The Presidio in San Francisco has again been honored with the prestigious Green Flag Award. It is the fifth consectuive year it has been recognized for its well managed green spaces. The award is the most universally recognized international standard of quality for parks.
“We are so honored to maintain this recognition from our international community of park makers,” said Michael Boland, chief park officer for the Presidio Trust. “We are grateful to share the values of providing access to nature for all and striving to create a healthier planet.”
The Presidio, which is a national park site within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is the only park in the United States to wn the award. It joined more than 2,500 other places across 17 countries around the globe. They all met the criteria of demonstrating that their parks and green spaces are meeting the highest possible standards of management and maintenance for the benefit of people and planet.
The Presidio first earned the Green Flag Award in 2019 and has since maintained its status ever since. In January 2023, it received its annual assessment by a professional judge who inspected the park’s facilities for quality, condition, and ongoing maintenance. They also reviewed community engagement practices and the ongoing progress towards biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and preservation of historical resources.
In recent years, the Presidio has seen major improvements completed such as the Presidio Tunnel Tops, Quartermaster Reach Marsh, and Battery Bluff, inclusive outreach to underrepresented communities, and operational projects which ensure the Presidio’s preservation as a national park site in perpetuity.
Carl McClean, international development manager for the Green Flag Award said, “The Presidio continues to lead the way in the parks sector in the United States by adopting this internationally recognized standard and has now inspired others in the U.S. to apply in 2024. From the volunteer stewards to the Presidio GO Shuttle drivers – all of you make this park a fantastic place to visit, work and live!”