The Golden Mile is a People Magnet!
And now it needs to attract some support.

Recent stories in the New York Times and CNN have highlighted The Golden Mile as one of true the bright spots in San Francisco. The SF Rec & Park Department (SFRPD) has described it as a jewel in the park system. 

More than 8 million people have visited The Golden Mile since San Franciscans overwhelmingly voted for JFK Promenade to stay forever car-free in November 2022. According to city data, that’s an increase of 36% – over two million additional people – enjoying the space! 

And people keep coming in droves.

Lured by massive murals, large-scale sculptures, 150 yellow Adirondack chairs, gorgeously painted pianos for public play, a coffee kiosk, lawn games, live music, an outdoor living room, and even a beer & wine garden (on weekends starting Memorial Day), the space is alive with energy.

But (and we hate to admit this), some of our original work is beginning to look frayed, and the whimsical, magical space needs a refresh. We need your help to restore what’s there and to add some vibrant new installations. We need to raise $250,000. The good news: we’ve already secured $75,000.

We’re still awaiting final approval on a few new installations, but here’s a sneak peek:

• A 40-foot Sea Serpent proposed to adorn Rainbow Falls. 
• Jax is a whimsical set of sculptures proposed to be adjacent to Remember When (the LOVE Blocks, near the Conservatory). 
• Also planned are more murals, new yellow chairs, yellow benches, at least one more piano (and maybe two) and a full refresh of the Yellow Dot with nine new trees and planters.

Make a one-time gift, or join our “Golden Mile Lover” monthly giving club. Members will enjoy free Beer Garden events and access to special Illuminate activities on The Golden Mile and Illuminate CEO Ben Davis may just serenade you on one of the public pianos.   

Please help support this San Francisco treasure.

With gratitude,

Team Illuminate ~ Ben Davis, David Hatfield and Executive Producer Patricia Suflita Wilson

Golden Mile Project website

Main Illuminate.org website

#TheGoldenMile #jfkpromenade

Illuminate’s many partners on the project include the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, Office of Employment and Workforce Development (OEWD), Paint the Void (murals), Independent Distribution Collective (music), San Francisco Public Library (StoryWalk), Non Plus Ultra (beer garden), Automattic (website), Kid Safe SF, Walk SF and SF Bike in addition to over 100 local artists.