"Vaernet said one of the ways he got rid of the criminal element was by
bringing lots of women and children into the park. The criminals were
too embarrassed to behave badly in front of women and children, he
explained, so they went away." How a "mad viking" saved a crime-ridden park in San Francisco
Mark Frauenfelder at 3:25 PM Thursday, Jun 10, 2010
See this amazing video of Brooks Park today
Victory of the Mad Viking, San Francisco from Spots Unknown on Vimeo.
Brooks Park History
Established: 1978Location: Shields Street at Ramsell
Bus: #29; M and K Street Car
Contact: Peter Vaernet, (415) 586-1451
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| Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library. |
Located on the most southwestern hill in San Francisco, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the Farrallones and Mt. Tamalpias, Brooks Park was once the playground for Ohlone Indian children during their summer season stay on the shores of nearby Lake Merced. Wildlife roamed the area -- grizzly bears, elk, and foxes -- as well as a wide variety of birds. Native plants covered the hills, and were used by the Indians for food, medicine, basket-weaving and fish bait. Many of these plants have survived and are still growing on the park's six-and-a half acres.
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