Social media was all a chatter, Havelock Street was packed bumper to bumper, and people streamed in from all angles. That's right, the anticipation was finally over and Balboa Pool was to be open again on Saturday, February 23rd.

The swimming pool in Mission Terrace's Balboa Park was founded in 1959, had been in need of renovations and ADA accessibility upgrades. Funding was secured and the pool was closed back in October of 2016 to begin work for what was supposed to be a one-year project. Almost 2 years and 4 months later (delays largely due to disputes with PG&E) the pool was opening again... with much fanfare.

SF Rec & Park was on hand with free giveaways and people wanted through the new building. High above the swimming pool and enjoyed by spectators lining the pool, was an enormous mural titled All My Friends At Once, by artist Jason Jägel, funded but he city's two-percent-for-art funding, which included nods to the neighborhoods close to the pool.

Speeches were given by San Francisco's Mayor London Breed, District 11 Supervisor Ahashi Safai, NMTIA's Board Present David Hooper, and many more.

After the speeches were completed, Mayor Breed lead a countdown to the first plunge into the pool, to rousing cheers all around, followed by an impressive show by the San Francisco Merionettes, an award-winning synchronized swimming club formed in 1956.  This was followed by a free open swim for anyone who wanted to brave the crowds.

If swimming wasn't your thing, then no worries as there were plenty of outdoor activities as well; giant bubble-blowing, bean bag tosses, and a bunch house.

​All-in-all, it was a fantastic day for the neighborhood.

During a rainy Thursday morning in Mission Terrace, a car could be seen stopping by homes throughout the neighborhood; the driver jumping out into the rain to drop off Valentine's cards given by their fellow neighbors.

The "Spread Some Love" project began last year, with the goal of spreading positivity in the world by starting right here in our own neighborhood. The project started small, with just a handful of participants last year, yet more than doubling in size for 2019.

How the program works: In January, announcements are sent out via social media and email, alerting MT residents to the project. Participants were provided with an online form, which required the address of the participant (the person who wanted a card sent) and the address where the card was to be delivered, so that NMTIA could ensure card were being sent to & from MT residents. Participants had the option to add a special note if they desired. All cards were delivered by hand on Valentine's Day.

All-in-all, this year's project was a success!

The streets of Mission Terrace took Halloween to a whole other level this year! From the haunted house on Cotter Street that has been around for 30 years, to the blocked-off streets of Delano, San Gabriel, and Otsego, Mission Terrace is turning into a Halloween destination for the kiddos.

This year, the residents of Delano Street, secured a grant to enhance the festivities even further.  In addition to the trick-or-treating, activities included a photo booth, street games, a fire truck, and haunted house. More than 300 people were in attendance this year... triple the amount from just a year ago! 

Sponsored by Roxie Food Center, the Mission Terrace Improvement association was able to put on another wonderful neighborhood parade and picnic. Mary Harris was our Grand Marshall this year, leading the parade on top of a San Francisco Fire Department ladder truck. Very special guests included Mayor London Breed, District Supervisor Ahsha Safai, and State Senator Scott Weiner.

The parade started at 100 Capistrano, winded through the Mission Terrace neighborhood, and ended with a picnic at Balboa Park. The Neighborhood Empowerment Network was there to help educated the neighborhood (via a fun game) be prepared for emergencies, and entertainment was there for the kiddos.

Special thanks to our amazing volunteers including the Cayuga Improvement Association.

What a great day!

Lawn chairs, popcorn, kids, pups, soda, laughter, blankets, and cheers were all part of a fantastic 2nd annual Movie Night in the Park. Special thanks to the Dark Horse
​Inn for sponsoring this event for the neighborhood.

The seed for this project was the idea that with so much negativity in the world, perhaps we could instead, spread some love and start right here in our own neighborhood.

Participants filled out a short form to let us know where to deliver a card on February 14th, so we could deliver the card with the message "Love having you in the neighborhood."  Participants also had the option to add additional messaging if they so wished.

This year there were about 11 neighbors who received cards, and we area looking forward to expanding the program next year. <3

On Saturday, September 30th, over 200 people gathered in Balboa Park, for our first Movie In The Park event. Disney's "Wreck It Ralph" was shown, and is a story about video game characters who are misunderstood, and the perceived villain ends up being the unlikely hero for this delightful family movie.

In addition to enjoying this hilarious movie, the event also included; popcorn, raffle prizes, and an all-around good time with the community.

Thanks to Sean and Andrea of the Dark Horse Inn and the Excelsior Outer Mission Merchants and the office of Supervisor Safai for making this event such a great success.