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Recreation and Park Commission renames Waller Street skate plaza for local skater Zion W. Gaines
Summary
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission voted Feb. 20 to rename the Waller Street skate plaza on Stanyan Street to Zion Skate Plaza, honoring Zion W. Gaines and authorizing a commemorative plaque. Family members, community groups and commissioners spoke in support before the unanimous vote.
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission voted Feb. 20 to rename the Waller Street skate plaza on Stanyan Street to Zion Skate Plaza and authorized the department general manager to approve wording and placement of a commemorative plaque honoring Zion W. Gaines.
The change recognizes Gaines, a skater and community organizer who co-founded Friends of Waller to keep the skate plaza safe and inclusive, department staff said. Beverly Ng of the Recreation and Parks Department presented the proposal and said the name would "recognize Zion's amazing contribution to the skateboarding community in San Francisco." (Beverly Ng, Recreation and Parks Department.)
The proposal drew several family members and community supporters who described Gaines's local work. Betty — identified in the meeting as Gaines's grandmother — told the commission he "was gentle, he was kind, he was loving" and thanked the commission for honoring him. Liz Jackson Simpson, chief executive officer of Success Centers, described Gaines as "an incredible skateboarder" who mentored young people and led community drives; Natalie Foyer, identified as his aunt, described his longtime community giving, including backpack and food giveaways.
Commissioners praised the community process and the department's work. Commissioner Hallasey noted the operations committee had reviewed the item Feb. 6 and that the naming had broad community support; Commissioner Mazzola called the renaming "a no-brainer" and said the plaza reflected what Gaines embodied. President Anderson read the calendar item and called for a motion.
The commission voted to approve the renaming and to authorize the general manager to finalize the plaque's wording and location. Commissioners present voiced unanimous support and the chair announced the motion passed without opposition.
Department staff said a commemorative plaque will be installed to record Gaines's biography and contributions; the department will coordinate details with the family and community partners. Family members and community organizations said they plan to continue events at the plaza in Gaines's name.
