Summary notes and chat from Zoom meeting for McLaren Park Collaborative, Wednesday March 11, 2026

[Linda Stark Litehiser]

The meeting began at 6:33pm. A full 1 1/2 hour recording is also available by request. Copied here is the summary from our virtual assistant--with some edits for clarity.  We have also been asked to provide more contact information on the COF grant proposals. Two have already been sent out-- Joel Winter's Multi-sport court plan and Tom Murphy's JG Amphitheater enhancements.  We will attempt to get the details for the other two. We will also send out the information from RPD on the nature play experience grant opportunity. 

Quick recap

The meeting focused on three grant proposals for McLaren Park's Community Opportunity Fund. Joel Winter presented a proposal for a multi-use court, explaining design features and potential locations including Lewis Sutter Playground, Mansell and Shelley, University and Olmsted, Sunnydale lot, and upper reservoir areas. Albert Sandoval proposed installing solar LED lighting at Lewis Sutter Playground, including 21 new light posts and 3 under-easement lights for safety and security. Tom Murphy discussed improvements to the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, specifically focusing on repaving roads and paths that connect to the SF Crosstown Trail. Maria Durana from Rec and Park presented a nature exploration area project, proposing to install a nature play space at the corner of Olmsted and University Street, though concerns were raised about the windiness of the location and potential for increased activity. The meeting also addressed the proposed Pacific Islander Cultural District designation, with Anna raising concerns about McLaren Park being included in this district without proper community input. Lauren provided updates on ongoing projects including McLaren Trails completion, upper reservoir parking lot closure for crosswalk work, and various 2020 bond improvements including paving and bike rack installations.

Community Opportunity Fund Grant Support

The meeting began with Linda Litehiser welcoming participants and discussing the purpose of the meeting, which was to support individuals who have applied for Community Opportunity Fund grants. She mentioned that three applicants would be present to explain their projects and seek support from others. Wellington noted that the meeting was scheduled for 6:31, and Linda confirmed the recording was set up using both a human and AI assistant. Participants were reminded to mute their microphones to avoid background noise, and the meeting officially started at 6:33.

McLaren Park Multiuse Sports Count

Joel Winter presented a proposal for a multi-use court in McLaren Park, highlighting its design features and potential locations. He explained that the court would enhance recreational opportunities, foster community stewardship, and be maintained by users. Joel emphasized the project's community support, noting its approval in the McLaren Park visioning plan. He urged attendees to sign a petition in support of the project and encouraged them to write letters if they were motivated to do so.

Joel presented a vision plan for a multi-use sport court, focusing on location options. Chuck raised concerns about potential conflicts with an equestrian center and bike park plans, while also expressing support for the free court concept.

Opposition to Playground Development

Albert expressed strong opposition to plans for a multi-use facility at Lewis Sutter Playground, arguing that the area is already overcrowded and the community was never consulted about the proposal. He emphasized that the playground was donated as open space and should remain accessible to local residents without additional restrictions.

Solar Lighting and Park Improvements

Albert Sandoval presented a proposal for installing solar LED lighting in McLaren Park, focusing on safety and security improvements. He detailed plans for lighting the maintenance yard, nursery, and various park areas, emphasizing that this project should have been completed using existing bond funds but is now being pursued through a grant.

Jerry Garcia Amphitheater (area) improvements

Tom Murphy discussed improvements to the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, including repaving roads and paths, and mentioned ongoing bond-funded projects for bathroom improvements and lighting. Lauren clarified that the amphitheater bathroom lighting is already covered under a 2020 bond project. Albert advised Tom to ensure his grant proposal is standalone and not tied to existing Rec and Park projects.

Nature Exploration Area Proposal

Maria of RPD presented a proposal to create a nature exploration area at McLaren Park, which would be the 16th such area in San Francisco. The project has funding and aims to bring in Nick Moore from Colorado for a workshop in April to train local installers and contractors. The proposed site is at the corner of Olmsted and University Street, chosen for its flatness, space for creativity, and minimal interference with park views and activities. Melanie, who lives near the proposed site, expressed concern about the windiness of the location, which Maria acknowledged but noted that the project team had considered this factor in their selection.

Nature Play Area Site Discussion

Maria discussed the location for a new nature play area, with Melanie expressing concerns about the proposed site and suggesting alternative locations closer to picnic areas and family gathering spots. Maria acknowledged Melanie's input and mentioned that the project has a tight timeline due to funding constraints and the limited availability of the nature play expert from Colorado. Patrick raised a question about public school access to the play area, to which Maria responded by highlighting existing school engagement programs and partnerships with early childhood centers.

