How a "mad viking" saved a crime-ridden park in San Francisco


There's some good information about square-foot gardening in this neat video about Peter Vaernet, the "Mad Viking" who turned a beautiful 7-acre park from a crime nest into a terrific multi-use community area.

Vaernet said one of the ways he got rid of the criminal element was by bringing lots of women and children into the park. The criminals were too embarrassed to behave badly in front of women and children, he explained, so they went away.

Meet the "Mad Viking," Peter Vaernet. He almost single-handedly saved one of San Francisco's least known pocket parks from a scourge of drug abuse, blood sport and murder.

Now Brooks Park is a thriving open space with a community garden, native plants, and sweeping views of the entire city.

Victory of the Mad Viking, San Francisco