Immigrant Point Overlook at the Presidio Opens

Presidio of San Francisco (April 28, 2005) — Thanks to a generous San Francisco philanthropist, a spectacular scenic lookout which has the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate as a view will be dedicated on May 2 at 10:30 am for public use at the Presidio.

The new Immigrant Point Overlook, along Washington Blvd in the Presidio, will honor the millions of immigrants for whom the Golden Gate symbolizes a new beginning in a new land.

In addition to dedicating the new overlook, twenty-three foreign nationals from eighteen countries such as Argentina, Mexico, China, Hong Kong, Ireland, Algeria, Singapore, Fiji and Eritrea, among others, will take an oath and be sworn in as new United States citizens by US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

“The Golden Gate has been the western gateway to America throughout history,” said Craig Middleton, executive director for the Presidio Trust. “Immigrant Point will offer a place of spectacular beauty at which to reflect on the symbolism of the Golden Gate to past, present, and future citizens of the United States.”

The Immigrant Point Overlook was funded by the Sarlo Foundation of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund and George Sarlo, a Hungarian immigrant and his wife Sejong, who is originally from Korea.

This project is part of the Trails Forever Initiative, a partnership between the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Presidio Trust and the National Park Service. The Trails Forever Initiative will create and improve trails throughout the 75,000 acre Golden Gate National Parks, spanning the coastal open spaces of Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties. The long term goal is a world class trail system that is preserved “forever” through strong volunteer action and stewardship. There are about 29 miles of trails within the Presidio that are frequented by thousands of joggers, hikers and walkers annually.

Making a contribution to improve Presidio trails is something that Mr. Sarlo has thought about for some time. “I have a deep abiding appreciation for the Presidio and its trails which I use often” he said, “My hope is that even more people can see what I have come to appreciate at this park.”

The $1 million gift was earmarked for construction of the Immigrant Point Overlook as well as trail improvements in the vicinity of the overlook. Another popular overlook at the Presidio is Inspiration Point, on Arguello Boulevard which affords visitors a stunning view of Alcatraz, San Francisco Bay, Marin County and the City Skyline.

Mr. Sarlo heads the Sarlo foundation, created in 1992, along with his wife. Its intent is to support education, training, counseling, medical crisis intervention and a wide array of other services which make a significant difference in the lives of individuals.