Download the Draft Open Space Framework, including: A Draft Citywide Vision for Open Space PDF 12 MB   A Draft Update of the Recreation and Open Space Element PDF 7 MB The Draft Open Space Framework, including the Draft Citywide Vision for Open Space and Draft Update of the Recreation and Open Space Element were released in May 2009, and comments were accepted on these documents until October 2009. Over this summer, we will convene a series of community focus groups on specific comment areas, and incorporate comments into a Final Draft for Adoption. In the Fall, we will host a citywide open house to discuss the Final Draft. If you have a particular area of interest and would like to be involved, please feel free to contact us. During this time we will also begin environmental review, which is expected to take nine months to complete. Upon completion of the Final Draft for Adoption and associated environmental analysis, we will begin adoption hearings at the City Planning Commission and subsequently the Board of Supervisors. Please check the website frequently for updates or email us if you have any questions.

Project Summary

The Recreation and Open Space Element is the component of the City’s General Plan that provides a 20 year vision and plan for open space in the City. San Francisco last updated the Recreation and Open Space Element in 1986. The existing element provides a strong framework for open space acquisition and guidance on open space usage. The environment has changed in San Francisco over the past 20 years and while these goals will remain strong components of a new Recreation and Open Space Element new growth and new priorities are emerging.

With a legacy of many fine parks and opportunities and potential for improved and new open spaces, San Francisco can achieve an outstanding recreation and open space system. Thus, in November 2007 the Mayor’s Office launched the Mayor’s Open Space Task Force. This Task Force was composed of over 80 landscape architects, open space advocates and residents from around the City. The Task Force has been meeting for almost a year and some themes have been emerging from their work.

• Regional responsibility
• Integrated and multifunctional open space
• Equity and accessibility
• Connectivity
• Ecological function and integrity
• Quality, beauty and innovation
• Health and safety
• Feasible and adaptable open spaces
• Stewardship

As noted above, a draft of the Recreation and Open Space Element has been released for public review. Next steps in the process include receiving community comments on the draft, working with decisionmakers and the public on amendments to this draft, and finally on creation of an Action Plan to implement the City’s vision for open space and the objectives and policies of the ROSE. The Action Plan will be developed as a set of five and ten year implementation programs describing who, how and when specific measures should be taken.