We sat down with Outer Richmond resident Anna Yatroussis, a founding member and leading force behind the incredible Lincoln Park Steps. Read her interview below to learn more about how she transformed a neglected and broken set of stairs into a welcoming and vibrant thoroughfare!
“I did not expect how big the transformation would be. I had no idea it would gain the attention and popularity it has.
I was taught that taking care of your community starts at your front door and the answer on how to contribute was obvious to me: these big, once beautiful steps were now a dirty and dangerous eyesore that only became worse each day. They were in terrible shape, broken in large chunks, most of the top bench missing, constant broken glass, graffiti, garbage and abandoned mattresses. I walked down the steps everyday taking my daughters to school.
I was invited to be on a committee celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Burke’s School and I was tasked with thinking of how the school could give back to the community. A couple of parents stepped up to help organize and fundraise and we became a committed group that went out into the neighborhood to garner support, and formed a neighborhood group through the San Francisco Parks Alliance.”
“I did not expect how big the transformation would be. I had no idea it would gain the attention and popularity it has.”
“It took seven years total, and SF Parks Alliance supported us by setting up meetings on how to write grants, explaining and guiding through the approval process, showing up at Commision Meetings, and helping manage the construction phase.
I was always positive during the selling of the idea. Many thought the investment would be a waste and that it would attract more negative social issues… but I had to believe that improving an already naturally beautiful location would bring positive change and attention.
I am so proud of the final result. What was once a tucked away, neglected corner of the city is now a welcoming destination that radiates beauty down California Street. Over the five years since we cut the ribbon, there has been an incredible increase of neighborhood activity of people jogging, walking their dogs, up the steps. It is now a destination for tourists, wedding photos, graduation photos, and cars stop everyday to look and take a quick photo in front of the steps!”