Neighborhoods press Rec & Park to buy pocket parks in Lower Nob Hill and Tenderloin

Community leaders from Lower Nob Hill, Lower Polk and the Tenderloin told Supervisors on Oct. 17 that their neighborhoods lack accessible outdoor open space and urged Recreation and Park Department acquisition of smaller parcels now rather than waiting for a large‑site opportunity.

Yael Golan, deputy director of planning for Rec & Park, explained the department’s acquisition policy, the ROSE greater/lesser needs mapping that guides priorities, and the acquisition process (site evaluation, environmental assessment, appraisal, Prozac and commission consideration, and Board of Supervisors approval). Rec & Park said staff contracted a broker who reviewed 136 potential parcels in D3/D5/D6 and narrowed the list to a handful of higher‑potential candidates; the open space acquisition fund balance at the end of FY22/23 was projected around $10.4 million but existing obligations and planned acquisitions reduce the currently unobligated amount.

Department staff said they prefer parcels around 5,000 square feet for a fully functioning park and community garden but were willing to consider clustering adjacent small lots or smaller pocket parks where community need is acute. Multiple speakers—including the Lower Nob Hill Neighborhood Alliance and Lower Polk Community Benefit District—pressed the department to acquire smaller sites (2,000–4,000 sq ft) in the “Donut Hole” area to serve thousands of nearby residents living in single‑room occupancy hotels and supportive housing.

Rec & Park noted acquisition is often opportunistic (a willing seller is required) and the department must consider contamination, historic status and long‑term maintenance costs; the department said it will continue outreach and bring promising candidates through its regular Prozac/commission process.

What happens next: Rec & Park will continue due diligence on the candidate parcels, engage community stakeholders and report back through Prozac and the commission; supervisors and community groups said they will collaborate to identify and prioritize sites.