I am writing to express my strong support for the Michelangelo Park Makeover proposal. Michelangelo Park is an essential open space in our neighborhood, yet much of the park is unusable due to poor drainage. The Michelangelo Park Makeover proposal would transform the park by restoring the central lawn space, replacing deteriorated decking, and adding much-needed seating.

 

 

 

 

Currently the lawn, which makes up a third of this compact park, is a mucky sinkhole year-round due to poor grading and drainage. As a result, the lawn goes underused, and the pathways and shaded seating beyond it are often overlooked. Creating a healthy lawn would breathe life into the park, providing a welcoming place for both active play and quiet relaxation while reconnecting the park’s currently fragmented spaces. Children could freely run across the park rather than avoiding the muddy center. Picnics and lawn games would be possible. The impact of this one improvement would be transformative. 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the wooden stairs and deck are worn and neglected, making splinters commonplace. The park’s only picnic table also sits fully exposed. Replacing the aging wood with more durable materials and adding a slatted pergola would transform the picnic area and entry stairs into an inviting gathering space for visitors of all ages. 

The park also has limited seating options. Incorporating a seat wall around the lawn, similar to the design at Francisco Park’s oval, would offer a relaxing space for parents, kids, and neighbors. 

In this densely populated neighborhood, where steep hills limit access to many parks, Michelangelo Park fills a critical need. It’s the secondary playground for the two public elementary schools that frequent the park, a daily gathering place for dog walkers and a preferred location for birthdays and celebrations.  

I strongly encourage the Community Opportunity Fund Review Committee to select the Michelangelo Park Makeover proposal so this vital neighborhood park can better serve the residents, students, and families who rely on it every day.