Recreation & Fun

Wednesday, August 12th -- Today, I had the opportunity to visit Parque Ninos Unidos, at 23rd and Treat streets in the Mission. In 2003, this postage-stamp-size park opened up on what used to be an old warehouse and railway site. The overgrown weeds and dirt were replaced with a sparkling park gem for kids in a neighborhood that is one of the most densely populated areas in the city. On this day, the park looked very clean and well-kept, kids were playing outside and a tiny tots program was underway in the clubhouse.

This park also has a great community garden on the east end of the property, where I met with Jim Chappel, former executive director and current Citizen Planning Institute Director of SPUR (San Francisco Planning + Urban Research Association).

After Parque Ninos Unidos, I made my way over to Louis Sutter Playground, on the northeast corner of McLaren Park, where a puppet show was being staged to a story called “Miss Nelson is Missing.”

There was lots of spirit and activity in the clubhouse, which I like to see, however, there was also a little too much junk food still being served here and at other facilities during the summer, something I definitely want to work on.

Assistant Recreation Supervisor Jackie Battle was on hand at Louis Sutter. Jackie is a longtime recreation professional who has a great deal of institutional knowledge and insight on the Department.

Later in the day, I attended a community opportunity fund meeting, where we discussed criteria for a $5 million set-aside that will be distributed to fund community bond projects.