San Francisco Parks Alliance

Target demographics: expand access to open spaces, ensure parks and recreation are adequately maintained and funded, and support volunteerism.

Geographic areas served: San Francisco parks, recreation and green open spaces

Programs: SFPA plays an integral role in advocating for and supporting parks and open spaces in San Francisco, maintaining an independent voice while working closely with key City agencies in setting short and long term strategic goals and policies. SFPA’s core fiscal sponsorship program provides administrative and fundraising support, mentoring, and community mobilization experience to more than 100 Park Partner community organizations active beautifying their neighborhoods parks or adding value to public spaces through programming in gardening, art, music, or healthy recreation. Some examples of SFPA Park Partners include SF City Guides, Jerry Day, GreenTrust SF, Dolores Park Works, SFGro, Bay Area Open Space Council, Visitacion Valley Greenway, Sutro Stewards, Kids in Parks, and the San Francisco Tennis Coalition, among others. As a membership organization and the main philanthropic partner to the Recreation & Parks Department, SFPA historically has driven capital campaigns to restore San Francisco icons, such as the $24 million campaign to restore the Conservatory of Flowers, rejuvenation of the West End of Golden Gate Park and Beach Chalet, Golden Gate Park Windmills, Koret Children’s Quarter Playground, and neighborhood parks such as Alta Plaza Playground, Presidio Heights Playground, and Lafayette Park Playground. SFPA’s GearUp Fund supplements the millions raised annually for parks by providing additional funds to outfit recreation facilities with equipment and supplies for programming. In addition to advocacy, policy, and philanthropy, SFPA actively helps steward open spaces throughout the City by empowering residents to take ownership of their parks. SFPA’s Street Parks program, a collaboration with the Department of Public Works, harnesses community volunteers to transform neglected lots, street medians, and unused open spaces into new parks or community gardens. The BlueGreenway is a long-term planning and stewardship project to create a series of connected parks, trails, and green spaces along the City’s southeastern waterfront.