Comments from our Park and Program Users

Thank you so much for making first time campers to Camp Mather, such as my mother , Virginia Riethmann and myself, Debbie Wilson one of the most enjoyable, memorable experiences of our lives.

We had the best of times getting acquainted with so many wonderfully nice people and have made many friends. I can not express how much outpouring of genuineness of kindness, happiness and love amongst everyone we encountered. There wasn't one day we did not miss of good ol' fashion FUN!!!!!

I'm so glad we were able to visit Hetch Hetchy after all. (You still owe me, you know. For me stepping up to volunteer my car to go to Hetch Hetchy. Ha ha ha.) :) Such a magnificent sight to behold, with history to go along with it. It was so awe-inspiring. I just wish I hadn't missed the shuttle to Yosemite to take the hike to Vernal Falls.

That is why my mother & I are so looking forward and preparing for the spring 2011 Camp Mather trip in June, God willing.

I may e-mail you, if you don't mind to give you other inexpensive craft ideas for next season.

Take care & be well,

Debbie Wilson & Virginia Riethmann

"Many thanks both for your help with the (Miraloma) Playground lights and for the planned color at our corner. Our Park has never in the 32 years I've lived here looked so lovely."

---Karen Wood of San Francisco, in a letter to Darlene Lockwood, Park Section Supervisor in NSA 5

*****

"My husband and I had the great pleasure of meeting our son and his friends at (Moscone Park) 2 weeks ago, and were amazed and in awe of how clean and well-kept everything was. I went inside the building to use the rest room and it was cleaner and nicer than any restroom that I've seen at ANY other city park, ANYWHERE. The gym, arts & crafts area, day care area, etc. were also immaculate, yet still retained some of the original woodwork. It was just beautiful, and you and your staff are to be commended for doing such an excellent job. My husband grew up playing at that ball park in the 60's, so I had him come inside to look at the rec. center facilities as well, and he was equally awed, especially since he has a before and after picture to compare to! It sure didn't look like that in the 60's!!

In these days when people are so ready to complain and accuse, I just wanted to take the time to write a positive note to let you know how much your hard work is appreciated. I hope your funding stays in tact so that you may continue to provide such an important place for your community to gather."

---Sue Boden of Santa Rosa, CA

*****

"Summer Park & Rec youth day camps were exceptional this summer, especially given the restraints of budget. I found the camps my children went to (Silver Tree, Pine Lake, soccer at Kezar at two age levels, and volleyball at two age levels) consistently well-run, well organized and enjoyable for the kids.... My 13-year-old daughter's junior counselor experience was especially commendable. Toby Wiley was her supervisor at Silver Tree. I understand that he is at West Portal Playground Latchkey this fall, where my godchildren are going. I couldn't be more pleased that they will have him at their site this year!"

---C. Connelly

*****

"I have nothing but good things to say about my child's time at Pine Lake day camp. The staff were great, she came home happy and tired and I could not ask for more. I as a child also went to the same camp and have fond memories of my time at the Grove. This was the first year my daughter was able to attend and it will not be the last. I would like to thank the staff at Pine Lake for giving my daughter the happy memories that I also have of my time at Pine Lake many, many years ago. Thanks again and see you next year!"

--- T. Shanley

*****

"Nick and the rest of the staff were terrific coaches at the baseball camp. We look forward to a repeat next summer."

--- C. Woo

*****

"My son enjoyed his tennis classes and is willing to take it again next summer. The staff seems very responsible and loves children. Very professional introduction and caught the child's interest…. My son left his sweater behind and still got it back in the office after 1/2 a day. Very impressive; the coach kept his eyes on all the items. I will tell my friends and parents in my pre-school about it. Thanks for giving my child a great summer."

--- R. Tam

*****

"This is the second summer for my son Griffin and the third summer for my daughter Erin to participate in the Pacific Arts Camp. What fun they had! Erin especially enjoyed the art classes and the art teacher was a real inspiration to her. They loved all the variety and era of songs. They were always singing them on our way to camp and home.

You have such a talented and dedicated group of teachers and aids. Amazing to see the kids perform skits, songs and dances in only two week’s time. Our kids will definitely be back next summer. Pacific Arts Rock!"

--- S. Tam

*****

"Both my grandkids (Jacqueline and Jordan, age 12) were in the Camp Gourmet session from July 20-24. Rocky the director was just awesome and the staff was wonderful. They are already planning on attending next year. In today's tough economic times, Rocky and her team made this camp program a wonderful experience.

This woman deserves a raise and or a commendation of great service to your department. Thank you again for this great program."

--- D. Katzeff