Program overview
The Controller's Office partners with the Recreation and Parks Department (RPD) to evaluate the condition of San Francisco's parks. Staff members evaluate the maintenance of each park every three months.
We report on the results of these evaluations in reports and dashboards. RPD uses these results to improve park conditions.
Resources
Park scores dashboard
Documents
Annual reports
Annual report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2022-2023.
Annual report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2021-2022.
Annual report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2018-2019.
Annual report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2017-2018.
Annual report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2016-2017.
Annual report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2015-2016.
Annual report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2014-2015.
Annual report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2013-2014.
Annual report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2012-2013.
Annual report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2011-2012.
Annual report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2010-2011.
6-month report on park maintenance for fiscal year 2010-2011.
Annual report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2009-2010.
6-Month report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2009-2010.
Annual report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2008-2009.
Annual report on park maintenance in fiscal year 2007-2008.
Annual report on street, sidewalk, and park maintenance in fiscal year 2006-2007.
Annual report on street, sidewalk, and park maintenance in fiscal year 2005-2006.
Annual report on street, sidewalk, and park maintenance in fiscal year 2004-2005.
Other reports
We conducted the park survey in April 2007 to understand park users and their habits.
Report cards for individual parks from FY 2006-07.
Program background
In 2003, San Francisco voted to amend the charter to name the Controller's Office as the City Services Auditor. As the City Services Auditor, the charter requires that we set standards for street, sidewalk, and park maintenance. We worked with RPD to develop the maintenance standards and inspect parks for compliance. Read the charter section about this program.
Park maintenance standards
During a park evaluation, a staff member will inspect all park features (parts of the park), including:
- Athletic Field
- Buildings & General Amenities
- Children's Play Areas
- Dog Play Area
- Greenspace
- Hardscape
- Lawns
- Ornamental Beds
- Outdoor Courts
- Restrooms
- Table Seating Areas
- Trees
Each park has a different set of features. Within each feature, specific “elements” are evaluated to see if they meet the performance standard set for them.
For example, the performance standard for the “mowing” element requires that turf be less than 4.5 inches high. If an evaluator visits a lawn and finds the turf is taller than the 4.5 inch standard, then the evaluator would note the standard was not met. Each element is ultimately scored based on the conditions that are reported. (An un-mowed lawn results in the failure of the “mowing” element.)
Read more about the scoring methodology in this explainer document.
Questions?
Contact the Controller's Office.