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1. Is recreation good for you?

Yes. 

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1. Is Central Park as big as Golden Gate Park?

No.

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1. Where is the nearest cigar shop

The cigar shops in Canada are few and far between.

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1. What is the construction schedule and how long will the Dog Training Area be closed during construction?

Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2019, with an approximate schedule of 6 to 8 months.

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2. Why is lighting not included in the design?

Adding lighting would conflict with the Golden Gate Park Master Plan, which does not allow for new lighting to extend nighttime use. (Golden Gate Park Master Plan, Utilities and Infrastructure, Park Lighting Section 9-5.) The Golden Gate Park Master Plan is a comprehensive document adopted by the Recreation and Park Commission that establishes a framework for the management of Golden Gate Park over the next century.

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3. Is the small play area for small dogs only?

The Dog Training Area will be divided into large and small play areas, which will allow dog users to self-sort their dogs accordingly.

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4. Why is natural turf not an option?

From past experience, natural turf is challenging to maintain in popular dog play areas because of wear and dog waste. In addition, natural turf requires annual multi-month closures to reestablish turf, thus RPD has begun utilizing synthetic turf as an alternate option for dog play areas.

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5. What kind of synthetic turf are you using and how will it be kept clean?

A non-toxic synthetic turf filled with an eco-friendly, non-crumb rubber infill will be used. An irrigation and drainage system is included in the design, which will help clean the turf and reduce odors.

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6. How many waste receptacles will there be and where will they be located?

There will be approximately 4 large wildlife-safe trash bins located between the main entrances to the two play areas.

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7. How many drinking fountains will there be and where will they be located?

There will be a total of 3 drinking fountains. One located by the parking lot and the other two located in the dog play areas, just inside the entrances.

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8. I’m interested in joining/starting a Friends of the Golden Gate Park Dog Training Area group. Where do I begin?

There are a growing number of community-initiated groups that focus on their neighborhood parks and recreation centers. They are called Friends of groups, which are organizations involved in:

• Educational and Recreational Programming
• Lobbying for Improvements
• Planning, Fundraising, Habitat Restoration
• Support and Advocacy
• Volunteer Clean-up Days
• Volunteer Gardening

Groups

Friends of groups usually start because of a pressing need, but they often continue because the group realizes its power to effect change, catalyze community participation, and create sustainable solutions. To learn more please email Recreation and Parks Volunteer or visit the Join or Form a Friends Group page. 

Park, Recreation, and Open Space Committee (PROSAC)

In addition, PROSAC is a citizen-led group that serves as a liaison between the Recreation and Park Commission and City residents. PROSAC is an excellent resource with experience building Friends groups. For more information, please email the Recreation and Parks Department.

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1. How many public meetings were held to determine a park design?

Three community meetings were held in 2008 (January 10, 2008, November 19, 2008, and December 17, 2008) that resulted in a community-supported conceptual plan. An additional community meeting was held on February 13, 2014, to validate the continued support for the 2008 conceptual plan.

Final Presentation

On August 10, 2016, a final community presentation was made at a public open house with the Greater Rincon Hill CBD to confirm ongoing support for the project.

2. Will the new park include trees?

Yes, the park includes 6 new multi-trunk birch trees as well as two understory trees and an additional shade tree at the rear property boundary.

3. Are the plants selected invasive?

A variety of ornamental plants, including many native plants, were selected for their habitat value to pollinators, seasonal interest, and pleasant fragrance. The bamboo used in the design is a clumping variety that is also contained within a root barrier.

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1. Why are trees being removed?

Trees are being removed for a combination of reasons. Four trees are being removed because they were assessed as hazardous as part of an arborist's assessment. Three trees are being removed due to construction impact: one is located where the new playground will be constructed and two are being removed due to their proximity to the existing paths that will be repaved to become ADA accessible.

2. How many trees are being removed?

Seven trees and 6 multi-stemmed shrubs are being removed. Eighteen trees will be planted as part of the new project in addition to shrubs, ground covers, and vines.

3. How will the community be notified?

All of the trees will be posted on-site 30 days prior to removal. Photographs will be posted on our project webpage, and announcements were made at the October meeting of the McLaren Park Collaborative.

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1. How much money was McLaren Park allocated from the 2012 Bond?

