Robin Williams Meadow gets sign of support

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department has given its nod of support to a renaming of Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park after Robin Williams.

The effort to rename Sharon Meadow — a wide, grassy lawn at the east end of the park that is often the site of performances and celebrations — after the late comedian and actor is being led by local comedians Debi Durst and her husband, Will. The pair have worked to put on Comedy Day — an annual showcase for local comedians — at Golden Gate Park for the past 37 years.

The proposal has the support of the park department and the mayor’s office, but the decision to rename the space rests with the Recreation and Park Commission. The Dursts are also working with Williams’ estate. No

vote has been scheduled on the name change.

Williams, Debi Durst said, was a personal friend and a longtime supporter of Comedy Day, performing when he could and serving as its chief benefactor in years when money was short. Will Durst previously called Williams the event’s “anonymous angel.”

The event has been held at Sharon Meadow for the past 25 years. Renaming the space to Robin Williams Meadow, Debi said, would reflect Williams’ extensive contributions to the event and the local comedy scene in general. Williams took his own life at his Marin County home in 2014.

“He loved Comedy Day, and he loved people,” said Debi, who serves as president of Comedy Day and the event’s producer. “He brought so much joy to everyone, I figured it would be perfect to honor him in this way.” While the rainbowarched Waldo Tunnel on the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge was officially renamed Robin Williams Tunnel in 2016, “there’s nothing here in San Francisco to honor him,” Debi said.

“Because the (Comedy Day) mission embodies Mr. Williams’ true nature as a comedian and kind spirit as a human being, it is so fitting to name this meadow after Mr. Williams, where thousands of people freely gather to perform, laugh and enjoy each others’ company every year,” Phil Ginsburg, general manager of the park department, said in a statement.

Sharon Meadow was named after William Sharon, a banker and later a U.S. senator from Nevada who made donations to Golden Gate Park. The Sharon Building, built in 1888, was named after him and now houses a number of arts and crafts courses. Sharon Meadow, the park department said, was given its name because of its proximity to the Sharon Building.

Debi Durst said she’s hoping the city will agree to cover the costs of renaming the space, considering the numerous park signs, pamphlets and other materials that would have to be changed to reflect the change. Durst said she’s raised about $1,400 privately, but expects the costs to be around $50,000 in total.

In 2012, Speedway Meadow — closer to the center of the park — was renamed Hellman Hollow after the late philanthropist Warren Hellman, who funded the annual Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival.