Back in 1997, a handful of neighbors got together to form the Park Presidio Neighbors. Working with other residents and the SF Park and Rec Dept., the PPN has spearheaded improvement and maintenance projects for the 23-acre parkland that runs alongside Park Presidio Boulevard.
During the 1906 earthquake, the boulevard was turned temporarily into a campground of pitched tents and wooden shacks for the homeless. A few years later, workers were brought in to clear the sand dunes and connect Park Presidio Boulevard with the stretch of 19th Avenue via Golden Gate Park. At that time, the strips of parkland you see today were established.
Today, the Park Presidio parkland has no regular gardener, so the PPN holds regular workdays (the last Saturday of the month) to remove litter and trash, clear overgrown foliage and plant new trees and flowers. They put in thousands of bulbs a year and organize a tree planting every fall.
Park Presidio Boulevard presents a special maintenance challenge, often falling victim to the “it’s not my job” syndrome. The boulevard is part of Highway 1, so technically it belongs to the federal government and they are responsible for its upkeep. But when’s the last time you saw a federal park workcrew in San Francisco? As a result, the work of PPN becomes even more important. It’s these neighbors that live alongside the park who care for it most.
From their website: “While our primary goals still include the maintenance and beautification of the blocks adjoining the Boulevard, we have expanded these goals over the last few years to include enhanced pedestrian and vehicular safety, new traffic calming measures, irrigation and lighting, and an active neighborhood watch program.”
Even if you don’t live right along Park Presidio Boulevard, the PPN can use your help. You can particpate in neighborhood cleanup days, join one of the working committees, or support PPN with an annual membership. Visit their website FAQ to find out more. And if pulling weeds or planting isn’t your thing, PPN can always use your financial support through membership.
Way to go PPN! Thanks for all that you do.
Sarah B.
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