On August 18, 1971, First Lady Pat Nixon stood at the place at the southwestern most point of the U.S.-Mexico border and celebrated what was envisioned as "International Friendship Park.” That day, Nixon said, “I hope there won't be a fence too long here.”

Flash forward 50 years, and the small barbed-wire fence that once demarcated the border has been replaced with two large fences, dozens of cameras, a watch tower and other security measures.

In this special bonus episode produced as part of the park's 50th anniversary celebration, we talk to some of the people in Tijuana and San Diego who are working hard to keep Nixon’s vision of a fence-free binational park alive. Plus, we connect with someone who has a very personal connection with the place.

From KPBS and PRX, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us.

For a full schedule of Friendship Park anniversary events, visit www.friendshippark50.org

Episode photo by Pedro Rios

Historic clip of Pat Nixon at Friendship Park from the film "Too Long Here" by director Emily Packer

Port of Entry is hosted by Alan Lilienthal. This episode was written and produced by Kinsee Morlan. Emily Jankowski is the co-producer and director of sound design. Alisa Barba is our editor. Lisa Morissette is operations manager and John Decker is the interim associate general manager of content.

This program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.