Giving Tuesday is Everyday during our Capital Campaign
CAN WE BUILD THIS FREAKIN PARK YET?
As a 30-plus-year PH resident and mother of 3, a trip to Jackson Park was pretty much a daily occurrence when our kids were young. I met so many neighbors and friends while sitting at the sandbox or watching a Jackson Jaguars game.
Last century, as part of this “sandbox community” of neighbors, we worked to replace the carcinogenic playground materials with safe alternatives that are still there today. And now, given the heavy usage by the schools and neighborhood children, it is WAY past time to update our beloved park to bring it into this century and make it accessible for all!
WHY IS THIS PROJECT TAKING SO LONG?
When I joined FoJP in 2015, I thought we’d cut the ribbon on the renovated park in 2020 - a perfect year for my retirement. Back then, we anticipated getting $30MM allocated to our project in the next Parks Bond, but when the bond slipped to 2020, and the global pandemic hit, we were lucky to get $10MM allocated to our project in the 2020 Health and Recovery bond.
Fast forward to today - we’ve jumped through countless hoops, raised over 75% of our needed funds, and received unanimous approval from both the RecPark Commission and the Board of Supervisors, and so now it’s time to make this dream park and thus, my retirement, a reality :)
Today, on Giving Tuesday, we’re rolling out our equal opportunity capital campaign. If each of the 10,000 households in Potrero Hill, Dogpatch, and Central Waterfront donated $1,000 we would hit our $10MM goal. But what do we know? Not everyone can give that much, but many of the community of Jackson Park users can give even more. We need your help now.
So please join the 3 kids in the afterschool program, who, inspired by last Saturday’s community meeting, each gave $1 to Miss Robyn, our Jackson Park After School Program Director, to help fundraise for the project. Because that’s how we’ll get to $10 million– just a little generosity at a time.
Thanks for your support,
Jude Deckenbach
Executive Director, Friends of Jackson Park
Help Build this Park HERE
Join Us at Our Community Meeting - Saturday, November 11
It was wonderful to chat with so many neighbors at the Potrero Hill Fest about the Jackson Park renovation project. Please join us at our community meeting to learn more!
Come on down to the Jackson Clubhouse on Saturday, Nov. 11th from 10 - 12 pm to meet your neighbors, learn more about the project and help design the play and open spaces in the renovated Jackson Park.
We will have activities for the kids and coffee and donuts for all, donated by our generous neighbors, Magic Donuts, and Le Marché Cezanne.
Please be sure to rsvp so we are prepared with supplies and snacks for all. Did I mention that we’ll have donuts?
Introducing the New Friends of Jackson Park Board
Last night was our first in-person meeting with the new Friends of Jackson Park Board. The agenda covered an in-depth discussion of the financial plans to fund our upcoming renovation and the marketing and communications approaches to share our vision for Jackson Park with the community.
We all also appreciated the break from our virtual conversations and the chance to connect in-person. For instance, many people learned that the Marketing and Communications Committee Leads Lena and Alex are huge Barry’s Bootcamp fans. We learned who our “cat people” and “dog people” are. And we learned who from our Board knows just about everyone in Potrero (we’re looking at you, Jude and Elain).
There are 60 days until our November 11 Community Meeting at the park. At this public meeting, we will share the approved park renovation plans and discuss our goal to raise $40 million in the next 3 years. We also look forward to socializing with our neighbors and fun activities for kids. For us, the clock has started and we are excited for you all to join us on the journey to our new park! While Jackson Park is fortunate to have many volunteer clubs and organizations that are helping out with our cause, we are still looking for input on the new name, activities at the park, and campaign to renovate. You can reach us at: info@friendsofjacksonpark.org.
Special thanks to Thee Parkside for the incredible hospitality, live music, and never-ending tater tots and beer. Get involved and shape the future of Jackson Park.
Why I’m involved in FoJP by board member, Jack Alber
Jackson Park has been a home-away-from-home for me for almost all of my life. When I was a young kid I had a standing Sunday afternoon playdate with two of my best friends that usually took place on the expansive grass fields of Jackson Park. We’d run around it till we were exhausted, playing increasingly convoluted games of football, always inventing a new kind of rule to make even teams out of our odd numbers.
When I was a kid it seemed truly endless, an island of infinite green nestled with the city’s gray embrace.
Throughout 2020 when everything we knew was upended, that plane of green was a crucial refuge to relax and stretch out while briefly severing your connection to concrete; walls; ceilings; screens; the things that the world had shrunk to. Jackson Park was there throughout, constant while everything else wasn’t.
Jackson Park has always been constant, free of any major improvements or renovations or redesigns since 1999. I’ll be honest, that’s something that I do not love about Jackson Park.
