[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN CELEBRATION OF CRISSY FIELD, SAN FRANCISCO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2001

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, for decades, Crissy Field stood as an idle 
monument to its former life as a World War I landing strip. The cracked 
runway and gray rubble lined San Francisco's shoreline and window to 
the Bay. Part of a national park within the Presidio's boundaries, it 
begged for renewal.
  After years of effort and an unprecedented philanthropic success on 
behalf of the Park's Crissy Field restoration, we are now on the verge 
of celebrating a modern-day Crissy Field that also incorporates its 
history. While evidence of the landing strip is no longer visible, a 
rich historic marsh land has been brought back to a state that existed 
long before aviation.
  In two weeks, on May 6, the public will be welcomed to a great 
celebration of the Crissy Field restoration project. Almost magically, 
acres of rubble have been transformed into a magnificent public gateway 
along the Presidio's border. A tidal marsh now exists, surrounded by 
native plants and a public promenade that stretches for over a mile 
along the beachfront.
  This event, marking the completion of the restoration and the public 
opening, was born as a concept a few years ago under the partnership of 
the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and the Golden Gate 
National Parks Association (GGNPA). In a remarkably short period of 
time, and in a remarkable show of support, this concept has come to 
life.
  Under the leadership of the first GGNPA Chair, Toby Rosenblatt, and 
now under the continuing excellent leadership of Chair Charlene Harvey, 
the dream of Crissy Field will be realized. This unique public-private 
partnership has made it possible to turn a contaminated, abandoned 
airfield into a conservation prize for our national park system.
  This would not have been possible without the vision of these 
individuals, the many contributors who followed this dream and the 
significant efforts of Greg Moore, Executive Director of the GGNPA, and 
Brian O'Neill, Superintendent of the GGNRA. Both Brian and Greg were 
honored this week by the National Park Foundation for their energy, 
innovation and enthusiasm in bringing this project to fruition. Greg 
Moore accepted the National Park Foundation award for ``Restoration of 
Crissy Field'' as the recipient of the 2001 National Park Partnership 
Award in the environmental conservation category.
  As the GGNPA Executive Director, Greg spearheaded the philanthropic 
drive for Crissy Field which raised $34 million to fund this 
spectacular restoration of San Francisco's Bay shoreline. The gift of 
$18 million from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr., Fund and the Robert 
and Colleen Haas Fund is the largest ever made to America's national 
parks. This is a phenomenal accomplishment and one of which we are very 
proud in our community. Congratulations to Charlene Harvey, the entire 
GGNPA Board, the many philanthropic participants and to Greg Moore and 
an excellent staff for their lasting contribution to our environment.
  The Presidio and all of our Golden Gate National Parks are a source 
of great pride to us and we are pleased that they welcome millions of 
visitors each year for recreation and renewal. Congratulations to all 
who have been involved in this spectacular project. It is a testament 
to the great enthusiasm the public holds for our national parks. It is 
a testament to the spirit of our San Francisco community and the able 
leaders who brought this vision to life for us all.

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