A treasure hunt for a chest containing $10,000 (approximately £8,000) has caused significant disruption to parks in San Francisco, with officials reporting damage to green spaces. The hunt, organised by an anonymous group, began nearly three weeks ago on Reddit and has yet to see the treasure claimed.
The chest, weighing over 150 pounds, is buried one foot underground within seven miles of City Hall. Organisers provided a clue map on a linked website, but the hunt has drawn complaints from the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department and Angel Island rangers about destruction of parkland.
In response, the organisers clarified that the treasure is not on Angel Island or in Francisco Park. They urged seekers to fill any holes they dig, clean up rubbish, and report anyone causing damage. “We are playing a game that's a little mischievous... but this is supposed to be fun,” they said.
A spokesperson for the Recreation and Parks Department stated that permits are required for digging in city parks to protect landscapes and public safety. The department has been contacted for further comment.
This is the second such hunt by the group; last year’s chest was found in just 11 hours. The organisers funded the treasure themselves and said this will likely be the final hunt unless a donor steps forward, calling it a “downright idiotic” financial decision.
