There's a treasure hunt for $10,000 happening in SF, but it's resulting in X-mark digging complaints

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Two weeks into a citywide treasure hunt in San Francisco, the $10,000 prize remains unfound as complaints grow over damage in public parks.

Organized by anonymous donors, the hunt challenges participants to locate the loot reportedly buried within a 7-mile radius of San Francisco City Hall. But as the search drags on, city officials and residents say digging tied to the hunt has left holes in parks and damaged irrigation systems.

On Tuesday, a group was seen searching for the treasure, which organizers say weighs 150 pounds and is buried about a foot underground. Clues to its location are contained in a poem.

"I think I know where it is, I read everything, I solved it two years ago, but somebody got it before I got there," said Renette Hammer, referring to a similar treasure from last year that was found in 11 hours.

This time, weeks have passed with no discovery, according to organizers. Instead, concerns have surfaced from gardeners and parkgoers about digging activity in areas including North Beach and Russian Hill.

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At Washington Square Park, one witness described a man digging with a shovel near landscaping.

"He had an army shovel and he started digging around, digging some holes. I thought he was gonna hit the sprinklers or pipes," the person said.

Officials with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department said damage assessments are ongoing.

"We're still assessing the damage, and we're still kind of figuring out what repairs are needed," said Daniel Montes with San Francisco Recreation and Parks.

Evidence of digging was visible in multiple parks. At Ina Coolbrith Park, disturbed ground and a moved rock were observed just steps inside. At Francisco Park, loose wood chips suggested recent digging in a planted area. At Washington Square Park, two large holes were found in the shrubbery near the bathrooms.

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Residents expressed frustration over the impact on public spaces.

"There are beautiful flowers here so who would want to destroy a park? But for 10-grand!" said Alana Ziegler of San Francisco.

Even organizers of the hunt have urged participants to act responsibly by filling holes, cleaning up trash and avoiding damage to park infrastructure. City officials are also reminding would-be treasure hunters that digging permits are required, a process that can cost hundreds of dollars.

"Hearing about the holes is a bummer because ruining the ecosystem and the land here is not good for everyone," said Hammer.

Despite the concerns, some participants remain confident the treasure will eventually be found.

"But again, I don't think it's at this park, I know where it is... It's not nearby."

For now, the search continues.

Here is the full poem:

"Minute steps climb, and beyond fingers rise,

onward on pins where the treasure lies

deem heavenly island towers, over derelict ward;

stern wood haven north and powell, off back-ward

under stone this mint rests buried in keep,

but intermiss briefly, please-do take a seat

spare a moment between us, you who shall reap;

only we know this plane, this sanctum, this peep

let's celebrate our land, the city, this jaunt,

the clamber, the sights, our sole hunt for this haunt

truly framed in full, cast stage-left at your feet;

dig just one foot down and-finally-heft the prize that you seek"