A HISTORIC PAST
Jackson Playground, dubbed “the largest and most beautiful playground this side of Chicago” in a November 1912 issue of The San Francisco Call, is a historic treasure that has been providing a mixed-use oasis to the residents of Potrero Hill for over 100 years.
Jackson Park has been a historic community hub for recreation and relaxation in San Francisco since 1912 and it continues to serve a diverse group of San Franciscans from all over the city.
In 2013, a group of parents formed the Friends of Jackson Playground (FOJP) group over a shared interest in making the park safer. FoJP has since partnered with SFRPD to create a park renovation project to address the ever increasing need for passive, green open space, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and restoration and improvement of our historic clubhouse.
In 2018, the organization officially changed their name to Friends of Jackson Park when they were approved as a California non-profit corporation.
Timeline
1855
Included in the Van Ness Ordinance of 1855
1875
SF Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution to petition the mayor to make Jackson Park a public park
1912
Jackson Park is dedicated by Mayor Rolph
1937
New playground at Jackson Park is dedicated
1937
July 31st, Jackson Park hosts contestants and fans of the All American Soap Box Derby
1993
An offshoot group from the Potrero Hill Parents Association formed to address the need for new playground equipment
1998
The new playground equipment and tile mural project is completed
2013
FoJP formed in response to a child getting a needle stick in the park
2014
Eastern Neighborhoods Citizen Advisory Committee allocates funding for the project.
2015
FoJP hires Jude Deckenbach as executive director to support the renovation project, shepherd it through all the City agencies and fundraise to support Jackson Park.
2016
FoJP hires VerPlank Historic Preservation Consulting to provide a Historic Research Evaluation on the park and clubhouse.
2016
FoJP & Fletcher Studio hosted 3 community meetings, 9 Stakeholder meetings + countless coffees. Result: Community approved design concept for park’s renovation.
2017
FoJP hires Jackson Liles Architecture (JLA) to design the new community center and restored Clubhouse.
2018
SFRPD rejects community approved design of new Rec Center and promenades. Design team revises design to reflect SFRPD’s desire for a phased plan with the Rec Center a future possibility with fundraising support from the community.
2019
FoJP receives actual and pledged donations (both private and City impact fees) totalling $17MM.
2020
Jackson Park received $10MM from the Health & Recovery Bond - Prop A.
2021-22
Design team continued working with SF Planning and other City agencies on the renovation project plan. Mayor Breed allocates $5MM of her capital projects budget to the Jackson Park renovation project. Initiate the renaming process. Jackson Park receives CEQA clearance and SF Planning approval of the design concept.
2023
On Nov. 11th, we held our first in person community meeting since 2019. Over 100 neighbors attended to learn about the project and give feedback and input on what type of play and park elements they want in both the playgrounds and our open spaces. Our neighbors, Magic Donuts and Le Marché Cezanne provided the coffee and donuts. We had fun activities for the kids, a presentation on the renaming of Jackson Park, a History of Jackson Park by Peter Linenthal and a design workshop facilitated by our architects, Fletcher Studio and Jackson Lilies Architecture.
In March, The Jackson Park renovation project design concept and budget received unanimous approval from the RecPark Commission. In November, the Board of Supervisors approved our project. To help us create a successful capital campaign, FoJP hired Building Blox Consulting, a professional fundraising group. We’ll roll out our “equal opportunity” fundraising campaign in 2024.