Posts Tagged ‘Recreation and Parks and Sports’

In a guest column in today’s Chronicle, Jennifer Friedenbach reviews the state of the city’s homeless problem under Mayor Newsom and reveals what she hopes will change under the new administration (whoever that may be).  Elsewhere, the SF Public Press weighs in on the debate with their $0.02.

Funds to spruce up Golden Gate Park will be used to renovate four fountains in the park that stopped working several years ago. I hope that doesn’t mean the pigeons will start using them as their personal bathtubs again.

The Examiner reports that the Department of Recreation and Parks may be playing a little too rough ‘n tumble, with 20% of its employees filing for workers compensation last year.  General Manager Phil Ginsburg shares his proposed solutions.

The two-day Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival concluded yesterday as the sun finally decided to grace us with its presence.  There was music, dancing, food, perhaps a beer or two, and fun was had by all.  ‘Til next year!

The Chronicle reports on a cadres of committed volunteers who successfully restored 16 horseshoe pitching courts in Golden Gate Park.  How did they do it?  Through sweat and assistance from the Recreation and Park Department and the Department of Public Works.  Come fall, it’s tourney time!

The Recreation and Park Commission considers whether or not to allow the creation of local food vendor markets (kind of like Farmers Markets but with hot dogs and tacos and tamales) to legally offer their wares in three new City parks.

Lindy hoppers successfully obtain a permit to continue their swinging on the sidewalk in Golden Gate Park.  But the Golden Gate Renaissance Festival’s permitting process wasn’t such a walk in the park and as a result, the festival won’t be held in San Francisco this year… Can you even see the Golden Gate from Fremont?

Rec/Park winds up with some fee hikes.  Like, lots of fee hikes.

Former Mayoral Chief of Staff Phil Ginsburg reappears at the helm of the City’s Recreation and Park Department.  Phil’s resume is long and complex, but here’s the short form: brilliant guy, excellent inside operator, solid big-picture visionary and marketer, and great sense of humor.  And no, you don’t want to play poker with him if your goal is to keep all your money.

As the first installment of San Francisco’s “pavements-to-parks program,” a half block of 17th Street is celebrated as a new pedestrian plaza for city residents.

The $7 fee levied by the Rec and Parks Department for non-residents at the Botanical Gardens will stick around for at least a couple years.  The Board of Supervisors vote on the matter ended in a 6-5 split (those are always more fun to watch than the 11-0 snoozers, fight fans), after discussion, finger-pointing and kerfluffle.

With the success of Outside Lands, the Rec/Park Commission considers putting many more concerts together, in new locations all over town.

As you know, the San Francisco Department of Recreation and Park is looking for their next director.  Polish up that resume - you’ve got until Friday to turn it in.

In the ongoing saga of Golfers v. the Red-Legged Frog, several environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against the City of San Francisco for its treatment of the endangered species. Doesn’t it seem like everyone involved somehow slept through that all-important sharing lesson back in kindergarten? Can’t we all just get along?