[1] The Grove is a dedicated space and place in the national landscape where the millions of Americans touched directly or indirectly by AIDS can gather to heal, hope, and remember.

Congress and the President of the United States approved the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 in 1996, which officially set aside the deLaveaga Dell land in Golden Gate Park as the site for the first AIDS memorial in the nation.

[2] The Grove continues through the additional generosity of services and financial support given by numerous individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Thousands of community volunteers have ensured over 20 years that continuous gardening and regular maintenance occurs, along with periodic enhancement projects, to keep the landscape vital and sense of place beautiful.

[citation needed] The Grove serves as an important sanctuary for people, from locals to world visitors, a refuge for memories and a place of new enjoyment.