SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco will dramatically boost the number of park restrooms staffed by trained monitors, part of the City’s commitment to improving quality of life in neighborhoods most in need.
The San Francisco Human Services Commission today green-lit the expansion of San Francisco Recreation and Park’s Department’s Park Stop program to seven new locations and extended the hours of a monitor program already in place at an eighth park. Park Stop is operated in collaboration with the Human Services Agency and Hunters Point Family. It is based on the successful Pit Stop program operated by Public Works since 2014. Pit Stop, which surpassed its 1 millionth flush last fall, now has 25 locations in 12 neighborhoods, including three parks: Victoria Manalo Draves, La Playa, and Boat Playground. Like Pit Stop, Park Stop will provide safe needle disposal and pet waste bags in addition to universal toilet access.
Park Stop attendants will be placed at Raymond Kimbell Playground, Dolores Park, Portsmouth Square, Rolph Playground, Potrero del Sol, Bayview Playground and Jackson Playground. The program also adds evening staffing to the restroom monitor program at Victoria Manalo Draves park. The parks were prioritized based on number of 311 calls and maintenance and vandalism costs.
This program builds on Mayor London Breed’s recent mandate for street cleaning programs including funds for the Pit Stop program in JC Decaux public restrooms, a rapid response syringe cleanup team, and block sweepers.
“I am focused on making our neighborhoods cleaner and safer for everyone, and our Park Stop program is a great part in this effort,” said Mayor Breed. “I am proud that more parks throughout our city will benefit from the City’s successful partnership with Hunters Point Family, whose employees have been making a real difference in our public spaces.”
Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg said Hunters Point Family has already proven to be an ideal partner for the endeavor, staffing Pit Stop as well as helping transform the troubled Civic Center area into a model public space.
“Hunters Point Family employs men and women who serve as extraordinary ambassadors. Their presence makes the public feel welcome at the same time it deters vandalism and petty crime,” Ginsburg said. In fiscal year 2017-2018, vandalism at parks totaled over $600,000.
The three parks already equipped with restroom monitors have already reaped benefits. Victoria Manalo Draves, La Playa, and Boat Playground have seen dramatic decreases in vandalism, bio-waste incidents, and illegal dumping.
“HSA’s partnership with Hunters Point Family to expand the Park Stop Program is a great example of how we can engage our local communities in meeting the City’s goals toward providing clean and safe public spaces while also providing employment opportunities for San Francisco residents,” said Trent Rhorer, executive director of the San Francisco Human Services Agency.
Restroom monitors will serve as indispensable park stewards while gaining customer service, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
“Park Stop builds on the success we’ve had with the Pit Stop program and provides people who have a desire and passion for serving the community a place to truly make a difference in our public spaces,” said Hunters Point Family Executive Director Lena Miller.