It is often said that in San Francisco, our parks are our backyards. In February, San Francisco voters will have the opportunity to support a $185 million bond that our backyards desperately need. While everyone loves parks, getting support north of the 2/3 threshold is never an easy task in a political city full of old grudges and shake-down artists — not to mention a crowded presidential campaign.

In 2000, San Francisco’s political community united to pass the first neighborhood parks bond in 50 years (disclosure: I managed the campaign). Even though the election was less than four months after a very contentious mayoral race, everyone came together for the parks. We need that level of unity once again.