San Francisco Parks to Receive $3.6 Million Bequest for New Benches

San Francisco, CA — In a remarkable act of philanthropy, the late Ben Bobo, a longtime resident of San Francisco, has left a bequest of $3.6 million to the city's parks and recreation department, primarily designated for the installation of new park benches. This unexpected gift has astonished city officials and local residents alike.

Bobo, who passed away in August 2023 at the age of 87, was known for his love of walking his golden retriever, Chad, in Alta Plaza Park, located near his home in Pacific Heights. His estate executor, Kim Ridinger, revealed that Bobo's will allocated 80% of his estate to the Recreation and Parks Commission for benches, with the remaining 20% directed to the SPCA.

The Recreation and Parks Commission has unanimously approved a plan to install 81 new benches across various parks, with an estimated cost of $700,000. The remaining funds will be used for capital improvements and maintenance within the park system. Each new bench will feature a plaque honoring Bobo, his partner Rory Healy, and their beloved dog, Chad.

“This is one of the most surprising and delightful forms of philanthropy—a person who simply loved our parks and wanted to share that joy with others,” said Phil Ginsburg, General Manager of Rec and Park. The benches will replace older models in Alta Plaza Park and will also be distributed to other locations, including the new Great Highway park and the JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park.

Bobo's generous gift is unprecedented, as typical bequests for park benches usually amount to around $20,000. Ridinger noted that the bequest was a complete surprise, even to Bobo himself, who had not anticipated the significant value of his estate at the time of writing his will.

The plan for the new benches will now go to the Board of Supervisors for final approval, followed by a probate judge's consent. While there is no set timeline for construction, the funds will also enhance dog play areas in parks citywide, reflecting Bobo's fondness for his canine companion.

As the community prepares to welcome these new additions, Rec and Park Commission President Kat Anderson expressed her excitement, stating, “I can’t wait to go sit on one of Ben Bobo’s benches.”

For more information, contact Sam Whiting at the San Francisco Chronicle.