CANDLESTICK POINT STATE RECREATION AREA

 San Francisco, CA

SERVICES

• Strategic Planning

• Management

• Revenues

• Governance

• Programming

CLIENT

• Parks California

Parks California engaged Agora Partners to develop recommendations for programming strategy, operating model, and nonprofit management structure for Candlestick Point State Recreation Area. Candlestick Point stands out within the state parks system as one of only two urban parks—and the only one with both shoreline and large natural areas. It serves as a neighborhood park for thousands of nearby San Franciscans and as a regional destination known for excellent windsurfing conditions and unparalleled views of San Francisco Bay. 

Our recommendation process was rooted in extensive community engagement. Our team conducted dozens of interviews with local stakeholders, hosted informal group discussions in community spaces and neighborhood events, and held four public meetings in Bayview and Visitacion Valley.

Notably, the park exists because of the activism of local Bayview-Hunter’s Point residents who sought restorative action to recompense a series of environmental injustices. Restoring this legacy of a community-centered park, our process focused on building a governance structure that would ensure existing residents, a plurality of whom reside in nearby public housing, and other community stakeholders would have a formal role in future decisions made about the park. The park is one of two legal camping sites in San Francisco and offers free environmental education and recreational programs for youth and adults, providing unique activities for residents.