The 2010 San Francisco Playground Report Card (PDF warning) was released this week. Judging parks based off of signage, fencing & gates, ground surface, cleanliness, equipment, amenities, surface material, the hugely popular Dolores Park scored an 'F' for its lackluster playground. (It could be argued, though, that the entire park in one big playground.) While some fans love Dolores Park as-is, its much-needed renovations will certainly change the playground's low score. The area, after all, has seen a boom in little blessings over the last few years; a safe and sparkly playground seems more than necessary. more ›

In an effort to promote "volunteerism," First Ladies Michelle Obama and Maria Shriver kicked off a national community service campaign today (United We Serve) at the playground of Bret Harte Elementary School. But Obama wasn't just talk; she joined more than 500 local volunteers to redo the school's playground. The new kid-space will include "an edible garden that will have a farmer's market stand where kids and seniors can sell vegetables to raise money for the school," reports NBC Bay Area. The playground is is expected to be completed by 5 p.m. today. (Say what you will about the Obama administraion, you would never have found Laura Bush doing manual labor in the Bayview-Hunter's Point hood.) more ›