Welcome to your India Basin Newsletter for May

Welcome to the latest newsletter for the India Basin Waterfront Park Project, a partnership between the Trust for Public Land, San Francisco Parks Alliance, A. Philip Randolph Institute, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, and the Bayview-Hunters Point community.

The project is environmental justice in action and aims to build a park that is both spectacular and crucial to the health of San Francisco’s southeast communities with an emphasis on public access, social equity, waterfront recreation, resiliency to sea level rise, and habitat and wetland restoration and enhancement.

The proposed plan combines the existing India Basin Shoreline Park area and 900 Innes property into India Basin Waterfront Park, one grand 10-acre waterfront park development that closes a critical gap in the San Francisco Bay Trail. The property is also the mid-point of the one and a half-mile-long India Basin shoreline, which is comprised of seven properties totaling 64 acres, six of seven of which are in some stage of development. As such, there is a unique opportunity to design these properties so that the India Basin shoreline becomes a seamless waterfront park experience on a grand scale.

In this newsletter, you'll receive regular updates on the project's construction, its Equitable Development Plan, and invitations to events and happenings around the project.

News & Announcements

India Basin Waterfront Park Project 2024 Progress Update

The India Basin Waterfront Park project partners, made up of the Trust for Public Land, San Francisco Parks Alliance, A. Philip Randolph Institute, and Bayview-Hunters Point community, are proud to share our progress report for the project as we near the opening of the first half of the park.

The report gives an update on where we are in the construction and highlights our work implementing the project's Equitable Development Plan. The landmark plan, a first for San Francisco, ensures this waterfront park will benefit current Bayview-Hunters Point residents while preserving the culture and identity of the historic neighborhood. It provides a blueprint for delivering a park designed by and for the community while improving economic opportunity and environmental health for its residents.

Highlights include the graduation of 16 community members from the project's workforce development program, the Bayview Safety Swim and Splash program helping more than 100 youth participants become water safe, the opening of the Community Innovation Lab at India Basin Shoreline Park and much more! Read the full report at the link below.

New Program Ready to Set Sail at India Basin Waterfront Park

When the first portion of the India Basin Waterfront Park Project opens to the public at 900 Innes Ave. later this year, the nonprofit Rocking the Boat will take the helm of nautical learning, teaching young people and community members to build boats, row, sail, and restore the waterfront.

Recreation and Park commissioners earlier this month selected the youth development organization to provide programming in Bayview-Hunters Point, including afterschool boatbuilding courses; rowing and local marine ecology education; summer jobs and job readiness training; STEM field exploration and more.



Programming addresses four of the six areas of focus for the project's Equitable Development Plan, which ensures that the waterfront park will benefit current Bayview-Hunters Point residents while preserving the culture and identity of the historic neighborhood.

Currently under construction, the India Basin Waterfront Park project will combine the existing India Basin Shoreline Park area and property at 900 Innes Avenue into one grand 10-acre waterfront park. Rocking the Boat will be based at the Shop Building in the 900 Innes portion of the park, which is slated to open in late 2024 as the second of three phases of the larger project.

The program also pays homage to the park’s rich maritime history. Shipwright’s Cottage (San Francisco landmark 250), which is currently being renovated as a part of the 900 Innes portion of the project, was occupied by shipwrights that built scow schooners at the park site from approximately 1875 until 1926.

Funding for this program comes from the project budget, which earmarked $15 million for the implementation of Equitable Development Plan programming, as well as the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families. For more information, click the link below.

Bayview Swim & Splash Program Receives Donation from Amazon

The Bayview Safety Swim and Splash (BSSS) program has received a $50,000 donation from Amazon to support this free learn-to-swim initiative for youth in Bayview-Hunters Point. A check presentation ceremony was held earlier this month with the program’s participants and partners to commemorate the donation.

The program, a partnership between Rec and Park and the YMCA of San Francisco, offers free swim lessons and water safety instruction to youth K-5 who live or attend school in the 94124 ZIP code.