I was three years old the last time Jackson Park was remodeled. In the time between Jackson Park’s last remodel and now I started and finished my entire education, served in the Peace Corps, returned to the US, moved away from Potrero Hill, lived in another city for two years, and now have moved back to Potrero Hill. Each one of those steps took years. All of those steps arguably took longer than renovating a park might (even in SF). Suffice to say, Jackson Park is long overdue for a nice remodel, and Friends of Jackson Park has commissioned an incredible design for one from Fletcher Studios! Jackson Park is a wonderful place, but there are so many ways it can be improved, and this redesign hits everything I could dream of.
With these improvements Jackson Park can increase the amount of trees, increase the amount of unconstructed green space, increase the welcoming feel of the park, and add an amphitheater that could serve as a hub for the Potrero Hill and SoMA communities. It can do all this while preserving the two ball fields with improved lights. It can turn Jackson Park into a beautiful example of what a San Francisco park can be, and in turn remind us that we all have the capacity to make our city better.
That last part is a big reason I joined the FoJP board– I wanted to be a more active participant in the effort to help my community and my city become the best version of itself. A beautiful, newly renovated, up-to-date and welcoming park that offers a variety of different uses is a perfect example of what San Francisco can be as we move forward.
I was thrilled to join the board and meet so many other people equally committed to this goal. Everyone is passionate and excited about the project. It’s been an honor to help so far, and I can’t wait to continue as we move closer and closer to our long held dream of success.
If you’re interested in helping us, make sure to sign up for our mailing list and attend our events! One way to really support the effort is to try and attend as many public hearings and comment forums as you can, and make sure to fill out any google forms that we send out (like our recent one looking for suggestions to rename the park) It is super helpful for us to be able to show the city how engaged Potrero Hill is on this effort– it’s been a big part of our success so far and it will continue to be important over the next phase.
Make sure to keep an eye on the website and all of our social media (Twitter, Instagram and Facebook) for upcoming announcements and ways to support Friends of Jackson Park. 2023 is going to be a big year for us and we’re excited to have you as a part of it. Here’s to a park that we all love and the wonderful future in store for it!
See you at Jackson,
Jack Alber
We’re Approved!
On March 16th the Jackson Park renovation project received unanimous approval from the RecPark Commission. Yahoo! Thank you to everyone who has supported FoJP’s efforts to move this project forward. We really appreciate all the letters, calls and attendance at meetings - you rock! Special thank you to our Design Dream Team from Fletcher Studio and Jackson Liles Architecture who have created a fantastically creative and beautiful design which realizes the community’s desire for more unprogrammed gathering space while adding a space for dogs, a larger learning garden and an indoor/outdoor amphitheater.
We’re raised over $30MM in pledged and donated funds - both public and private - and we just need $10MM more. Stay tuned for details of our equal opportunity fundraising opportunities. We plan on launching a capital campaign this Fall. And as always, we welcome your input, your energy and your ideas.
Community Meeting Update
Thank you to everyone who joined our Community Zoom Meeting on Thursday night. It was great to see so many new faces and long time supporters. We appreciate your staying power as this project is massive and therefore will take a few years until its completion.
Once we receive all the info from SFRPD, we’ll update our website with the slideshow and meeting recording. Until then, please click this link to add your suggestions to the list of potential names for Jackson Park. https://bit.ly/3euyFXb
As always, we want to hear from you!
Time to fix the Tots’ Play Area
Sorry to report that as of this writing, the tots’ play structure is still not fixed. FoJP shares the neighborhood’s frustration of having our repeated requests for maintenance ignored. We will keep you in the loop re: the status of the equipment. Here’s hoping that its fixed before school starts!
The tape has been up for weeks!
A little tape doesn’t stop everyone!
Fun at the Nabe’s STEM Fest
FoJP had a blast at Saturday’s STEM Fest at the Nabe. Special thanks to FoJP Board Secretary, Flannery Alber, and Julie Jackson, Principal, Jackson Liles Architecture, for their super fun project that intrigued budding architects into creating new features for the renovated Jackson Park Playground. Thanks so much to Jessica Holmes and PREFund for inviting us to have a booth!
Renaming of Jackson Park
Jackson Park is named after President Andrew Jackson, whose anti-abolitionist views and policy of the forcible removal of Native Americans from their ancestral homelands, in addition to other contemptible traits and actions on his part make him an undeserving and undesirable namesake of our beloved park.
As part of the renovation project, SFRPD agreed that renaming Jackson Park was appropriate. Outlined by SFRPD protocols, the renaming proposal shall be preceded by extensive community outreach to include letters of support, petitions, and surveys both in-person and online, along with a number of community meetings. Sufficient time will be taken to ensure that the community is well informed of the proposal and has had plenty of opportunity to participate in the process. When a proposed name or list of names has been reached, SFRPD and its commission will give final approval. We believe there is ample time to have the renaming process completed to coincide with the reopening of the park after its renovation.
