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. Recreation & Park Department Permits and Fees The following standard fees may be charged by Recreation & Park for Grove site use: Weddings in the Grove: $250 for small ceremonies (50 or less) Picnics or similar site use: $50 Refundable cleaning deposit: $100 to $150 additional, depending on group size. There is no permit required or fee charged for small memorial services; larger groups and special requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Grove does, however, accept donations for site use. For more information on Recreation & Park guidelines, call Sandy Lee at 415-831-5500. 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, and determines refund of cleaning deposit. All groups are asked to monitor noise levels and respect that others may need and want to use the Grove at the same time for more quiet reflection. Other variables will be considered upon receipt of written request to the NAMG office. Download Site-Use Policy. Home   |   Tour the Grove   |   News & Events   |   About the Grove Volunteer   |   Donate   |   Getting to the Grove   |   Contact © 2008 National AIDS Memorial Grove. All Rights Reserved.