Nature Exploration Project Support Meeting

The group discussed a nature exploration area project in San Francisco, with Albert strongly supporting the initiative as a native San Franciscan who believes children should have opportunities to connect with nature. Maria confirmed the project will be presented to the San Francisco Rec and Park Commission next week, and Chuck offered to write a letter of support on behalf of Help McLaren Park, which has 500 members. The group agreed to list McLaren Collaborative as presenters of the project, with Linda noting we don't formally endorse projects but can encourage individual members to send their own letters of support.

Pacific Islander Cultural District Concerns

Anna discussed the Pacific Islander Cultural District proposal, which includes McLaren Park and surrounding areas, and expressed concerns about the lack of public involvement in the process. She urged attendees to contact their supervisors to oppose the ordinance until the greater McLaren Park community has a chance to be heard. Albert shared his personal experience with the Samoan and Tongan communities in Visitation Valley, highlighting their long presence and cultural institutions in the area.

Pacific Islander Cultural District Discussion

The meeting focused on the proposed Pacific Islander Cultural District, with Anna expressing concerns about the inclusion of all of McLaren Park, noting that it does not embody the uniqueness of a cultural district and questioning the community's input in the process. Albert and Chuck Farrugia highlighted the historical context of the park and the need for accurate representation.

Misc. items:

Linda Litehiser emphasized the importance of updating the McLaren Park Collaborative membership list and using Zoom for future meetings. Lauren provided updates on ongoing projects in the park, including trail improvements, bike rack installations, and interpretive signage, while also addressing concerns about the Crocker Amazon ball field project timeline.

Chat notes below:
tom borden 6:52 PM
Chuck, Where did you say you hoped an equestrian center could be sited? Just NE of the intersection of Shelly East and Mansell?

Chuck Farrugia 7:07 PM
Tom....the space next to the last tennis court near Mansell and Shelley. It's out of the dog off leash area and the trail will not interfere with that area or the philosopher's walk.

tom borden 7:09 PM
Thanks Chuck. That area is not used much

Lauren D Chavez 7:07 PM
Yes, lighting at the JGA restroom is included in a Tier 1 2020 Bond project for JGA

tommurphy 7:20 PM
thank you lauren!

tommurphy 7:22 PM
thank you for the presentation Maria

Chuck Farrugia 7:29 PM
I agree with Al. Kids need as many alternative avenues to interest them as possible to compete with their devices. Hope the nature play comes!
Maria....send me an email. helpm...@gmail.com

Lauren D Chavez 7:34 PM
Maria, will the professional development be open? Is there a link for contractors and designers to sign up and participate?

Maria Durana 7:36 PM
Hi everyone, thanks for the overwhelming support. If you have further questions you can reach me: maria....@sfgov.org / Happy to add the names of orgs supporting this project. At this point I don’t think individual letters are needed. We should have enough support. Thank you!

Maria Durana 7:38 PM
@Lauren D Chavez the workshop is by invitation only as we have limited capacity. We are prioritizing contractors and designers involved in city or early childhood projects. If anyone has suggestions on who to include, I’m happy to consider.

Russel Morine 7:49 PM
The PI community in Visitacion Valley is less then 3%

Matthew 7:51 PM
there is a samoan cultural center at the "john mclaren school" near sunnydale.

Chuck Farrugia 7:51 PM
Thanks Anna...thank you for your presentation. I agree with you 100% Keep McLaren out of it!

tom borden 7:52 PM
thanks Linda!

Patrick 7:52 PM
Thanks all

tom borden 7:53 PM
Lauren, How many acres of the park have you fenced off since you got started?

Anna 7:54 PM
amab...@sbcglobal.net

Albert 7:56 PM
This is Al Sandoval great informative collaborative Grant Meeting. Thanks Linda, Chuck, Anna , Maria, Patrick, especially Rec. Lauren Chavez Capital Improvements & Planning Department.
Thanks, Tom Murphy last but not least

tommurphy 7:57 PM
thank you lauren

Chuck Farrugia 7:57 PM
The philosopher's walk could use a few more more wayfinders reinstalled

(In answer to a question about what's new with the Crocker Amazon Baseball, softball project)

Lauren D Chavez 7:58 PM
https://sfrecpark.org/1820/Crocker-Amazon-Baseball-and-Softball-Fie

(Photos below were in the chat and part of Tom Murphy's proposal for COF grant regarding access to the JG Amphitheater )

Thanks for your interest in the group. 

Linda Stark Litehiser

On behalf of the McLaren Park Collaborative