Sweeping views greet you at Brooks Park. This hilltop in San Francisco’s Ocean View-Merced-Ingleside neighborhood boasts stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean the Farallones and Mt Tamalpais. Brooks Park wasn’t always this idyllic.
In 1936 Helen and Jesse Brooks built a home here sharing the landscape with few others. Their half-acre site became a haven. Mrs Brooks a true pioneer composted kept beehives and taught others about native plants. The land once supported rich grasslands of violets and poppies. Iceplant and grasses later crowded out many native species. The Natural Areas Program and Friends of Brooks Park are now working to restore these native plants.
The city acquired the land in 1966. Sadly the Brooks house burned down. The park fell into disrepair becoming a place for criminal activity. Vandals caused damage. Drug dealing and pit bull fighting were common. Two people were murdered there. People feared Brooks Park. Children were warned to stay away.
In 1987 Peter Vaernet and his neighbors decided to act. They formed Friends of Brooks Park. They organized cleanups removed graffiti and confronted those causing problems. The gangs fought back shooting at houses. Slowly things began to change.
In 1990 Friends of Brooks Park requested a grant to expand the park. A $1300000 grant was approved in 1994. A community garden was established. Native plant restoration continues. The park now hosts a free Tai Chi class. The Friends of Brooks Park worked hard. They transformed Brooks Park into a community space a place for health exercise and nature. Their efforts turned Brooks Park into a beacon of community health. The park is now a safe place for everyone.