The goal of the program is to ensure that Bayview-Hunters Point youth are comfortable and confident in the water, meaning that they can swim, float, breathe, and get to safety if needed.

The BSSS program was outlined in the India Basin Waterfront Park Project's Equitable Development Plan to help local youth become water safe ahead of the completion of the park. Learn more about the program and its significance from Axios at the link below.

India Basin Welcomes New Campus Manager Larry Berry

We're excited to welcome Larry Berry to the India Basin Waterfront Park team as the future park's campus manager. When the park opens, he will oversee the campus and take on responsibilities relating to community engagement, visitor experience, event planning, facility management and more.

Larry is native of San Francisco's Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood and a seasoned urban planner with a passion for creating opportunities for underserved communities. He comes from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), where he served as Deputy Director of the Southeast Community Center (SECC). His efforts led to the development of the operating and programmatic structures for the center, resulting in more than 48,000 visitors and 1,300 activations within the center's first year.

Prior to his time with SFPUC, Larry was the Director of K12 at United Way Bay Area, where he managed cross-sector partnerships and led impactful community programs across the Bay Area. He also has extensive experience from his tenure with Japanese Community Youth Council, where he worked on several workforce programs and expanded opportunities for youth with criminal records.

We look forward to seeing Larry at the park soon and ensuring it serves the community to its fullest potential when it opens!

EcoCenter Celebrates Earth Day and 14th Anniversary

We celebrated Earth Day and the 14th anniversary of the EcoCenter in Heron's Head Park last month with The Port of San Francisco! There were a number of outdoor activities from rock climbing to kayaking, as well as community resources, volunteer projects, performances and more. Additionally, the San Francisco Parks Alliance brought some live jazz music as a part of its Heart Your Parks screen print pop-up for Heron's Head Park. Thank you to Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and to all of our community partners who helped us celebrate, as well as to all who have made the EcoCenter a natural oasis for the neighborhood and hub for outdoor learning for 14 years! Learn more about this facility at the link below.

Frisco Fridays at India Basin Shoreline Park on May 31

Come out for Frisco Fridays, a series of events centered around a small business marketplace and family friendly activities at India Basin Shoreline Park (Hunters Point Boulevard and Hawes Street). Hosted by Made in the City, Family Equity Partners, and the India Basin Waterfront Park project partners, these events feature fun-filled evenings of music, food, games, children's activities, community vibes, and plenty of green space to enjoy. Whether you're a Frisco native, a newcomer, or just visiting the city, this event is the perfect way to kick off the weekend.

The next takes place on Friday, May 31 from 4 to 8 p.m. This Frisco Friday will feature the Chopped 415 soul-food cook off hosted by Remy’s Creations!

Want to get the vibe around Frisco Fridays? Check out the recap video of last month's event at this link.

This series is a partnership made possible through the India Basin Waterfront Park Equitable Development Plan (EDP). Outlined in the plan are the strategies to use the physical spaces and park programming to build community cohesion and social capital and to support Bayview-Hunters Point commercial corridors beyond the park. For more information, click the link below.

Call for Artists for India Basin Waterfront Park by June 7

The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) is looking for Artists in Residence for the future India Basin Waterfront Park. The SFAC is looking for two San Francisco-based artists, with the deadline to apply extended to Friday, June 7 by 5 p.m. Artists will work with the India Basin Waterfront Park project partners and the Bayview-Hunters Point community to develop new works for the park. The total honorarium for each artist is $40,000. The production budget for each Artist is $15,000. For more information and to apply, click the link below.

Juneteenth and Father's Day Celebration on June 16

Join community partners for a Juneteenth and Father's Day celebration on Sunday, June 16 from noon to 6 p.m. at Gilman Playground (903 Gilman Avenue). The event will feature live music by chart-topping R&B group 112 and Grammy-winning songstress Regina Belle, among other performers. It will also feature local food and retail vendors, carnival rides, kids activities, a car show and more. India Basin Waterfront Park project partners will be supporting this event, providing activities and sharing information on the project. For more information and to RSVP, click the link below.

