San Francisco man who quietly walked his dog in a local park left $3.6 million after his death for park improvements, with his will calling for more benches | World News

William Benjamin “Ben” Bobo was a quiet San Francisco resident who spent years walking his golden retriever, Chad, around Alta Plaza Park near his home. Few people who saw the pair there could have known that Bobo would eventually leave millions of dollars to the city’s parks. When he died in August 2023 at the age of 87, his estate was valued at about $5 million, largely because of the rise in value of properties he owned. His will directed 80% of the estate to the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, with his wishes focused particularly on park benches. The resulting bequest was about $3.6 million, far more than the city could reasonably spend on benches alone.

Ben Bobo’s $3.6 million estate goes to San Francisco parks

Bobo had lived in San Francisco for decades after moving to the city from the Midwest. He worked in the Design Center and ran a furnishings business, while also owning several properties in the city. According to the Recreation and Park Department, he lived on Clay Street with his partner, Rory, and their golden retriever, Chad.Bobo was known as a private and quiet man. He exercised every day, travelled and regularly visited Alta Plaza Park, including its off-leash dog area. The park, located in the Pacific Heights area, became an important part of his routine and was close to his home.After his death, the value of his estate surprised those involved in administering it. The properties had appreciated substantially over the years, leaving an estate much larger than the amount Bobo’s original plans may have anticipated.His will divided the estate among relatives, friends and organisations. Of the major charitable allocations, 80% went to the Recreation and Park Department and 20% to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The parks department ultimately received approximately $3.6 million.

His unusual request was for more park benches

The most distinctive part of Bobo’s bequest was the specific purpose attached to the money.He wanted the funds used to install new park benches, with plaques commemorating Ben, Rory and Chad. The request reflected his connection to Alta Plaza Park and the time he had spent there with his partner and dog.But there was an immediate practical problem. The $3.6 million bequest was simply too large to spend entirely on benches. The Recreation and Park Department told the estate executor that it could not reasonably install enough benches to use the entire amount for that single purpose.Kim Ridinger, who served as executor of Bobo’s estate, said the clause in the will dated back decades, from a time when Bobo’s properties were worth considerably less. The growth in San Francisco real estate values meant that the eventual bequest was far larger than Bobo may have anticipated.Rather than abandon the original intention, the city worked with the estate to develop a broader plan that would use the money for benches, park furnishings and improvements while remaining connected to Bobo’s wishes.

Alta Plaza Park is receiving a major share

Alta Plaza Park is at the centre of the spending plan because of Bobo’s connection to the site.The city’s approved budget allocates about $1.44 million, or 40% of the bequest, towards implementing parts of the park’s existing master plan. The work includes repairs to concrete elements, improvements to pathways and accessibility, and changes to site furniture and signage.The plan specifically calls for replacing 11 existing benches and adding 20 new benches on the park’s south and east terraces. The project also includes donor recognition connected to Bobo’s gift.Alta Plaza Park itself covers nearly 12 acres and features a broad terraced staircase leading up the steep hillside. From the upper sections, visitors can see across San Francisco and the surrounding area. The park also contains an off-leash dog area, a children’s playground, sports courts, picnic facilities and existing viewing benches.

Another $720,000 will fund benches and park furnishings

A separate 20%, or approximately $720,000, of Bobo’s bequest has been allocated for about 50 new benches and other park furnishings at locations across San Francisco.Each of the relevant sites is expected to carry a plaque recognising Bobo, Rory and Chad, preserving the personal connection behind the gift.The allocation is broader than the initial plan reported when the bequest became public in January 2025. At that stage, the Recreation and Park Commission had proposed spending roughly $700,000 on 81 new benches across the city’s parks, including 31 at Alta Plaza Park. The later city-approved budget formalised a slightly different allocation, with about $720,000 designated for approximately 50 new benches and other park furnishings.

The remaining money will support other park projects

The final 40%, approximately $1.44 million, is designated for capital projects and refurbishments across the Recreation and Park Department.The official allocation allows the money to support projects including dog play areas, playgrounds and new parks. The department will also recognise Bobo’s bequest on projects receiving the required level of funding.This means Bobo’s legacy will extend beyond the benches he specifically mentioned in his will. His gift will contribute to improvements at Alta Plaza Park while also helping other public spaces across San Francisco.

City formally approved Bobo’s unusual bequest

The Recreation and Park Commission first moved to accept the gift in January 2024 after the department was notified of Bobo’s death and his bequest. The probate process followed, with the court considering the proposed allocation of the funds.San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors ultimately adopted a resolution in July 2025 authorising the Recreation and Park Department to accept and spend approximately $3.6 million from Bobo’s estate. Mayor Daniel Lurie subsequently approved the measure.The official resolution describes the purpose of the gift as providing benches, park furnishings and park improvements at various sites across San Francisco.

A quiet life remembered through parks

The unusual nature of Bobo’s gift has made his story stand out because there was little indication during his lifetime that he intended to leave such a substantial legacy to the city’s parks.He was not a major public philanthropist and did not become known for making large charitable donations while alive. Instead, his connection to the parks was largely personal: he lived nearby, exercised regularly and spent time walking his dog at Alta Plaza Park.Now, the city’s parks will carry reminders of Bobo, his partner Rory and Chad through the benches and plaques funded by his estate.A man who quietly walked his dog through a San Francisco park for years ultimately left behind millions of dollars that will help people sit, walk, play and spend time in those same public spaces.