Message from the GM

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department has a rich tradition of providing clean, safe and fun park experiences to the public. While our core values remain the same, our department is evolving.

In the past year, we've navigated an unprecedented budget shortfall, cultivated partnerships and philanthropic relationships that support our park system, increased our park maintenance scores to an all-time high, reduced workers compensation costs, introduced new and exciting park amenities and initiated processes to make it easier for you to get involved with your favorite parks.

We've also continued our work of renovating many of our parks and recreation facilities across the city through the 2008 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond, which voters overwhelmingly approved in support of our park system.

People are using our parks more than ever--- 30 percent more, according to a recent study. We've increased the number of registered families who use our programs to more than 25,000, and volunteers dedicated more than 129,000 hours to our Department last year. Tens of millions of people visit our parks every year, with an estimated 13 million annual visitors to Golden Gate Park alone.

I invite you all to discover, or rediscover, the world of Rec and Park. While some things may be familiar to you, I think you'll find that we are evolving into a better, brighter recreation and park department that is more responsive, easier to navigate and continues to provide quality recreational opportunities for you and your family.

Get out and play!

Phil Ginsburg
General Manager