Playground Initiative

To ensure that their children are active and healthy, San Francisco was one of 67 communities across the country that has taken innovative approaches to make play a priority. Despite mounting budget issues, communities large and small, urban and rural, in the red and in the black, have created initiatives to increase both the quantity and quality of play and playgrounds, as well as increasing access to existing opportunities to play.

One in 4 park users said they visit parks to use a children's playground, while 1 in 3 said they choose the park they go to based on the availability of a playground.

In April 2007 the SF Controller's Office conducted a survey of park users. The survey was intended to: measure the park user experience on site, characterize San Francisco City park users, provide data on typical park usage patterns, and assess the park maintenance standards against the public’s perception.

The first stage of the 2008 Clean & Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond has begun! City project managers and architects have been hard at work drafting initial site plans for playground renovations funded by the Bond. A crucial part of these projects is the community engagement piece. Generally, RPD holds at least 3 public meetings regarding the project to gather public input; however, there is potential for park groups to have more ongoing input on the design of their new park.