San Francisco Citizen

You know the Presidio, right? It’s that scary place that Bill O’Reilly wouldn’t dream of visiting at night. But take a look for yourself by opening up Today at the Presidio, the Presidio Trust 2008 Year-End Report, aka Fiscal Year 2008 Annual Report (with Performance & Accountability Report), It’s loaded with photos, anyway.

Here’s something new for 2008, the Crissy Field Overlook:

But here’s something that hasn’t changed at all in 2008 – the Main Post Theatre on Moraga is still closed, in part due to opposition from owners of other movie theatres. (Rather like like how Mike Dell might object to the opening of an Apple Store, non?) No matter, the San Francisco Film Society still dreams of reopening the joint and having festivals ‘n stuff.

Last year also saw plans change for the proposed Contemporary Art Museum Presidio (CAMP) project. Gluckman Mayner is no longer on the job, but some locals are finishing up the details on a new approach right now.

So there you have it.

Presidio Trust Unveils 2008 Year-End Report
Today at the Presidio Highlights the Many Ways People Use the Park

Presidio of San Francisco (January 29, 2009) – The Presidio Trust has released its year-end report for 2008, detailing how the agency has managed the largest historic preservation effort currently underway in the country, offered cultural events and programs, created new recreational opportunities, and fostered a growing community. Today at the Presidio focuses on the everyday ways that people – those who live, work, and visit – are experiencing the 1,500-acre park.
 
The Presidio is celebrating its 15th year as a national park.
 
“I am pleased to share the significant achievements from the past year and proud of the contributions made by our board members, staff and volunteers,” said Craig Middleton, executive director of the Presidio Trust.  “We are particularly proud of the how the community has evolved and the growth in number of people who enjoy the park – working, living and recreating here. Community life has truly returned to the Presidio.”
 
Using a “day in the life” approach, the report highlights the ways people enjoy the diverse activities available in the park – daily occurrences such as residents commuting on the free PresidiGo Shuttle in early morning, to high school students conducting a science class at Baker Beach during the day, to docents training for public events in the evening.
 
The “performance and accountability” section focuses on the sound fiscal performance driven by strong demand for residential and commercial leased property. Progress on plans to revitalize the Main Post and communicate its historic significance, the historic rehabilitation of the former Public Health Service Hospital district into residential units, trail and scenic overlook improvements, new volunteer opportunities, and enhanced public access to the park are also detailed in the report.
 
The full report is available on the Presidio Trust website at http://www.presidio.gov/trust/documents/AnnualReports.htm.
 
The Presidio Trust was established by the United States Congress in 1996 to manage the Presidio of San Francisco, a former Army base located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. The 1,500-acre site contains the infrastructure of a small community as well as expansive open space, a 300-acre historic forest, spectacular views, and rare and endangered plants and wildlife. It comprises nearly 6 million square feet of buildings, including 469 historic structures that contribute to its status as a National Historic Landmark District, making it unlike any other national park. www.presidio.gov