The Pacific Rim Park project began on the rugged coast of Russia in May of 1994. Vladivostok was closed to foreigners until 1991, and shortly thereafter became a Sister City of San Diego. At the invitation of Vladivostok’s Far Eastern State Technical University, James Hubbell and Milenko Matanovic led students from the United States, Mexico, and Russia in a collaborative workshop culminating with the creation of a monument and garden overlooking the city.

The students spent 21 intense days working together to understand each others’ cultural identity so that they could design a park symbolizing their friendship and shared Pacific culture.

Since materials and equipment were in short supply, students carried rocks up from the beach. These stones were hand-placed to build a free-flowing amphitheatre with a large mosaic-tiled pearl as the focal point of the design.

The Friendship Gate provides a dramatic view of the Port of Vladivostok and now is regularly touched by students to obtain good luck on their scholastic exams. The park has also become a favorite place for weddings.

The park was a joint project of the Ilan-Lael Foundation, Far-Eastern State Technical University, and the City of Vladivostok.