More than a decade ago Friends of Jackson Park (FoJP) and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (SFRPD) launched an effort to renovate and enlarge Jackson Park. The redesign features a refurbished and relocated clubhouse, indoor/outdoor amphitheater, and communal plaza.
As the population of Potrero Hill and adjacent neighborhoods has grown, “the demand for quality community space has never been higher,” said Daniel Montes, a SFRPD spokesperson.
FoJP has secured roughly $30 million of the estimated $40 million project cost. A significant portion of the money is dedicated to SFRPD oversight. Funds have come from multiple sources, including the 2020 Health & Recovery Bond, General/Open Space Funds, neighborhood developers, and individual donors. Over the past year FoJP has raised an additional $120,000 and secured $1.5 million in pledges from benefactors
The goal is to break ground in 2027, after completion of design and construction documents, and contractor selection.
Jude Deckenbach, director of Friends of Jackson Park, acknowledged ongoing fundraising challenges, citing “blowback from the SF Parks Alliance debacle” as a key hurdle. “Residents of 94107 have strongly expressed their support for the project,” she maintained, claiming that the City and County will fill any funding gaps.
FoJP will host the second “Play in Your Park Party” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 6, on Carolina Street between Mariposa and 17th streets. The block party will feature local vendors, music, and food. More than 400 people attended the inaugural event in 2019; organizers expect an even bigger turnout this year.
Danny Pham 
Chaitanya Tondepu 
Mark Steensland