Hello, neighbors and friends!
We are absolutely thrilled to introduce the official digital home of Friends of Bernal Rec. If you’ve ever spent a Saturday morning watching your kids on the natural playspace, worked up a sweat on the basketball courts, or enjoyed a quiet moment watching the kids learn to ride their bikes, you know that the Bernal Heights Recreation Center is far more than just a city building. It is the heartbeat of our neighborhood. It is where our community gathers, where our children grow, and where the unique spirit of Bernal Heights truly comes to life.
Who We Are
Friends of Bernal Rec is a grassroots group of dedicated neighbors, parents, and community members who share a common goal: to support, improve, and advocate for the Bernal Heights Recreation Center and its surrounding spaces. We believe that public spaces are at their best when the community is actively involved in their care and evolution. Our mission is to work hand in hand with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department to ensure our gym, playground, and green spaces remain safe, vibrant, and accessible for every resident.
What’s Coming to This Site
We are working hard behind the scenes to build a comprehensive hub for everything happening at the Rec. Soon, you will be able to visit this site to:
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Stay Informed: Get the latest news on facility maintenance, upcoming renovations, and city-led projects.
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Volunteer: Find dates for community “Greening Days,” playground cleanups, and special events.
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Voice Your Opinion: Participate in surveys and forums to help shape the future of our park’s amenities.
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Support: Learn how your donations and advocacy help fund improvements that the city budget might not otherwise cover.
Why Now?
Our neighborhood is growing and changing, and our public spaces need to keep pace. Whether it’s advocating for better lighting, updated equipment, or more inclusive programming, we want to ensure that Bernal Rec remains a “gold standard” for neighborhood parks. But we can’t do it alone. The “Friends of” model works best when it reflects the diversity and passion of the people who actually use the park every day.
Join the Movement
We invite you to take the first step in joining our mission. Please sign up for our email list using the form below. By joining, you’ll be the first to receive updates on onsite events, upcoming neighborhood meetings, and opportunities to get involved.
Bernal Heights has always been a neighborhood that takes care of its own. Together, we can ensure the Bernal Rec Center remains a place of joy and connection for generations to come.
Warmly,
The Friends of Bernal Rec Team