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Supervisors continue consideration of $195 million parks bond after heated public debate over Natural Areas Program
Summary
The committee heard a detailed presentation on a proposed $195 million parks bond and extensive public testimony both supporting the bond’s playgrounds, trails and waterfront projects and criticizing the Natural Areas Program (SynRAMP); the committee voted to continue the bond to a special GAO meeting for further amendment and outreach.
The Government Audit and Oversight Committee considered a proposed $195 million Clean and Safe Neighborhoods parks and open‑space bond for the November 2012 ballot. Rec & Park staff and the Port presented program priorities and project examples; Rec & Park said the bond would fund neighborhood playground renovation, citywide programs such as forestry and trails, water‑efficient landscaping, and a $6 million program contingency. Staff cited conservative cost estimating (4% escalation, 10% project contingencies) and accountability measures including Controller and GOBOC audits.
Dawn Kamala (Recreation & Park Department) outlined allocations highlighted in staff slides: $15.5 million targeted to bring the city’s worst playgrounds up to code and improve accessibility; $5 million for lowering water use in high‑consumption parks; $4 million for forestry to remediate hazardous trees; $4 million for trails focused on erosion control and access improvements; and an expanded Community Opportunity Fund (previously $5M) to support neighborhood projects and leverage matching funds.
The Port requested $35 million for waterfront open‑space projects (included within the $195M total) and described candidate projects such as Pier 43 Promenade, Crane Cove Park and a Northeast Wharf Plaza. Port staff said detailed per‑project allocations remain to be determined by the Board.
Public comment ran for more than an hour and included multiple speakers both supporting the bond for citywide capital needs and opposing the Natural Areas Program (SynRAMP/NAP). Opponents raised concerns about tree removal, trail closures, herbicide use and lack of local notice for NAP projects; several speakers asked the Board to exclude NAP from bond funding or to add limiting language. Supporters—neighborhood advocates, the Parks Alliance, Trust for Public Land representatives and volunteers—argued the bond addresses urgent deferred capital needs across the city and urged voters be given the choice in November.
After public testimony and questions, supervisors agreed to continue item 2 (the bond ordinance) to a special Government Audit & Oversight Committee meeting next Thursday at 10:00 a.m. for further drafting and outreach.
