The Partnership
Q: Why is the Bridge District partnering with the Parks Conservancy?
A: Because the Parks Conservancy has a highly successful track record in managing large-scale community programs and improving the visitor experience in the Golden Gate National Parks. Examples of this expertise include the transformation and opening events at Crissy Field; guided tours, community programs, and interpretive items at Alcatraz; and trail restoration and new overlooks in the Presidio and Lands End, to name a few.
Q: How does the partnership fit with the Parks Conservancy’s mission?
A: Since the Golden Gate Bridge is the centerpiece of the Golden Gate National Parks and the lands on each side of the Golden Gate Bridge are national parklands within the Golden Gate National Parks, this partnership is a direct extension of the Conservancy’s mission to preserve the Golden Gate National Parks, enhance the experiences of park visitors, and build a dedicated community of support to conserving the parks for the future.
Q: What is the partnership relationship?
A: The Parks Conservancy collaborated with the Bridge District, in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Presidio Trust, to improve and enhance the visitor experience at the Bridge, and to assist the Bridge District in undertaking the planning and implementation of celebration activities that were held in connection with the 75th anniversary of the Bridge on May 27, 2012.
Q: What is the role of the National Park Service?
A: The NPS manages the national parklands that anchor each end of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Q: What is the role of the Presidio Trust?
A: The Presidio Trust manages the Presidio of San Francisco, which is adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge on the south side. The Presidio Trust was a coordinating partner for the 75th anniversary celebration, as many vista points that look to the Bridge are within the Presidio.
The Anniversary Celebration
Q: Why was there a celebration for the Bridge’s 75th anniversary?
A: The anniversary offered the opportunity for the community to come together and honor this beloved icon on this historic occasion.
Q: What did the celebration involve?
A: The celebration includes a series of public events and community-based activities in venues around San Francisco and Northern California. See calendar of events > The official anniversary celebration took place in San Francisco on Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Q: Why were corporations approached to sponsor this? Will there be corporate logos on the Bridge?
A: Corporate citizens were invited to participate by helping to support the community celebration and new programs at the Bridge. Corporate support recognition was limited to temporary signage in recognition of the 75th anniversary celebration. There has been no permanent signage with corporate recognition attached to the Bridge. See corporate partners>
Q: Was there a Bridge walk similar to the Pedestrian Day at the 50th anniversary of the Bridge?
A: There was no Bridge walk for the 75th anniversary.
Q: What was the "75 Tributes to the Bridge" program?
A. In spring 2011, nonprofit, community-based organizations and public agencies were invited to join us in honoring the Bridge. A Call for Community Partners was issued, more than 100 program proposals were evaluated, and a final group of participants selected. The resulting 75 Tributes to the Bridge represents an outpouring of affection for the beloved icon. These diverse programs included exhibits, lectures, performances, films, contests, tours and a multitude of activities.
Visitor Experience Improvements & Services
Q: What are the visitor experience improvements?
A: You may now visit the renovated historic Round House with Bridge tours and visitor programs, the new Bridge Pavilion with exhibits and merchandice, improvements to the Bridge plaza, and improved connections from the Bridge Plaza to the Bay and California Coastal trails.
Q: How were these improvements funded?
A: Funding for these improvements was made possible through revenue from visitor programs and the sale of interpretive and commemorative items at the Bridge Pavilion and online.
Q: Are there changes to the food service?
A: The Parks Conservancy now focuses on healthy and local options at the new Bridge Cafe.
Q: Are there improved visitor services?
A: There is improved wayfinding and interpretive signage, as well as new guided walking tours on the Bridge and the new Bridge Photo Experience.
Q: Will there be a Bridge climb experience?
A: No, due to security issues and planned seismic work on the Bridge.
Q: What are the projected outcomes of this partnership?
A: This partnership will result in improving stewardship of the parks directly adjacent to the Bridge; encouraging the use and awareness of trails that lead to the Bridge and from which the Bridge is visible; broad use of the parks from which visitors can view the Bridge; increasing knowledge and awareness of the Bridge’s unique history; and engaging the community in learning about and celebrating this treasured icon.
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