John McLaren Park was allocated $10 million in general funding and $2 million for Trails. These funds can be used for capital improvements and may include, but are not limited to, the following types of projects

• Connectivity and Access, such as roads, pedestrian safety, paths, and trails
• Recreational Assets, such as playgrounds, playfields, courts, and picnic areas
• Restoration of natural features, including lakes, meadows, and landscapes

2. What about Natural Areas? Don't they get additional funding?

$1.5 million of funds allocated to John McLaren Park, shall be allocated to projects that create or restore:

• Habitat for the park's many species of plants and animals
• Natural features, such as lakes, meadows, and landscapes

3. How will projects be prioritized?

Recreation and Park staff will make recommendations to PROSAC and the Recreation and Parks Department Commission on a capital plan to guide expenditure of these funds. These recommendations will be informed by:

• Community process and outreach
• Evaluating existing master plans and policy documents
• Overall project readiness
• Scoping by Recreation and Parks Department Capital staff

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1. When Can Fields First Be Reserved?

Reservations are taken on a first come first serve basis during regular business hours on Monday through Saturday. New occasional reservations become available each Tuesday. Starting that Tuesday you will be able to reserve athletics fields until the following third Friday. For example, if you want to reserve a field on Saturday the 15th day of a month, you could reserve the field starting on Tuesday the 4th of that month. Call 415-831-5500 to make a reservation.

2. What Can You Reserve?

Any individual may reserve up to 4 hours in any calendar month. Weekday reservations (Monday through Thursday evenings) may not exceed 1 hour, and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday reservations may not to exceed two hours. The goal of this provision is to ensure that walk-up reservations are used only by occasional users and not leagues or programs (which should be applied for months in advance). In addition, weekday reservations may only be booked starting at 6:30 p.m. and are booked by the half pitch. Call Permits and Reservations at 415-831-5500 to make a reservation.

3. What Can You Not Reserve?

Reservation requests for schools, clinics, programs, special events and back-to-back games to be used to run a league or tournament do not qualify as walk-up reservations. Call Permits and Reservations at 415-831-5500 to ask questions.

4. What Does It Cost?

Cost for residents is $32 per hour, non-residents or for profit activities are $83 per hour. In addition there is an $12 per hour fee per field for use of lights. In order to be eligible for resident fees, you will need to come to our office one time with proof of identification (driver’s license, passport) and proof of residency (it must be a utility bill). Once you are in our system, you will not need to come in and can book over the telephone. If you have not booked a reservation in over a year from your last rental date you will be asked to come back to our office to re-verify your residency.

5. How Can Reservations Be Made?

Single reservations may be made on a walk in or call in basis:

• Phone Reservations: Phone Reservations can be made Monday through Friday 72 hours in advance of rental. You must pay for your reservation at that time by visa or master card only.
• Walk-in Reservations: Walk-in Reservations can be made Monday through Friday at that time you will be able to choose your field and pay for your permit.

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1. Who is eligible?

Applicants must be San Francisco residents, or own property in San Francisco. Applicant’s household must have an income equal to or less than 200% of the current federal poverty level, as determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Federal Poverty Guidelines.

2. How do I apply?

You can fill out an application and show income documentation at the McLaren Lodge Registration Desk. You will need to provide proof of residency and show documentation verifying your income. You will be contacted within 1 week of applying to inform you of your scholarship status. Scholarships are not retro-active.

Only Support Services staff at the McLaren Lodge Registration Desk can approve 50% scholarships. For requests over 50%, please call Lillian Bautista, Scholarship Coordinator, at 415-831-2717 for more information.

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1. How do I create my customer account on your new registration site?

Before registering for any activities on our website, you must establish a customer account. Your email address will be your login and you will be prompted to create a password.

This is how you create an online registration account:

- Click on Create an Account.

- Fill in the required fields.

To set up an account visit the online registration site.

2. What number do I call if I need help?

Call our program registration desk at 415-831-6800. Staff there can help you with any questions or problems you might have.

3. When can I register for programs?

Registration is offered on a quarterly basis, usually in August for fall programs, December for winter programs, March for spring and day camp programs, and May for summer programs.

4. Where can I register for programs?

You can also participate in walk-in registration at one of our walk-in sites during the registration period.

For most courses, after the course starts, you can still register by calling 415-831-6800. There is no prorated pricing for late registration.

You can also register online.

5. Do you have offer scholarships to cover the cost of registrations?

San Francisco Recreation and Park Department offers financial assistance to eligible San Francisco residents through our Recreation Scholarship Fund.

Rec Program Scholarships page.

6. How do I get more information about program registration?

For answers to more of your questions visit our FAQs in the help section.

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1. When Can Courts Be Reserved?

Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis starting seven calendar days prior to the date you are interested in booking. Reservation may not be made closer than 2 hours prior to the reservation time. Reserve a court online.

2. What Can You Reserve?

Any individual may reserve a court for 1.5 hours but may not book more than 1 court in a day or 3 courts in a calendar week. Book a court online.

