Local contractors and community members rallied at the San Francisco County budget and finance committee meeting, passionately advocating for the approval of a new park project aimed at benefiting youth and local businesses. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for hiring local contractors to ensure that the project not only gets built but also provides job training opportunities for the community.

Will Kearney, a small local contractor, emphasized the importance of the park for youth development, stating, "We definitely need this opportunity... so we could train some of the people for some of the work in the future." His sentiments were echoed by Jose, a worker from Swinnerton Builders, who took time off to support the project. He expressed gratitude for the committee's transparency and diligence, urging them to secure the necessary funds to complete the project for the benefit of families in the neighborhood.

Kurt Grimes, another community member, called for a connection to equity, highlighting the positive impact the project would have on local businesses and youth. "This is something that does work," he asserted, urging the committee to proceed with the project without delay.

Gloria Barrett, a supporter of the initiative, stressed the need for appropriate funding to ensure the program's success, sharing her personal connection as a grandparent of a participant in the Splash and Swim program.

The meeting underscored a collective community effort to push for the park's development, with attendees advocating for local hiring and transparency in funding. As discussions continue, the project promises to create opportunities and foster growth within the San Francisco community.