Golden Gate Park Stables Renovation Update
Even Horses aren't Immune to a Bear Market
Phase One GGP Stables Restoration To Begin

Golden Gate Park Stables Renovation Update:
Recreation and Parks Department (RPD) is leading the Phase I construction project. San Francisco Parks Trust (SFPT) will lead Phase II. A contractor has been engaged as has a construction management firm.

RPD is awaiting a permit to begin work, which is expected to be issued before the end of January 2010. The work on Phase I of the renovation is then expected to begin before February 1.

SFPT raised sufficient funds to cover costs for Phase I of construction (which includes razing the grandstands, removing the derelict and non-historic structures, and site grading).

SFPT has not renewed their fundraising efforts for the project yet - the economy is recovering and they are hopeful to begin fundraising again in the near future. Once SFPT begins fundraising and awareness efforts for the project, they will contact the people who wanted to help as well as work to engage new volunteers to help with outreach and fundraising. SFPT is committed to bringing horses back to Golden Gate Park and, again, hope to focus on it in the near future.

For more info contact:
San Francisco Parks Trust, Cynthia@sfpt.org Stables Campaign Director
San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, mary.hobson@sfgov.org Project Manager
- January 2010

Even horses aren't immune to a bear market
A roughly $14 million project to build a new equestrian center in Golden Gate Park is on hold, the latest casualty in the country's economic turmoil.

The nonprofit San Francisco Parks Trust and the city Recreation and Park Department say they plan to go ahead with the first phase of the project -- demolishing the unsafe grandstands at the old stables in the park, removing derelict buildings there and stabilizing the site.

But they don't have the funds to complete the entire project, which includes building new stables and a covered riding area. "It's just a really difficult time for this project," said Karen Kidwell, San Francisco Parks Trust executive director. "We're putting it on hold, but it will go forward at some point."

Kidwell says it's still unclear when the initial phase of the project will start. The trust has raised about $2 million for the project, designed to replace the dilapidated stable grounds that closed in September 2001 and left the city without a public riding facility for the first time in 130 years.

But that $2 million was raised over the last two years, Kidwell said, and fell short of the $2.25 million needed to be raised in one year to qualify for three-to-one matching funds under Proposition G that city voters passed in 2007.

The initial phase is also dependent on state funds for park improvements and coastal protection, money that is now tied up in the state budget impasse in Sacramento.

All of that leaves us well shy of $14 million.
"We have had to adjust our restoration schedule," Kidwell said.
-John Coté, SF Gate, 02/04/09

Phase One GGP Stables Restoration To Begin
Additional Restoration Phases Postponed
For Immediate Release

January 26, 2009
Contact: Peter W. Tucker Phone: 415.871.5881

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco Parks Trust (SFPT) and the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department (RPD) are currently redefining the phasing and initial scope of the project for the Equestrian Center at Golden Gate Park Stables. At this time, we will move forward with Phase 1 of the project, but have determined that postponement of the remaining phases is the best course of action in this time of economic uncertainty.

Phase 1 includes two integral steps towards the overall project vision: 1) demolishing the unsafe grandstands and building a retaining wall and 2) removing the other derelict buildings and grading and stabilizing the site around these buildings.

“San Francisco Parks Trust has been a stalwart partner of Recreation & Park, and their fundraising efforts have been key in restoring gems in Golden Gate Park such as the Conservatory of Flowers and the Koret Children’s Quarter Playground.” said Jared Blumenfeld, General Director of the Recreation & Park Department, “We are pleased by the important first steps being taken to bring horseback riding back in Golden Gate Park to the public.”

The decision to put on hold the additional phases of the restoration was not made lightly and both organizations are firmly committed to realizing a new Equestrian Center at Golden Gate Park Stables. The current economic climate has had a severe negative impact in the philanthropic world and on fundraising for this project. In spite of concerted outreach to potential supporters in the project, we will not able to meet the goal of $2.25 million by March 31, 2009 to achieve the three to one match of funds for Proposition G passed by voters.

SFPT & RPD will move forward with Phase 1 of the project with the generous contributions received to date, combined with the public funding committed by RPD from Proposition 40—California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002—to implement Phase 1 of the project. Proposition 40 funding is due to be allocated after the State of California passes a new budget. We have postponed the other phases of the project until we can resume fundraising.

“When completely restored, the historic stables in Golden Gate Park will once again provide an exciting public recreation opportunity for all in the San Francisco community,” said Karen Kidwell, Executive Director of San Francisco Parks Trust, “but we have had to adjust our restoration schedule responsibly to reflect the economic climate.”

We know that San Franciscans share our belief that the Equestrian Center at Golden Gate Park Stables is an important component in the overall revitalization of Golden Gate Park. RPD and SFPT are committed to the realization of this vision. We plan to continue our outreach to potential supporters and, at a later date, resume the campaign to raise the needed funds for the complete restoration of this park gem.

Until then, we are eager to move forward with Phase 1 when Proposition 40 funds are made available by the State and invite continued comments, ideas, and financial support.
-San Francisco Parks Trust, January 2009








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