Friends of Balboa Park SF Newsletter (Q2 2024 Edition)

Hi all -
Thanks for all the support and enthusiasm for continuing to make Balboa Park a vibrant place for us to gather, exercise and recreate!! Hope you'll join us on Saturday, June 1, 10-12 at the Parents Meetup at the recently updated playground. 

We've been super busy this past month or so getting Friends of Balboa Park off the ground. Here's a few updates about what we've been working on. 

Rec & Park Connections

We’ve connected with key SF Rec & Park officials: Andy Kushner (Park Section Supervisor), Carol Sionkowski (Park Service Area Manager), Justin Marshall (Balboa Park Manager), and Susan Sun (Assistant Director, Partnerships). They’ve been supportive and the Steering Committee is now having regular meetings with Susan to help guide our projects.

SF Parks Alliance Application

Encouraged by Rec & Park, we applied to join the SF Parks Alliance. We’ve submitted our application and are waiting to hear back (likely in July/Aug).

NMTIA Presentation Success!

Our recent presentation at the NMTIA meeting was a hit! Lots of support and we welcomed 20 new volunteers.

New WhatsApp Groups

We now have a "Friends of Balboa Park" WhatsApp group with around 40+ members.  Feel free to join using this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DqnRqwaPyspAF6jkj8COUB

Successful Volunteer Day

Our recent volunteer day saw the highest turnout in two years, thanks to the parents network. Justin, the Balboa Park Gardener, is excited about future projects. Join us on the 4th Sunday of every month. Sign up here.

Website

Our new website is live! Be sure to check it out and read our mission and vision. https://www.balboaparkfriends.org/

Steering Committee Established 

A steering committee is in place, and we are meeting regularly to set priorities and establish governance.  This group includes: Paul Hagen, Kulia Fabela, Jamie Patton, Prudence Hull, John Katz, & Chris Campbell. 

Jamie Patton is pushing for more pool hours, connecting with city-wide groups, and discussing options with AJ, the pool manager.

Prudence has gathered 30 signatures from community members supporting the dog park.

We’ve shared our vision for the athletic fields with supervisor candidates. Updates to follow.

Chris is gathering design & cost options for the skate park upgrade. We’ll seek community input soon. 

Paul is working on design and cost options for outdoor fitness equipment to present to Rec & Park.We’ll seek community input soon

RECENT IMPROVEMENTS! Playground and Dog Water Spicket

The playground upgrade is done and everyone is enjoying the new grounds.  In addition, the dog water spicket has been fixed.

Use 311 

We’ve been reminded to put in a 311 notice for anything that needs to be fixed; it will be added to the SF Rec & Park queue and followed up on. https://www.sf.gov/topics/311-online-services

Thank you for your support! Stay tuned for more updates.

Best,

Friends of Balboa Park SF Steering Committee