Our Commonwealth Club panel discussion was a success!  Thank you to all of our supporters who attended.

Some of the topics covered were: The importance of Golden Gate Park as a historic and cultural treasure; The ongoing importance of Golden Gate Park as a resource for all San Franciscans; Background information on the two major threats to the Park today-- the Beach Chalet soccer fields renovation and the Westside Water Treatment Plant; Financial issues which have led to the Park being under threat, and which are also having a major impact on all Park and Recreation programs; The importance of the Golden Gate Park Master Plan (1998) in providing a framework for both preservation and change in Golden Gate Park. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commonwealth Club of California presents:    Golden Gate Park Under Siege?   Treasured by millions of people from all over the world, Golden Gate Park’s meadows, forests, and lakes have served as a refuge from the pressures of urban life for both people and wildlife for over 140 years. Yet throughout its history, the park continues to attract those who view it as free land available for their favorite projects.   In addition, with the current short-term budget crises, some view the park as a source of revenue rather than a precious civic asset to be protected.    Join us to learn about current plans for Golden Gate Park and what can be done to protect our premier open space today and for future generations.   Moderator: Jim Chappell, Interim Director, San Francisco Beautiful; past Executive Director, SPUR;  Panel: Anthea Hartig, PhD.     President, Western Office National Trust for Historic Preservation. Katherine Howard, ASLA.    Landscape Architect; Golden Gate Park Preservation Alliance. Mike Lynes.     Conservation Director/General Counsel, Golden Gate Audubon Society. George Wooding.     President, West of Twin Peaks Central Council; columnist. Mark Buell.  President, SF Recreation and Park Commission.   Location:  Commonwealth Club of California, 595 Market Street, SF. Date:  May 11, 2011 Time: 6 p.m. networking reception, 6:30 p.m. program