The 2010 effort to keep Strybing Arboretum open to all is now under way

Keep San Francisco Public Resources Free

The Recreation and Park Department (RPD) is proposing to charge fees for admission to the Strybing Arboretum, and restrict public access to this truly peaceful and beautiful public garden. Visitation is reportedly expected to drop by half once a fee is imposed.

Last year, on June 24, 2009 after a vigorous campaign and petition drive (over 5,000 signers) the Board of Supervisors budget committee unanimously overturned the Mayors ordinance to impose an entrance fee at the SF Arboretum/Botanical Garden.

On January 21, 2010 the SF Recreation and Park Department presented to its commissioners and the public their renewed intention to charge an entrance fee as a revenue source for their 2010/2011 budget.

Charging fees transforms the garden into a tourist destination

The Arboretum is a city-wide treasure, a wonderful refuge, an educational resource, and like many important local spaces such as community centers, recreation facilities and neighborhood parks, needs to be protected. It is clear the overwhelming public response demands that the Arboretum remain free as it has been for 69 years and be open to all, both residents and non-residents. The Arboretum is on public land supported by public taxes and funding. Permanent gates and fees will transform this cherished historic garden and urban sanctuary into a revenue-generating destination spot marketed for tourists and one-time visitors. This would alter its intimate nature and would be an irreversible loss to San Francisco.

The public interest should be preserved - handle this temporary crisis responsibly

The RPD and Recreation and Park Commissioners must deal with this temporary budget crisis without permanently damaging this citizen landmark by taking away another previously free public resource for those who can pay to access it. The RPD budget process is on-going now and your input is crucial to deciding the fate of the Arboretum. To sign our petition, please follow the links on this page. Importantly, please contact the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission and your City Supervisor immediately to let him/her know about your opposition to any fee being charged to access the Arboretum and that you support the preservation of remaining free public spaces.

Contact Rec and Park Commissioners

Contact the Budget Committee Supervisors

Sincerely,

The Keep Arboretum Free Campaign