3. How Can Reservations Be Used?

Reservation requests are for individual play only. No lessons, team practices, clinics or league matches. Book a court online.

4. What Does It Cost to Book a Court?

The court is free to book. Book a court online.

5. What Is the Cancellation Policy?

You may cancel your reservation online up to one day in advance of the reservation time. Courts left vacant 15 minutes after reservation time are available for walk-up play. Individuals found to have reserved and not used their time may have their account suspended.

6. What Is the Calendar for Special Events?

Moscone Courts 1 and 2 will not be available for use from July 22 through July 26, 2019.

7. How Can I Make a Reservation?

Reservations can be made online.

8. How Do I Obtain a Proof of a Reservation?

You will receive an email with a link to your permit. You must have a printed copy of the reservation confirmation with you on the day of your reservation in order to use the court.

9. How Do I Use the Pilot Neighborhood Online Reservation System?

View the following documents to learn how to use the reservation system:

• Public Meeting Notice (PDF)
• Public Meeting Slideshow (PDF)

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1. How do I get a plot at an existing garden?

There are many ways to start gardening in San Francisco. A great place to start is by viewing our Join an Existing Garden page.

2. What if I want to get involved in the food system and garden?

Our friends at Civil Eats have created this great guide to changing the food system.

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1. What is urban agriculture?

Urban Agriculture includes the use of land for farming and horticulture (the growing of vegetables, fruits, and flowers), apiaries (you can keep bees), and animal and poultry husbandry (you can keep baby goats and/or chickens). You can even have a greenhouse in San Francisco! Urban Agriculture allows an avenue for us to increase access to healthy local food, beautify our city, promote healthy recreation and physical activities, build stronger communities, activate green space, and develop a sustainable connection with the environment.

San Francisco has passed legislation to facilitate Urban Agriculture, in particular for the purpose of all types of gardening - gardens which are cooperatively cultivated and maintained by individuals or neighborhood groups. Urban Agriculture takes many forms, but in general, the resources available in San Francisco include opportunities to:

• Start your own private garden
• Start your own community garden or farm
• Operate a plot in an existing community garden
• Volunteer in a community garden

Benefits

The benefits of Urban Agriculture are also numerous, but include:

• Improving local skills
• Protecting the environment
• Reaping real economic benefits, including the ability to buy and sell healthy, local food, as well as seeing increased property values in spaces with urban agriculture
• Promote health and physical activity
• Grow community connections
• Teach a new generation
• Address food security and food justice through food production
• Increasing our local food systems resilience while helping combat climate change

You can visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website for more information on history, policies, and benefits related to urban agriculture, particularly around the movement to restore brownfields, or abandoned or unused land, to vibrant spaces for the community.

2. Where can I garden in San Francisco?

There are over one hundred Urban Gardens in San Francisco, many of which have open plots or regularly solicit help from volunteers - you don’t necessarily have to start your own garden in order to practice urban agriculture. If you are willing to do a little research, there is always a way to get involved! The two main ways San Franciscans participate in urban agriculture include starting your own garden or participating in an existing garden.

You can find detailed information on how to launch any of these projects at the San Francisco Urban Agriculture Alliance (SFUAA) resources page or on this City and County of San Francisco Urban Agriculture Program.

The City and County of San Francisco’s Recreation and Park Department is a great resource for urban gardening. The Recreation and Park Department supports and manages a program of 43 community gardens (and growing!) on City-owned property, where members can grow produce and ornamental plants for personal use. Gardens range in size from a few hundred square feet to thousands of square feet; some offer individual plots while others have shared plots. Some gardens also offer demonstration gardening or other instructional programming. The Community Gardens Program is a substantial component of the new citywide Urban Agriculture Program.

3. How do I get a plot at an existing garden?

There are many ways to start gardening in San Francisco. A great place to start is by going to the San Francisco Recreation and Park website for community gardens.

4. How do I start my own garden or urban farm?

If you are interested in transforming an urban space into a community garden, view a guide (PDF) to key considerations on the process in the city of San Francisco.

Also, The San Francisco Urban Agriculture Alliance - a collective of advocacy groups, community gardens, urban agriculture education groups, urban farms, and miscellaneous urban agriculture projects - has created a great guidebook detailing all of the steps necessary to start your own garden or urban farm.

Factors to Consider When Thinking of Starting Your Own Garden or Farm

• Finding Land: Regulations and processes for starting and maintaining your own garden will vary, depending on whether the land is privately or publically owned. You’ll have to use your own land, or broker a deal with someone who owns land.
• Intended Use: Home gardens, gardens and urban farms on privately-owned land, neighborhood agriculture (less than one acre in size), large-scale urban agriculture (greater than one acre in size).
• Plans for Yield: Decisions on what you do with your produce yield -whether you donate or sell it- is also a consideration.

