This Thursday, May 28, there will be a public hearing to discuss charging an entry fee for the San Francisco Botanical Gardens at the Strybing Arboretum. Since the last meeting in April, the Park & Rec Dept. has modified the proposal to state that residents continue to get free access and that only out-of-town visitors will be charged a $7 fee.
Those opposed to this proposal say it’s unacceptable for a number of reasons: “it allows installation of gates and the requirement to obtain special Park ID cards. This sets the stage for residents to be charged sooner or later. The Japanese Tea Garden went through a similar process and today everyone is charged fees and residents seldom visit that landmark.” The Sierra Club has also weighed in on the issue.
I visited the gardens this weekend and was reminded of how wonderful it is. All the different plant life, hidden paths, beautiful flowers, and the quiet respite it provides from urban life. Doubly special was the ability to park my bike and just stroll in the Friend Gate – no turnstyles, no special ID needed. I would like to be able to extend that same experience to my friends and family that come to visit. Nevertheless, the gardens are in need of additional revenue and this is one way they believe they can meet their financial goals.
So if you care about this issue, please attend the meeting this Thursday evening. Details on where and when are below. In the meantime, I put together a short video of my visit to the Arboreturm this weekend; perhaps it will remind you of what a great gem we have in our own backyard. 😉
Sarah B.
P.S. – If you can’t make the meeting but would like to register your support for not having a fee, sign the online petition.
PUBLIC MEETING: ARBORETUM FEES
Thursday, May 28, 2009
6:30 – 8:00 pm
County Fair Building Auditorium/Hall of Flowers
(9th Ave. at Lincoln Way in Golden Gate Park)
I think they should consider it but ultimately reject it. The botanical gardens are strangely enough a safe refuge within Golden Gate Park and are used by locals for a variety of uses like going for runs, showing kids the ducks and geese and strolling amongst different gardens of the world. It’s the place where the GGP gardeners really show off. keep it free. THOUGH, if they decide to lay off gardeners and then the inside beings to look more wild (like the outside) then they should charge….