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Hilltop Park Reopens
Neighbors Enjoy Renovated Park After $ 6.9M Project
After a fantastic $ 6.9 million renovation , the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and The Trust for Public Land ( TPL ) were proud to reopen Hilltop Park — located in the heart of the Bayview neighborhood-- in December .
Improvements to Hilltop Park included an expansion and upgrade to The Dish , the oldest skate park in San Francisco , from a simple circular bowl to a state-ofthe-art design with challenging elements . Additions to the park include a new playground ( dedicated to Senate President Kevin de León in recognition of his leadership in authoring AB 31 which has funded Hilltop Park and over 120 park projects in underserved communities throughout the State ); picnic area ; adult fitness area ; and neighborhood trail .
The Trust for Public Land , Parks 94124 ( a neighborhood park advocacy group ), and Rec and Park teamed up and collaborated closely to secure both State and local bond money for the renovation project . Final funding came from a mix of public and private sources , including a $ 5 million Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant ( AB 31 ); $ 500,000 from State Housing-Related Parks Grants ; and $ 218,000 from Rec and Park ’ s Community Opportunity Fund , a program of the voter-supported 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond .
This construction project was also an opportunity to create a job-training and employment pipeline for Bayview residents . Candidates that successfully completed the Hilltop Workforce Training Program were eligible for membership in the Local 261 Laborers ’ Union , and received job placement assistance .
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