The Friends of Bernal Gardens
The Friends of Bernal Gardens (FOBG ) is a volunteer group of individuals dedicated to the establishment of public space garden improvement projects in Bernal Heights. FOBG was founded in August, 2005 by Julian Wyler who presently directs it.
FOBG is responsible for the development and maintenance of Mayflower Garden which is located at Bradford & Mayflower Streets. Working together in partnership with SF Department of Public Works and SFPT Street Parks Program, the community transformed a blighted public right of way into a unique flower and boulder garden from 2005-present.
Directly west of Mayflower Garden is Carver Garden, which FOBG next established in 2007, also in partnership with SF DPW Street Parks Program and is located at Carver Street & Bernal Heights Boulevard. Below are shots taken before and after the renovation.
The Friends of Bernal Gardens has also restored Rosencranz Stair Garden, directed the Prentiss Stair Garden improvement project, and inspired the Gates Stair Garden, and the Nevada Stair Garden improvement projects.
In June, 2009, The Friends of Bernal Gardens was awarded a SF Community Challenge grant to design and establish Vista Pointe Garden, a formal, contoured, terraced public view and flower garden, which was formerly a blighted public lot located on Bernal Heights Boulevard between Bradford & Carver Streets. This garden is being created in partnership with the Street Parks Program and the Bernal Heights community.
March 2011 Updates:
The creation of the Vista Pointe Garden is well underway and we have a target date of May 31, 2011 for completion.
The first thing you will notice when you arrive is that we have virtually completed our retaining walls, thanks to volunteer, David Cummings and his skillful crew.
As you may have heard, DPW Deputy Director, Mohammed Nuru, and Street Parks liaison, Sandra Zuniga, recently visited VPG and were elated with our progress. Their support means we can count on them to provide the disabled ramp, and pour the concrete view platform.
Our next steps are to get the irrigation system up and running, install plants, add soil amendments, install benches, and educational signs.
We would like to thank the following for their support and guidance:
Broadmoor Landscaping
Cummings Landscaping
Janet Moyer Landscaping
SF Community Challenge Grant Program
SF Department of Public Works
To donate by check, make your check payable to San Francisco Parks Trust, with "Vista Pointe Garden" in the memo line, and mail it to: Park Partner Program, 501 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, CA 94117