Supervisors back fee waivers for veterans at San Francisco parks with limited fiscal amendments

The Budget and Finance Committee voted Dec. 1 to send to the full Board of Supervisors an ordinance that would waive or reduce fees for veterans and active members of the U.S. armed forces at selected Recreation and Park facilities.

Supervisor Gordon Marr, sponsor of the ordinance, described the proposal as a way to thank veterans and help their mental and physical well‑being by expanding free or reduced access to the Japanese Tea Garden, Botanical Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, certain aquatic facilities and other Rec & Park amenities. The Budget and Legislative Analyst estimated the ordinance could reduce Rec & Park fee revenue by an estimated $320,000–$757,000 annually, depending on usage assumptions.

Supervisor Marr offered two amendments after consulting with Rec & Park: one removes Coit Tower from the fee waiver list because the Tower is run under a separate operating contract that would be jeopardized by a fee waiver; the second amendment (to be drafted by the City Attorney) narrows the initial roll‑out to San Francisco resident veterans and makes expansion to non‑residents contingent on identifying a revenue source in the next budget cycle. The committee accepted the Coit Tower amendment and approved forwarding the ordinance as amended with a positive recommendation.

The item drew broad public comment: dozens of callers representing veterans’ groups, the Veterans Success Center, members of the public and veterans themselves called in to express support, noting expected benefits for mental health and community reintegration. Supporters argued fee waivers would improve access and could stimulate ancillary revenue (gift shop and concessions) and family visits.

The committee’s action sends the amended ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation; Supervisor Marr said he would introduce the residency amendment at the full Board meeting after the City Attorney finalizes language.