Unite the City Hoop for Peace Tournament Starting June 22

Join the India Basin Waterfront Park and community partners for the Unite the City Hoop for Peace three-on-three basketball tournament starting on Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at India Basin Shoreline Park (Hunters Point Boulevard and Hawes Street). The tournament will continue on Saturday, June 29, with the championship taking place on Sunday, July 14. San Francisco youth, ages 14 to 18 are invited to compete in this tournament, which has a $5,000 grand prize! Additionally, tournament days will feature free food, raffles, performances, kids activities and more.

For more information and to sign up your team, click the link below.

Community Innovation Lab Open for Spring and Summer

The Community Innovation Lab at India Basin Shoreline Park (Hunters Point Boulevard and Hawes Street) is now open. Its current hours are noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, offering services such as free rentals of sports equipment and recreational activities. Additionally, it provides space for community organizations to host their programming, workshops, networking events, and more. It's also a great place to just drop-in, relax and take in the beautiful view of the bay!

Reoccurring weekly activities at the lab include 40+ Double Dutch Club on Sundays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Learn more at this link.

Interested in utilizing this space? Contact the facility manager Louie Mezie at (415) 821-4777 or by email at cillabinfo@gmail.com.

Meet Community Innovation Lab Manager Louie Mezie

We'd like to introduce Louie Mezie, the new facility manager for the Community Innovation Lab and a member of the A. Philip Randolph Institute team. Growing up in the neighborhood, Louie has cherished memories of biking to India Basin Shoreline Park and playing basketball with his siblings. Celebrating his 20th birthday with pick-up games and a picnic at the park was a significant moment for him, symbolizing a new chapter in his life. Now, with the Lab located next to the courts where he grew up, Louie is excited to help parkgoers create their own cherished memories. Swing by soon to see him at the lab!

India Basin May Construction Update

Construction at 900 Innes Avenue hit a few fun milestones in the last month, including the placement of the kitchen hood in the food pavilion, completing the handrail and lighting installation on the piers, finishing the footing for the pergola, and installing the majority of the park's retaining walls.

Additionally, while working on Shipwright's Cottage, the contractor discovered old newspaper on the wall that announced the creation of what would become Camp Mather! See the discovery at this link.

This coming month, interior work will continue on the park's buildings, as well as the installation of utilities and pathways. Stay tuned for more updates at the link below.

Upcoming Events and Activities

26th Annual Ruth Jackson Family Day at Herz Playground on June 2

Join community partners for the 26th Annual Ruth Jackson Family Day on Sunday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This community celebration will feature a car show, performances, food and more at Herz Playground (1701 Visitacion Avenue). This annual event honors Dr. Ruth Jackson and her family's commitment to serving the Sunnydale and Visitacion Valley neighborhoods.

Bayview Children's Day at the Southeast Community Center June 2

Join Wu Yee Children's Services for its Bayview Children's Day Festival on Sunday, June 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Southeast Community Center (1550 Evans Avenue). There will be free food, face painting, story-telling, dancing, puppet show, music, and more! For more information and to register, click the link below.

3rd Annual Doo_Da Day at Bayview K.C. Jones Playground on June 2

Join Doo_Da Activities for its 3rd Annual Doo_Da Day celebration on Sunday, June 2 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Bayview K.C. Jones Playground (5701 3rd Street). Dress up in your best superhero outfit to participate in a costume content, and enjoy games, activities, food and more! For more information, visit Doo_Da Activities Instagram page at the link below.

Outdoors Inc. Juneteenth Celebration at Herz Playground on June 15

Join Outdoors Inc. for its Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Herz Playground (1701 Visitacion Avenue). The event will feature a freedom celebration, live entertainment, Black business giveaways, a resource fair, activities and more. In addition, take the survey at the link below to enter into a gift card raffle.

