Area around monument in border park closed

SOUTH COUNTY: A popular cross-border visiting spot at Border Field State Park has been closed to the public, park officials said, as preparation begins for new border-fence construction through the park.

The fence, part of a $60 million federal border infrastructure project, will sit about 90 feet north of an existing metal fence on the U.S.-Mexico border. Completion is planned for May.

Temporary fencing was installed last week in the area surrounding a marble obelisk dating from 1851 that marks the border.
The area surrounding the monument is known as Friendship Park and is a popular gathering spot for families who live on both sides of the border and meet to visit through the metal mesh border fence.

A park official said yesterday that while the monument area is closed, no plans exist to close Border Field State Park during construction. Access is limited to hikers and equestrians after flooding prompted the temporarily closure of the park to vehicles

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/ ... ?uniontrib