Committee adopts veterans amendment and continues proposed Gardens of Golden Gate Park changes for more review

The Budget & Finance Committee took up two related items Feb. 2 to merge the San Francisco Botanical Garden, Japanese Tea Garden and Conservatory of Flowers under a single lease/management framework and to permit flexible pricing for nonresident admission while waiving fees for city residents.

Supervisor Gordon Marr moved an amendment to extend the proposed resident fee waiver to nonresident military veterans; the committee adopted the amendment by roll call. Because the amendment was substantive, the committee then continued items 4 and 5 to the Feb. 9 meeting to allow Rec & Park and the Mayor’s office to finalize language and examine fiscal impacts.

Supporters — including volunteers, board members and veterans‑serving organizations — said the merger and flexible pricing will stabilize revenue for specialized plant collections and expand public programming. “These gardens are living museums,” said Lisa Sermon of the Botanical Garden Society, noting the need for a reliable Garden Improvement Fund. Veterans advocates and the department offered examples of outreach and volunteer opportunities that would accompany expanded veterans access.

Some callers urged more free days, clearer governance safeguards, and transparency around past management agreements. Rec & Park staff said they support the amendments and will continue to work with supervisors to refine the ordinance and implementation plans.

The committee voted to adopt the veterans amendment (roll call: three ayes) and to continue the items to Feb. 9 so staff can address substantive changes before final action.