The Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy is blooming! In mid-June, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the lease to form the Conservancy, a new nonprofit organization to manage Yerba Buena Gardens — the civic heartbeat of Yerba Buena’s cultural, convention and visitor district.
“The YBCBD is proud to have actively participated in and financially supported the formation of the Conservancy,” said YBCBD Executive Director Cathy Maupin.
The YBCBD provided a loan for start-up and legal costs to help jump start the formation and to get it across the finish line. Over several years, residents, nonprofit and cultural organizations, city agencies and businesses gave their time and talent to create the Conservancy. The Conservancy officially began oversight of the gardens on July 1.
“The Conservancy is focused on sustaining the integrity and interconnectedness of the Gardens so it flourishes as a vibrant, accessible, public space in the urban heart of San Francisco,” said Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy Interim Executive Director Scott Rowitz.
Yerba Buena Gardens is a civic treasure that millions enjoy each year. It is an urban oasis with landscaped lawns, performance, entertainment, dining and cultural venues, and play areas open to all. The gardens are home to the Contemporary Jewish Museum, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and fountain, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, and many works of public art. It also features a children’s garden, tot lot and play circle adjacent to the Children’s Creativity Museum, ice skating rink, bowling center, and historic carousel.
