SAN FRANCISCO—San Francisco’s parks and plazas continue to set a national standard for maintenance and equity, with the city’s parks achieving an impressive citywide maintenance score of 91% for the fiscal year 2023-2024, according to a new Controller’s Office report.
The findings mark the third consecutive year San Francisco’s parks have maintained the 91% mark. Rec and Park gardeners, arborists and custodians performed high quality work across every part of the city, with the report noting no statistical difference between neighborhoods or supervisorial districts.
Key highlights from the 2024 Park Maintenance Evaluation include:
Impressive Citywide Score: The citywide park maintenance score of 91% reaffirms the consistently high quality of San Francisco’s public spaces. Parks scoring above 85% are considered well-maintained, and over 85% of the city’s 171 evaluated parks meet or exceed this benchmark. No public spaces under Rec and Park oversight earned less than 81%.
Top-Scoring Parks: Three parks tied for first place at 99%: Coso and Precita Mini Park in the Outer Mission and Fulton Playground and Richmond Playground, both in the Richmond District. Six other parks earned near-perfect scores at 98%: Betty Ann Ong Rec Center in Chinatown, Kelloch and Velasco Mini Park in Visitacion Valley, Sue Bierman Park along the Embarcadero, Cabrillo Playground in the Richmond District, Potrero Hill Recreation Center, and Muriel Leff Mini Park in the Richmond District.
Equity Achievements: Parks in Equity Zones—neighborhoods historically impacted by environmental injustices—maintained an average score of 89%, on par with parks citywide. These zones benefit from over 60% of Rec and Park’s capital investment while representing 20% of the city’s park acreage, ensuring equitable access to high-quality green spaces.
Geographic Balance: For the fifth consecutive year, the distribution of high-scoring parks reflects equity across the city, with excellently maintained parks located in neighborhoods like the Tenderloin, Chinatown, Visitacion Valley, Bayview, Richmond, the Mission, and Potrero Hill.
New Additions Shine: Three newly added parks in Mission Bay—Mission Creek Park, Mission Bay Park, and Mariposa Park—debuted with scores of 93%, 97%, and 94%, respectively, showcasing the city’s commitment to maintaining excellence as the park system grows. “Parks are more than green spaces—they are the heart of our communities,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “This report highlights not only the exceptional work of our staff but also the pride San Franciscans take in their public spaces. We are thrilled to see that no matter where you live in this city, you can expect a well-maintained park.”
The annual maintenance evaluation, now in its 17th year, measures parks on a range of features, including athletic fields, playgrounds, restrooms, green spaces, and trees. It serves as a tool for transparency and continuous improvement, guiding investments and operational priorities to ensure San Francisco parks remain vibrant, accessible, and enjoyable for all.
Explore the full report and interactive dashboard here.
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