The Californer - San Francisco: Mayor London Breed Proposes Free Resident Admission to Conservatory of Flowers and Japanese Tea Garden

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San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed today proposed legislation to make admission to the Conservatory of Flowers and Japanese Tea Garden free for San Francisco residents. The proposal, which will go before the Board of Supervisors Budget and Finance Committee on January 26, would remove resident admission fees at both attractions, opening all three of Golden Gate Park's specialty gardens to San Franciscans at no cost. The San Francisco Botanical Garden is already free to residents.

"All San Franciscans, regardless of income, should have access to our city's vibrant public spaces and cultural institutions," said Mayor Breed. "The Gardens of Golden Gate Park are urban oases that offer visitors an opportunity to explore the natural world and take in our city's natural beauty, and soon all residents will get to experience these loved attractions for free."

In addition to the free resident admission proposal, the Budget and Finance Committee will vote on the "Gardens of Golden Gate Park" agreement, which would merge admissions, education, and outreach programs at the three specialty gardens under the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society. Combining these functions under one nonprofit would improve visitor experience and eliminate redundancies. Together, the gardens would be recognized as a regional organization while maintaining their legacy names.

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On November 18, 2021, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission voted unanimously to recommend full Board of Supervisors approval to expand the nonprofit's current lease and management agreement of the San Francisco Botanical Garden to include the Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden.

"This is an exciting time for the Gardens of Golden Gate Park, which are poised to become better than ever before through new collections and exhibits, expanded public programs and a larger role in worldwide conservation efforts," said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg. "Under this proposed ordinance, San Francisco residents can take advantage of this incredible resource at no cost."

"We look forward to enhancing visitor experience through a special multi-garden value ticket as well as expanded community programs," said San Francisco Botanical Garden Executive Director Stephanie Linder.

The proposed ordinance would also allow for the continuation of non-resident admission demand-responsive pricing, which has been in place since 2019, allowing changes in fees at any time with at least a 30-day notice. Discounts would be allowed based on conditions or the purchase of a multi-garden ticket. The Budget and Finance Committee will vote on the legislation on Wednesday, January 26, with a full Board vote expected in early February.

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About the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society

The San Francisco Botanical Garden Society (SFBGS), a community-based and member-supported nonprofit organization formed in 1955, partners with the Recreation and Park Department to manage and operate the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Through their partnership, SFBGS funds garden improvements, provides curatorial and plant collections management services and educational and community programming, maintains an extensive horticultural library, and manages an extensive volunteer program and community outreach efforts on behalf of the Botanical Garden.

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