City Departments you may need to work with in order to start your project include, but are not limited to the City Planning Department, the Department of Building Inspection, the Bureau of Fire Prevention and Investigation, and the Recreation and Park Department.

5. What do I need to start a plot?

Regardless of whether you choose to start your own site or join an existing garden, the most important thing you need to get started is your will and energy! Materials needed for a new site include:

• Compost
• Irrigation equipment
• Mulch
• Plants
• Seeds
• Soil
• Tools
• Your energy

Materials needed to join an existing garden:

• Compost or Soil
• Plants
• Seeds
• Tools (optional, many have shared tools)
• Your energy

It’s important to note that some organizations provide resource sharing, so you might not need to buy everything on your own.

6. How much does it cost?

The cost of an urban gardening project will depend on the size of your project. If you choose to volunteer or used shared materials, of course, the cost is free! Garden plots range from $10 to $40 per year to be a garden member (a rule that is self-imposed by each community gardens’ guidelines. Recreation and Park Department does not charge any additional fees on top of what each garden asks of its members).

As far as seeds and other gardening materials go, that is all dependent on what you want to grow and how much! We’d suggest finding out more about where you want to garden in order to get a better idea of how much it might cost.

7. What can I grow in San Francisco?

What you choose to grow will affect your costs, materials, and how you plan your physical garden as well as your gardening calendar. Fortunately, we are blessed with a mild, year-round growing climate in San Francisco, which affords us the ability to grow most common fruit and vegetables.

When choosing what to grow, you’ll want to pay attention to your neighborhood’s growing climate. While the National Gardening Association provides an interesting national-level map for climate zones, the West Coast, and Fog City in particular, is characterized by various microclimates which affect plants differently. Luckily, the great Pam Peirce outlines the different climate zones in her incredible book, Golden Gate Gardening. The following is a summary of San Francisco’s gardening climate zones, by neighborhood.

Fog Belt

• Diamond Heights
• Ingleside
• Lake Merced
• Richmond
• Sunset/Parkside
• West of Twin Peaks

Transition Zone

• Eureka/Noe Valleys
• Excelsior
• Glen Park
• Haight
• Pacific Heights
• Western Addition

Sun Belt

• Bernal Heights
• Hunters Point/Bayview
• Mission
• Russian/Telegraph Hill
• South of Market

You can use each of the neighborhood climate zone classifications to determine how sunny or foggy of an environment in which you’ll be gardening.

8. What if I want to get involved in the food system and garden?

Our friends at Civil Eats have created this great guide to changing the food system.

9. What is food justice and food security?

Food justice seeks to ensure that the benefits and risks of where, what, and how food is produced, transported, distributed, and eaten are shared fairly. Food Justice represents a transformation of the current food system, including but not limited to eliminating disparities and inequities (from the book Food Justice). Urban agriculture is one approach to addressing food justice. Please see the following organizations for more information:

• Detroit: Earthworks Urban Farm
• International: La Via Campesina
• Oakland: City Slicker Farms

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1. What program options are there?

Our program offers field trips to natural areas and parks near your school. Each field trip consists of environmental education activities and hands-on habitat restoration.

Within each program, educators can choose from core themes: Sense of Place, Plant Adaptations, Water, Soil, Animal Adaptations, and Interdependence. Activities within each theme can be tailored to meet your group’s current educational focus and any special needs.

2. Where are trips facilitated?

Trips are limited to the parks and open spaces within the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. That means that educators have over 220 parks to choose from. However, we ask that you consider several factors when selecting a park such as:

• your group size
• size of the park
• your group’s age and whether or not access to a bathroom is essential
• what you want your youth to gain from the experience
• and lastly, your proximity and ease of transportation to and from the park

In partnership with the Port of San Francisco, the Youth Stewardship Program also facilitates field trips at the EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park (HHP). Trips at HHP touch on environmental justice principles, wetland ecology and watersheds.

3. What is the cost to participate in YSP?

Nothing. All Youth Stewardship Programming is free of charge.  Following our free services we ask that participating educators encourage their students to continue healthy engagement and stewardship of the parks, refer us to a new teacher, teach students about the San Francisco Children's Bill of Rights, and complete our feedback survey so that we can continue to improve our program and offer free services to educators city-wide.

4. When should I apply?

As soon as our application opens. Our application opens in September and by December, our Full and Abbreviated programs are fully booked for the year.