border.
Scappechio also commented that close to 50 people already came and gathered today, to take advantage to the access that has been granted.
He also said that through this pilot program they are evaluating the best times that the park can be open, if in any case access to the park will be extended in the future.
Morones said that through dialogue with border authorities, it has been possible to have more access for bigger groups in days with a special event, like during the maintenance of the park, the "Caravan for Peace" march that the poet Javier Sicilia held last August, and the next event his group will organize "Posada sin Fronteras" that will be held on December 8th.
For the activist "both love and friendship have no borders", which he also expressed the importance for the community to go to the park, and show the authorities the importance of granting more access of the park in the future.
Other events that take place in the park include the practice of yoga, dance to salsa music and fly kites, which allows both families and communities to discover the things that they have in common despite their cultural differences.
Editorial@sandiegored.com
Translation : Omar.Martinez@sandiegored.com