In consideration of acknowledging the first people living in our area where Jackson Park currently stands, FOJP is in conversation with the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone and the American Indian Cultural District. At our next meeting on Oct. 21st, we will hear from Dr. Jonathan Cordero, the Executive Director of The Association of Ramaytush Ohlone (ARO).
The Ramaytush (pronounced rah-my-toosh) Ohlone are the original peoples of the San Francisco Peninsula. As per the ARO website on what is well-documented in Bay Area history, we know that prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the Ramaytush Ohlone numbered approximately 1500 persons, and by the end of the Mission Period only a few families had survived. Today only one lineage is known to have produced living descendants in the present. Those descendants comprise the membership of the ARO today. To learn more about the Ramaytush Ohlone please visit https://www.ramaytush.org.
With support in the process from Supervisor Walton, interest from Potrero Boosters and coordination with ARO and American Indian Cultural District, and as many community members as possible, Jackson Park’s renaming will be an undertaking that is full of connection and community - what FOJP is all about!
The current name of Jackson Park has stood for nearly one hundred years. With that in mind, FOJP intends to take every measure to reach a broad representation of the community in shaping a meaningful, long-lasting new name that respects both its past and future. We hope you’ll join us!
October 21 Community Meeting
Thursday, October 21
7:00pm - 8:30pm
RSVP:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/166995970443
Join Zoom Meeting
https://sfrpd.zoom.us/j/84886672668?pwd=STNnUld1bGpCVWhCQmk2bkY3TGx6QT09
Meeting ID: 848 8667 2668
Passcode: 338595
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,84886672668#
Dial in: 669 900 6833
Another $5MM for Jackson!
We are thrilled to announce that Mayor London Breed recognizes the importance of the Jackson Park renovation project for not just our neighborhood but for all of San Francisco by including a $5MM line item in her proposed 2021/22 budget for the project. Mayor Breed has listened to the community and has been a long time supporter of this project. Here she is at Jackson during our 2020 Health & Recovery Bond event. Jackson Park will receive $10MM from that bond.
Mayor London Breed supporting Jackson Park’s inclusion in the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond.
April Activities at Jackson
Spring has sprung which means flowers are blooming in our garden, organized sports are happening again on our fields and people are emerging from our past year of hibernation. As SF opens up, follow the neighborhood news on what’s happening at your favorite park and beyond. https://mailchi.mp/8924a0a8c487/april-activities-at-jackson
Spotlight on Jackson Park Players
Meet our board president, Kayla Hughes. Kayla is a San Francisco transplant who loves park so much its her day job too! She typically can be found at Jackson Park enjoying the sun with her boyfriend, before visiting Thee Parkside.
2021 RESOLUTION: Fresh Year Fresh Start - Get Engaged!
The FoJP Board is looking for people interested in getting involved with the park and this project. If you have an affinity for fundraising, finance, book-keeping, marketing and social media and have energy and enthusiasm for building community- JOIN US!
We know there is a tremendous set of skills and gifts, creativity and caring in our community that can benefit a better world. We need your help to create lasting change in our neighborhood.
Check us out! All are welcome to join our meetings every third Thursday of the month at 7pm. https://meet.google.com/euw-vfpe-mvx
Spotlight on Jackson Park Players
Our heartfelt thanks to Roy (our Park Stop Monitor) for keeping our gender neutral restroom clean and safe! Say hi to Roy next time you’re at Jackson Park. He’s there Mon-Wed.
As the Playground Swings
The playground is open but we must follow these rules:
* Wear Masks
* Wash hands
* Social distance
* No more than 1 adult per child/household
Safety First!
Jackson Playground is closed
the fields and courts are open
As of Sunday, Dec. 6th at 10pm, due to surging COVID-19 cases the playground at Jackson Park is closed until further notice. At this time, the courts and fields remain open. Please be sure to wear a mask, maintain social distance from others and be safe.
Civic Design Review today!
Join us today for our Civic Design Review meeting with the Arts Commission. Fletcher Studio and Jackson Liles Architecture will present their fabulous design for the Jackson Park renovation project.
These two firms, working together, designed an ingenious and creative solution to the communities top priorities:
Increased passive open/green space where people can gather.
Improved community center space
Meeting Link:
Password: CDRSFAC
Prop A Rally at Jackson Park
We had a great turnout on Friday morning with city leaders including Mayor Breed, former Mayor Agnos, Supervisor Walton, Assemblymember Chui, Rec Park Commissioners Allan Low and Eric McDonnell, coming together with our community of Jackson Park users in support of Prop A.
Proposition A (SF Health and Recovery Bond) will provide $10 million in critical funding for the Jackson Park renovation. Without this money, it’s unlikely that our beloved park and historic clubhouse will get the attention they need. We urge you to vote YES on Prop A.
We have LOTS of window signs and in this time of COVID that is the way we can publicize our support. Please let us know if you'd like one and it will be delivered to your home or business.
Thanks for your advocacy on behalf of Jackson Park!
