Panorama of Dolores Park

San Franciscans love gathering together in Dolores Park. Blessed with some of the City’s best weather, easy access via Muni, an ideal central location, and great natural topography, Dolores has become the center for San Francisco’s best free entertainment.

At Dolores, I’ve seen the San Francisco Orchestra, several movies, Aztec dancers, the World Cup, and stumbled upon other events like rock concerts, parades, and parties of all sorts. And with each passing season, it seems park events grow in attendance. Last week, for example, I headed out for a movie-in-the-park only to find myself sitting about 200 yards from the screen.

From my spot not far below the J-Church tracks, the audience could hardly hear a thing. Yet, almost nobody left. Why not?

My guess: people just enjoy doing things together. Despite emerging concern about the size and growing popularity, these gatherings bring out an amazing sense of community. It’s like watching TV with someone: you aren’t exactly engaged with them, but you are sharing a common experience. In the end these Dolores Park events are important to me in the way they seem to embody the spirit of progresssivism and collective interest that are key values of liberal Democrats.

We could all go to smaller gatherings, or more exclusive environs. Organizers could spend their time doing other things. The city could start charging to use the park. But no. People come together in this incredible open space, in events that reinforce the consciousness of our community and enrich the Bay Area.

We should all be thankful that city planners generations ago had the foresight to establish these open public spaces, and Dolores Park in particular. It is a truly one of San Francisco’s undercelebrated treasures.

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