SUSTAINABILITY
MODEL /
COMMUNITY SENTIMENT SURVEY
Established in 1977, Candlestick Point State Recreation Area became the first urban park in the California State Park system. This unique shoreline park situated in southeast San Francisco, is home to various species of flora/fauna and wildlife. On a clear sunny day, Mt. Diablo can be seen in the distance. Families can be seen picnicking on the weekends and fisherman rise early for the first catch of the day on the fishing pier located at the most eastern side of the park.
In February of 2022, Parks California and California State Parks led the effort in seeking vendors for a Park Sustainability Model and Community Sentiment Survey. With input from park partners, Golden Gate National Park Conservancy, Literacy for Environmental Justice and the California State Park Foundation, Agora Partners and Polis Institute were chosen to complete the following:
1. Comprehensive assessment of the perception and attitudes of nearby residents related to the park.
2. Research and development of a community informed park sustainability model in support of Candlestick Point State Recreation Area.
Agora Partners and Polis Institute will help gather feedback from community input and park stakeholders to create a vision for Candlestick Point State Recreation Area.
Project timeline for completion is December of 2023:
Summer 2023 - Agora Partners and Polis Institute chosen to complete Community Sentiment Survey and a Park Sustainability Model.
March 2023 - Agora Partners and Polis Institute hold their first community input sessions and park stakeholder meetings.
April 2023 - Story Map created by Polis Institute ( see link below)
May 2023 - Agora Partners and Polis Institute hold a second round of community input sessions and stakeholder meetings.
Funding for this effort is made possible by Parks California and the generosity of private donors who believe that nature enriches people’s lives.
*This page will be updated frequently
THE APPROACH
Community Sentiment Survey
In the last year, park staff and nonprofit partners have expanded park activities for visitors, increased their presence by participating in community events and frequently present at stakeholder gatherings. The events and activities currently being held at the park are informed by earlier community surveys and those captured in the Interpretive Master Plan. The intent of the survey is to measure the impact of these activities on nearby residents. Through this effort, we aim to capture park sentiment, ensure park activities reflect community interest and guide future activities and programs. In addition, this process will help us further understand perceptions surrounding the park that may impact access to Candlestick Point.
Agora Partners and Polis Institute will help us understand if these activities are helping change the perception of the park from nearby community members and set recommendations based on the findings.
Agora Partners and Polis Institute is expected to research the feasibility of the model by engaging multiple stakeholders. In addition, they are expected to thoroughly engage the community surrounding the park to ensure the model will be supported by the community.
Park Sustainability Model
For the past two decades, Candlestick Point SRA and the surrounding community have experienced tremendous change. Between the economic impact of the stadium leaving the area, the poor road conditions and the realities of the impact on the state budget, the park has fallen into a steady decline. While the decline has impacted the park and nearby community, numerous organizations and local leaders continue to push work forward in support of having a thriving state park. In the last two years, the Candlestick Partner Working Group was formed with the goal of bringing park partners together to leverage resources for a stronger impact. Each party is committed to bringing their expertise, staff time and resources for a collective effort. While these organizations have dedicated resources, Candlestick Point needs a park-wide partner that can act as a bridge to the community and walk hand in-hand with state parks to further bring sustainable programs that serve the community. To ensure success, the new entity must have community knowledge, buy-in and engagement, ensure programs are co-created; partner/organization must have the ability to work with a governmental agency to achieve goals. Excellent communications and planning with the CA Department of Parks and Recreation is a must!
PROJECT TIMELINE
Project timeline for completion is December of 2023:
Summer 2023 - Agora Partners and Polis Institute chosen to complete Community Sentiment Survey and a Park Sustainability Model.
March 2023 - Agora Partners and Polis Institute hold their first community input sessions and park stakeholder meetings.
April 2023 - Story Map created by Polis Institute ( see link below)
May 2023 - Agora Partners and Polis Institute hold a second round of community input sessions and stakeholder meetings.
Funding for this effort is made possible by Parks California and the generosity of private donors who believe that nature enriches people’s lives.
*This page will be updated frequently
GROWING TOGETHER DAY
GROWING TOGETHER DAY
Growing Together Day was created by local Bayview artist Joe Colmenares. Colmenares, who specializes in murals, grew up in Bayview and was ecstatic about creating a vivid art piece for his local state park. “I think that’s our duty and our mission—to change how folks view the Bayview and Candlestick and nature and this particular park. Because these are beautiful places where beautiful people live, people who want to and continue to give back.” Colmenares was contracted by Parks California to create a mural on the main entrance kiosk, a mural that would capture highlights of park’s natural beauty. With help from a planning team that consisted of partners from California State Parks, Golden Gate Park Conservancy, and Parks California, Growing Together Day was envisioned.
