Meet Your Bernal Heights Neighbor: Vicky Rideout
Steering Committee Member & Local Visionary, Tompkins Stairway Garden
When Vicky Rideout first moved to Bernal Heights, she didn’t just see a new neighborhood; she saw a challenge waiting for a solution. A nearby public staircase had fallen into disrepair, becoming a concern for residents. While most would have simply walked past, Vicky started digging. She discovered a classic “bureaucratic gap”: the city owned the land but didn’t maintain it.
Instead of accepting the status quo, Vicky turned frustration into action. She spent her early days in Bernal researching property deeds, knocking on doors, and navigating the mayor’s office. Her goal was simple: bring the neighborhood together to reclaim their shared space, Tompkins Stairway Garden. What began as informal chats over fences eventually blossomed into a formal street park and a sustainable model of community stewardship.
A Garden Built on Connection
For Vicky, the transformation of the Tompkins Stairway Garden wasn’t just about clearing brush or securing grants; it was about building a “social fabric.” Through her leadership, a problematic corner of Bernal was reimagined as a community asset.
“The best part was the opportunity to meet and connect with everyone,” Vicky says. She developed a leadership style rooted in inclusion, ensuring that both long-term residents and new families felt a sense of ownership of the garden. Under her watch, the project didn’t just improve safety; it fostered a genuine sense of belonging.
Navigating the Changing Tides
Living in a vibrant, evolving neighborhood like Bernal Heights comes with its own set of hurdles. Vicky is candid about the realities of urban community work:
Sustaining Momentum: Balancing the need for constant maintenance with the reality of volunteer burnout.
Evolving Demographics: Ensuring that as original residents move on, the “next generation” of Bernal neighbors feels invited to step in.
The Power of the Group: Vicky is quick to credit neighbors like Karen Rhoades, Scott Knudson, and architect Andre Rothblatt. “This was never a solo mission,” she insists. “It’s the collaborative network that keeps us going.”
Vicky’s Bernal Today
While she has stepped back from the daily heavy lifting, you’ll still find Vicky in the garden on work days or contributing her “institutional wisdom” during Steering Committee meetings. Her journey from a concerned new neighbor to a community pillar reflects the very best of Bernal Heights spirit: the idea that with a little persistence and a lot of heart, you can turn a forgotten staircase into a local treasure.
Neighborhood Tip: Next time you’re near the Tompkins Stairway, take a moment to enjoy the view. It’s a reminder of what happens when neighbors like Vicky decide to dig in, literally.
The Joy of Green Space Volunteering
Mike Doherty serves as Chief Experience Officer at Greening Projects, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant green areas
