Ben Bobo, 87, passed away in August 2023, leaving a $5 million estate that will flow into San Francisco parks.
His will earmarked 80%—roughly $3.6 million—for the Recreation and Park Department and 20% for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a split that surprised the executor, Kim Ridinger, who explained that property values had surged since Bobo drafted the bequest.
City officials have approved a budget that splits the bequest into three parts: 40% for Alta Plaza Park, 20% for other city parks, and 40% for capital projects across the department. The allocation will fund bench replacements, new furnishings, and infrastructure improvements.
At Alta Plaza, the plan calls for replacing 11 existing benches and adding 20 new ones on the south and east terraces, all marked with plaques honoring Bobo, his partner Rory, and their golden retriever Chad. The park’s 12‑acre expanse will also receive upgrades to pathways and signage.
In other parks, about $720,000 will purchase roughly 50 new benches and additional furnishings, each site receiving a plaque that ties the gift back to Bobo’s legacy.
The remaining 40%, or $1.44 million, will fund broader capital projects such as concrete repairs and accessibility enhancements, with spending slated to begin in the next fiscal year.