Get to Know Your Space

Spread the word! Let everyone know about your group – including your city District Supervisor, your neighborhood block association, your local police precinct, and local businesses. Before people can help you, they first have to know who you are!

From the very beginning, you should be in close contact with the SF Rec & Park Partnerships and Resource Development Division, Department of Public Works, SFMTA, CalTrain and any other relevant property owners.

As soon as possible, host an event in the park (such as a clean-up, a family picnic day, a nature walk, or even just a sunset-viewing gathering). Advertise wherever possible, and make sure to have a table at the event for recruiting new members and talking about your group. Holding a highly visible event gives you legitimacy and attention, and helps you to meet many neighbors and interested folks.

Everybody knows somebody who can help, whether it’s a lawyer who will help fill out IRS forms, an artist who will design posters, or an old friend of your City Council member. Everyone has different skills and connections to bring to the table, and you might need all of them. Collect contact information for any neighbors you meet, and add it to a database or email list that you can use as needed.