Local Citizens Thinking Ahead

Since the Presidio's closure was announced, Bay Area citizens have been
pondering an intriguing question:  How can the Presidio best be converted to
civilian use?   There's been no shortage of answers to this question.  Both
individuals and organizations have offered suggestions - from a Pacific Rim
conference center to a world university.  And various groups have either
sponsored special conferences on the topic or organized committees to explore
this issue.

All of this testifies to the appreciation and enthusiasm the Bay Area community
has for the Presidio and its future.  This community interest bodes well for
the planning process ahead of us.  Bay Area citizens have become knowledgeable
about the Presidio and are ready to address the difficult challenge of its
conversion.  Some ideas have already emerged from many different public forums.

The Environmental Design Foundation sponsored the first public symposium on the
Presidio in May 1989.  Discussion focused on broad considerations in planning
the Presidio's future with perspectives from the San Francisco City Planning
Department, the National Park Service, and local architects and civic leaders.

 Last summer, the Arms Control Research Center (ARC) sponsored the RFate of the
PresidioS conference, in cooperation with the San Francisco Bay Guardian and a
host of community organizations and elected officials.  Speakers discussed a
wide variety of issues; some shared their personal visions, others talked about
the need for an open process.

On November 16, 1989, San Francisco State University sponsored an all-day
conference called RThe Presidio Challenge.S  Some panelists addressed the key
community program that could be considered for the future Presidio - including
education, the arts, and recreation.  The issue of long-term governance was
also addressed.

Various civic and environmental organizations have formed special committees to
consider the Presidio's future.  The Sierra Club, San Francisco Planning and
Urban Research, San Francisco Beautiful, and San Francisco Tomorrow all have
developed position papers or focused on specific Presidio issues.

A coalition of community groups believe that the best preparation for the
planning process is getting to know the Presidio firsthand.  The Sierra Club,
the Fort Point and Army Museum Association, San Francisco Heritage, the Golden
Gate National Park Association, and the National Park Service have been
encouraging people to tour the Presidio.  These groups have organized regular
volunteer-led walks of the Presidio; simply call 923-WALK for the latest
schedule.  This coalition has also established a Presidio Resource Center to
encourage people to learn about the post through written information.  The
Resource Center is now located at Fort Point.

Whether special walks, task forces or conferences, the Bay Area is obviously
eager to begin designing the Presidio's future.  As the National Park Service
begins its planning process this spring, it's clear that many others have
already started thinking ahead.



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