In January, SF Mayor London Breed proposed legislation to make admission free for SF residents visiting Golden Gate Park’s Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers. The Board approved this legislation last month, and now both gardens are officially free to SF residents as of Earth Day on Friday, April 22. Admission to the SF Botanical Garden is already free for SF residents. Prices for non-residents are expected to increase a bit as a result, and all 3 gardens will become free to veterans regardless of residence.
The Board also voted to approve the “Gardens of Golden Gate Park” agreement, which unifies the three gardens under the SF Botanical Garden Society. By eliminating nonprofit redundancies, the estimated savings are $400,000 a year. The gardens will keep their current names, but work on expanding into the future together.
“Access to our city’s vibrant public spaces and cultural institutions is more important now than ever before,” said Mayor Breed. “As our city continues to reopen, providing equitable admission to historic attractions where residents can gather safely and engage in enriching activities is critical to the development of our city. Now, income won’t be a barrier in preventing San Franciscans from experiencing the Gardens of Golden Gate Park.”
“The Gardens of Golden Gate Park, with their rich history, educational programs and collections, are treasures belonging to all San Franciscans,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “We are thrilled that these wonderful attractions are becoming even better and more welcoming.”
Featured image: Pung via Shutterstock