Re: Community Opportunity Fund - Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, nearby trails, and general improvements

[Linda Stark Litehiser]

Hi, Tom & all-I’m happy to post your information to the Collaborative. There is a summery of last nights meeting, I will try to get that out today as well. I think you should be able to share your information yourself but we can get it out. We have info on 3 of the 4 proposed COF grants. 

We have had a policy for the Collaborative for years of being an Info sharing facilitator between groups, the department  & individuals  rather than taking specific positions. 

I’ll personally be supporting your Amp improvement project. 

Thanks for letting us know, you could not post the info. 

Linda 

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 12, 2026, at 1:23 PM, Tom Murphy <jerry...@gmail.com> wrote:



All - great meeting last night.  Thank you.  

Below is information on our proposal. Can we get this posted to the McLaren park Google groups?  I've sent a couple of times before the meeting.  One email bounced back because of the pictures, etc. 

It's great to know that the main idea in this proposal has been talked about / supported for years.  Thank you to those who've been advocating for that.  

As I expected the MPC doesn't endorse projects so looking for individual / other group letters of support.  Thank you to help McLaren park for sending one.

Please feel free to send them to:  in...@jerryday.org

Lauren - I will take out requests regarding the bathroom and bike racks / bike share.   Would love to check in with you on other items ( signage, etc ).

For future meetings, as requested, I would be happy to host.  

Thank you in advance for positive advocation of JGA and McLaren Park ( 100 year anniversary ) 

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Tom Murphy <jerry...@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 11, 2026, 3:23 PM
Subject: Community Opportunity Fund - Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, nearby trails, and general improvements
To: Chavez, Lauren (REC) <lauren...@sfgov.org>, Giacchetti, Laura (REC) <laura.gi...@sfgov.org>, Bishop, Lamonte' (REC) <lamonte...@sfgov.org>, Choi, Daniel (REC) <danie...@sfgov.org>, Ward, Alexis (REC) <alexi...@sfgov.org>, <mclarenparkc...@googlegroups.com>, TRILCE & CHARLES <helpm...@gmail.com>, Excelsior Action Group <in...@eagsf.org>, <he...@portolasf.org>, gleneag...@gmail.com <gleneag...@gmail.com>

All - McLaren Park Stakeholders, SF Rec & Park staff, etc...

I hope everyone is doing well!

 

We were very pleased to receive the recent approval letter from SF Rec & Park allowing our Community Opportunity Fund proposal to move forward. Thank you to everyone involved in reviewing and supporting the application.

 

One of the points noted in the approval letter was connecting with the McLaren Park Collaborative as we move into the next phase of planning. I’m reaching out to share more detail on the primary focus of our proposal and to begin that conversation with the group at tonights zoom call. 

 

Primary Project Focus – Repaving Key Access Routes

 

The main component of our proposal is addressing the deteriorating pavement along the primary entrance and main entrance to Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. This route is an important access point not only for amphitheater visitors but also for users of the Crosstown Trail and Philosopher’s Way who pass through this section of McLaren Park.

 

The sections we are proposing to address include:

The main entrance roadway leading to Jerry Garcia Amphitheater

The area near the fork in the road where visitors split toward the amphitheater and the trail systems

The trail access routes used by the Crosstown Trail and Philosopher’s Way

The continuation of this road / trail leading toward Cambridge Street and John F. Shelley Drive

 

While the first section of the entrance (off of john f shelly) is in the best condition, it could still benefit from preventative work. The pavement condition progressively worsens as you move closer to the Rec & Park maintenance house/office and becomes particularly degraded along the main road approaching the amphitheater, around the fork in the road, and along the trail connection leading toward Cambridge Street.

 

Attached photos highlight these conditions, including:

The main road leading toward the amphitheater

The area around the fork in the road

The road section connecting toward Cambridge Street

 

Our goal is to improve safety, accessibility, and overall user experience for amphitheater visitors, staff, crew, park users, artists, and trail users alike.

 

Additional potential Improvement Opportunities (Conceptual):

In addition to the pavement work, we are also exploring several smaller improvements that could enhance the area. Some of these may overlap with planned bond-funded work, so coordination will be important. Potential improvements include:

 

Installation of bike racks and potentially bike share stations

A Jerry Garcia interpretive sign highlighting the musicians accomplishments and growing up in the area

Bathroom improvements (lighting, paint, general refresh) (if not already planned under bond projects?)

A larger display board on the bathroom wall for park and event information (possibly bond-related?)

A display board or marquee near the main entrance or fork in the road for wayfinding and amphitheater announcements

Trail signs towards Cambridge with directions for philosphers way, the amphitheater, and crosstown trail.

Landscaping improvements near the Green Room area

 

Other small improvements that may arise through collaboration with park staff and community partners

 

At this stage, our main objective is to ensure alignment with stakeholders and Rec & Park staff while prioritizing the repaving work that addresses the most immediate infrastructure need.

 

I welcome any feedback, guidance, or ideas from the group as we move forward.

 

Thank you all again for your continued work supporting McLaren Park and the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater.

 

Best regards,

Tom F Murphy

Jerry Day / Friends of JGA

 

<Main Road Up to Fork.jpg>

<Main Road Up to JGA.jpg>

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