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 Site Use Fees
The following standard fees are 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: Call 415-765-0497

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.

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.
• All groups are asked to monitor noise levels and respect that others may need and want to use nearby areas of the Grove at the same time for more quiet reflection.
• Other variables will be considered upon receipt of written request to the NAMG office.

Recreation & Park Department Permits and Fees

For more information on Recreation & Park guidelines, policies and any necessary permits, call Sandy Lee at 415-831-5500.