Programs

Marie Harrison Environmental Justice Scholarship Deadline May 31

Applications are currently being accepted for the $5,000 Marie Harrison Environmental Justice Scholarship. Qualifications for applicants include acceptance to a post-secondary academic institution, such as a college or university; attendance of a high school in the Bay Area; residing in a neighborhood impacted by environmental pollution; and more. To apply and for more information, including on qualifications, click the link below.

The scholarship continues the legacy of Marie Harrison, who passed away in 2019. She is pictured above protesting at PG&E's Hunter's Point Power Plant. She was an environmental justice leader and supporter of impacted youth. Ms. Harrison spent decades working to bring environmental, health and social justice to the Bayview-Hunters Point community. Her actions inspired environmental justice communities throughout the Bay Area.

Bayview United Soccer Team Wraps Up Historic Season

Bayview United's girls and boys soccer teams wrapped up their spring season at Youngblood Coleman Playground earlier this week, capping a historic season for the program. The boys team went undefeated, while the girls team finished with a record of 6-2. They celebrated with a community BBQ after their final games.

Bayview United, a program of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, is San Francisco's first primarily Black youth soccer team for boys and girls, grades K-5. Since 2019, this free, equity-driven program aims to increase access in the Bayview-Hunters Point (BVHP) community to the world’s game. It has set out to create a top tier soccer program with its home field at Youngblood Coleman Playground, and is open to players of all backgrounds and experience levels in the BVHP community. If interested in getting involved, contact Fulton Mitchell at (415) 361-2872.

Free Financial Coaching for BVHP Community

As part of the India Basin Waterfront Park Project’s Equitable Development Plan, free, one-on-one financial coaching is available to the Bayview-Hunters Point community! Rec and Park has partnered with the San Francisco Office of Financial Empowerment to offer Smart Money Coaching to anyone who lives, works, studies, or receives services in the neighborhood. 

Smart Money Coaches focus on supporting clients to open safe and affordable bank accounts, establish and build emergency funds, manage debt, and establish and build their credit. Coaches are available to provide sessions in Spanish and Cantonese, along with English; and coaching is available to all, regardless of immigration status.

To make an appointment, call (877) 256-0073 or click the link below.

San Francisco Brown Bombers Hosting Free Football Clinics

Get ready for football season with the San Francisco Brown Bombers, a youth football/cheerleading organization that has been a community pillar for more than 20 years. The team practices out of Youngblood Coleman Playground (1400 Hudson Avenue) in Bayview-Hunters Point and is currently hosting free football skills clinics there on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. For more information, including on how to sign up for the team's fall season, click the link below. 

Intentional Walk Community Walking Program Starts June 1

Intentional Walk is a free community walking program hosted by the San Francisco Department of Public Health that aims to encourage San Franciscans to get outside, linking users to walkable places including local parks and trails. Participants must download the Intentional Walk app to track their walking miles and to be eligible to win merchandise from the San Francisco Giants. There will also be a grand prize for the person who walks on the most! The program runs from June 1 through August 31. For more information and to sign up, click the link below.

The Box Shop Open House on June 9

Join the Box Shop (951 Hudson Avenue) every second Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for an open house. The next will take place on June 9! Tour this maker space and view the more than 130 murals hosted at this artist hub in Bayview-Hunters Point. For more information about this facility, click the link below. 

Swing into Stories at Hilltop Park on June 18

The San Francisco Public Library's (SFPL) YouthMobile is coming to the park. Movement and play are essential building blocks in fostering literacy and a love of reading and the SFPL is bringing stories and song to San Francisco's parks through its Swing into Stories program. It takes place at a different park each Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The next in Bayview-Hunters Point will take place on June 18 at Hilltop Park (Newcomb Avenue and Whitney Young Circle). Join us for a high-energy storytime in our beautiful outdoors! 

The YouthMobile offers a diverse selection of children’s library materials available for check-out with an SFPL library card. From the city’s only kid-focused bookmobile, staff circulates materials, creates library cards and provides the public with information about library services and programs. For more information and the Swing into Stories schedule, click the link below.