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Emerald Fund donates half‑acre Emerald Park to city; mayor and Parks Alliance back Google‑funded Wi‑Fi rollout
Summary
Developers donated a new half‑acre park to the San Francisco Parks Alliance under a perpetual conservation easement; donors will cover construction and an estimated $45,000/year maintenance. Separately, city officials and Google announced a $600,000 gift to install free Wi‑Fi in 31 parks across the city beginning this winter.
A private land donation and a public‑private technology gift were announced during the Planning Commission meeting Aug. 8.
Alastair McTaggart of the Emerald Fund announced that the firm is donating a half‑acre park in the Rincon Hill/Rincon area to the San Francisco Parks Alliance under a perpetual conservation easement that guarantees the site will remain a public park. "Emerald Park will be open to the public every day of the year," McTaggart said, and the donors will fund continued upkeep and a forthcoming children’s play structure. Partner Oz Ericsson said annual maintenance is currently estimated at about $45,000.
Rosemary Cameron, president of the Parks Alliance, said the board unanimously accepted the easement and praised the private stewardship model that removes the maintenance burden from the city. "This is a big win for San Franciscans," she said.
At the same event Mayor Ed Lee and city technology officials announced a separate initiative: a $600,000, no‑strings gift from Google to fund free Wi‑Fi in 31 parks and plazas across San Francisco, prioritized for both highly trafficked and underserved sites. City staff expect installation to begin in December and to finish by spring next year. Mark Tuohy, director of the Department of Technology, and Recreation & Park staff will manage the technical implementation and operations on Rec & Park properties.
The dual announcements highlight private partnerships to expand public open space and digital access in the city without immediate maintenance costs to the municipal budget.
Speakers quoted: "Emerald Park will be open to the public every day of the year," said Alastair McTaggart. Regarding Wi‑Fi, city officials said Google provided a $600,000 gift "with no strings attached."
