Fence at Koshland

The idea of the installation of a locked fence has created a controversy dividing the community. Do we prioritize safety? Or do we prioritize access to public land?

Koshland Park, located on the corner of Page and Buchanan, is a beautiful park that many people enjoy. The park includes a basketball court, playground, community garden, walking paths, and a few grassy areas. Koshland Park also has had a long history of vandalism, theft, and destruction.

It was recently proposed and signed into action that the park would receive infrastructural changes. This includes a new ADA-compliant circular path, additional garden beds, playground resurfacing, drinking fountain, upgraded fences, and introducing a lock to the garden fence. All of this renovation is great! The lock is what’s creating controversy.

To clarify: The 24/7 lock would only be for the garden, not the whole park itself. The park will continue to observe the normal SFRPD park hours. Descendants of the Koshland Family and nonprofit partners urge for the changes.

Pro-Lock: Will prevent vandalism to the garden. Every Community Gardener at an SF Rec and Park site has waited multiple years on the waitlist to receive a plot and pays yearly dues to sustain it, so it is upsetting to the gardeners when they find their plot different than how they left it. Members have shared stories of the fruits of their labors disappearing, finding human and dog feces in the garden, finding people under the influence of drugs lingering or sleeping in the pathways. Other than the gardeners, the garden also hosts weekly classes of young students during the summer and school year. A safe and clean area for the students to enjoy would be ideal.

Anti-Lock: Many community members enjoy strolling around the garden and taking in its beauty. It can be a serene place for people to enjoy with their friends, family, children, etc. Adding a lock would essentially privatize this stretch of public land. Some neighbors have proposed limited lock hours during classes and events, more signage, and neighborhood members’ participation in ensuring the safety of the garden.

I am hopeful that both sides will come together to find a compromise that will benefit all. If you want to see what so many people are passionate about, come volunteer in the garden with Community Grows on December 19th at 1pm.