Grove Use

Recognizing that the Grove is primarily a space for individual or small-group reflection and contemplation, the following activities are encouraged nevertheless:

• Memorial services
• Picnics and other similar gatherings
• Weddings, commitment ceremonies, other family celebrations and life events/rites of passage
• Use by organizations for lectures, music, dance, poetry, and spiritual gatherings

Individuals or groups may secure use of the Grove for the above-listed activities by either calling 415-765-0497 or writing the Grove office at P.O. Box 2270, San Francisco, CA 94126-2270.

Each specific event/use of the Grove requires permission. Pre-approval of the date and type of activity from the Grove office and the Recreation & Park Department is required. To keep the Grove available to the general public it is desirable/preferable to limit particular usage to three hours or less.

Grove, Recreation & Park Department Permits and Fees
The following standard fees may be charged by Recreation & Park for Grove site use:

• Weddings in the Grove: $500 (Up to 50 Guests) $750 (51 – 75 Guests) $1,000 (76 or more Guests)
• Picnics or similar site use: $100
• Refundable cleaning deposit: $100 (Up to 50 Guests) $150 (51 – 75 Guests) $200 (76 or more Guests)

There is no permit required or fee charged for small memorial services; larger groups and other special requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Grove does, however, accept donations for such site use. For more information on Recreation & Park guidelines, call Sandy Lee at 415-831-5500.

Summary of Grove-Use guidelines
Food, catered or otherwise, is allowed, except for barbecues (the park has other designated areas for barbecues).

• Beverages, including alcohol, are allowed (the park permits alcohol consumption, unless the situation becomes unruly or involves minors; guidelines are covered in the permit process).
• Sound and music are allowed within a certain amplified range (detailed in Recreation & Park policy on amplified sound, covered in the permit process).
• Candles and fire are not allowed, unless approved by the NAMG and Recreation & Park (see Recreation and Park policy and permit process). Additional permission must be obtained (and extra fees incurred) through the San Francisco Fire & Police departments.
• Clean-up is the responsibility of the user party, and determines refund of cleaning deposit.
• All groups are asked to monitor noise levels and respect that others may need and want to use the Grove at the same time for more quiet reflection.
• Other variables will be considered upon receipt of written request to the NAMG office.

Download Site-Use Policy