News Flash

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today announced “Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park,” a new immersive exhibition that will transform the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park into an immersive celebration of the music, art, and community that made the Grateful Dead a defining part of San Francisco's cultural identity. The exhibition will open September 5, kicking off with a free concert on Labor Day Weekend from Grahame Lesh and Friends, the group headed by the son of Grateful Dead founding member Phil Lesh.

“Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park” continues Mayor Lurie’s work to bring San Franciscans and welcome visitors through arts, culture, and major events. Last year’s “Summer of Music,” featuring one weekend of Dead & Company shows, drew tens of thousands of people to the city and generated over $150 million in local economic activity. Mayor Lurie built on that progress by bringing a new season of live music to Golden Gate Park along with free opera performances in Crane Cove Park, continuing SF Music Week, and launching SF LIVE, a free online show guide and events calendar to support arts institutions by boosting ticket sales. With San Francisco also hosting the Super Bowl and six FIFA World Cup matches this year, visitors are returning in record numbers, accelerating the city’s economic recovery.

“Art and music define San Francisco, and they have for decades, thanks to groups like the Grateful Dead and the community they created,” said Mayor Lurie. “When we celebrate that legacy, we celebrate not only one period of our history but also the creative energy that still makes San Francisco special today. The Summer of Music was so special last year, and I hope everyone will come out to enjoy Grahame Lesh’s free show on September 7 and celebrate our city’s incredible history and bright future.”

Featuring legendary works of art and ephemera, performers, large-scale projections, multimedia installations, hands-on experiences, and interactive storytelling, “Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park,” will invite visitors to step inside the story of one of San Francisco's most influential bands. Opening weekend festivities will culminate Monday, September 7, with a free performance by Grahame Lesh and Friends in Robin Williams Meadow between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Following opening weekend, the ticketed exhibition will remain on view through October 25.

“The Grateful Dead's story is inseparable from Golden Gate Park and San Francisco,” said Sarah Madland, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager. “Bringing this immersive experience to the County Fair Building invites visitors to step inside that history while creating new memories in one of the world’s great urban parks.”

Created by the Haight Street Art Center in partnership with the award-winning immersive performance company Third Rail Projects and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, “Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park” is anchored by Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters' legendary “Furthur” bus and Jerry Garcia's BMW, alongside original artwork, rare memorabilia, and multimedia installations. Live performers appear throughout the experience—from intimate one-on-one interactions to spontaneous encounters.

“There’s nothing like free music in San Francisco. It’s something that the Grateful Dead discovered early on in the ‘60s and something I got to witness and be a part of in the 2020s with my dad as a member of Phil Lesh and Friends,” said Grahame Lesh. “Music is for everyone, and I am honored to celebrate the band’s legacy and history in San Francisco—in Golden Gate Park—with all of you, the wonderful Deadhead community!”

The exhibition builds on “Forever Grateful,” now on view at the Haight Street Art Center through September 20, where more than 400 paintings, original lithographs, photographs, instruments, vinyl records, and rare ephemera chronicle the Grateful Dead's journey from 1965 to 1995. Together, the two experiences offer visitors both an extraordinary historical archive and a fully immersive celebration of the band's enduring cultural legacy.

“At Haight Street Art Center, we believe art has the power to preserve history and inspire connections across generations,” said Kelly Harris, Haight Street Art Center Executive Director. “Forever Grateful's second exhibition carries that mission to Golden Gate Park—one of San Francisco's most iconic public spaces and a homecoming for this story. Anchored by Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters' iconic ‘Furthur’ bus and Jerry Garcia's BMW, the exhibition brings visitors to where so much of the Grateful Dead's history actually happened.”

“Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park” will run from September 5 to October 25 at the County Fair Building (Hall of Flowers) in Golden Gate Park. Tickets and more information are available on the Haight Street Art Center website.

San Francisco – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department a $4 million grant to support environmental cleanup efforts at the future India Basin Waterfront Park, a transformative project that will expand public access to San Francisco’s southeastern waterfront, the department announced today.

The funding comes through the EPA’s Brownfields Program, which helps communities transform vacant, underutilized, or environmentally impacted properties into community assets such as parks and open spaces. The grant is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The award will support ongoing cleanup and restoration work at the former India Basin Shoreline Park site, located at 401 Hunters Point Blvd., which is currently under construction. Once construction is complete, the 7.5-acre site will be connected to the nearby 900 Innes Ave. site to create a unified 10-acre waterfront park featuring a restored shoreline, expanded green space, new basketball courts and fitness equipment, a renovated playground, a boathouse, a pier, a dock, and other community amenities.

“India Basin represents environmental justice in action, transforming a formerly industrial shoreline into a vibrant public space where families can gather, play, and connect with the waterfront,” said SF Rec and Park General Manager Sarah Madland. “This grant will help keep critical cleanup and restoration work moving forward at India Basin, bringing us one step closer to delivering a world-class waterfront park for Bayview-Hunters Point residents.”

The India Basin Waterfront Park project broke ground in 2021. The park’s southern portion at 900 Innes Ave. opened in fall 2024, featuring new amenities including restrooms, a food pavilion, a makers shop for boat-building activities and youth programming, as well as a dock and piers that provide direct waterfront access.

Construction on the park’s northern section, located at the former India Basin Shoreline Park site, began in fall 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in 2028.

The India Basin Waterfront Park project is a partnership between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, Trust for Public Land, A. Philip Randolph Institute, The San Francisco Foundation, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, and the Bayview-Hunters Point community.

As part of the Portsmouth Square project, the demolition of the Kearny Street pedestrian bridge will require full and partial closures of Kearny Street between Clay and Washington Streets in August 2026. These temporary traffic modifications are necessary to support the efficient demolition of the pedestrian bridge and ensure public safety.

For the duration of this work, expect work vehicles in the roadway, lane closures, slow traffic, pedestrian detours, and temporary “No Parking | Tow Away” restrictions near the work area. Please follow directions from flaggers and all posted signage. For any concerns related to parking tickets or towed vehicles, please call 311.

Kearny Street Full Closures, August 1-3 and August 8-10

Kearny Street will be fully closed over two consecutive weekends:

• Saturday, August 1, 1:00am through Monday, August 3, 5:00 a.m.
• Saturday, August 8, 1:00am through Monday, August 10, 5:00 a.m.

During these two full closure periods, traffic and transit will be redirected using designated detour routes. The Portsmouth Square Garage will be closed both weekends.

For the most up-to-date information on traffic detours and transit reroutes related to this project, visit SFMTA Chinatown Transportation Updates.

Local access will be maintained for businesses on the east side of Kearny between Clay and Merchant streets.

Kearny Street Partial Closures, August 3–7 and August 10-15

Kearny Street will also have partial closures during the weeks following each full closure:

• Monday, August 3 through Friday, August 7
• Monday, August 10 through Saturday, August 15

During these two partial closure periods, at least two lanes of Kearny Street will remain open at all times, but motorists are advised to consider alternate routes to avoid congestion. The Portsmouth Square garage will be open as normal during the partial closure periods.

Altogether, bridge demolition is expected to last between August 1-15. Bridge work from August 1-10 will remove the portion of the bridge that is over Kearny Street and connecting to the Hilton Hotel. The work from August 10-15 will complete bridge removal on the park-side of Kearny.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Noah Levy

📧 noah.levy@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6633

Please visit the project page at:

Portsmouth Square Improvement Project

MAJOR CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY AND TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

The main bridge demolition activities over Kearny Street and at the Hilton Hotel will begin on Friday, July 31.

This work is expected to last one week through Monday, August 10, 5:00 a.m.

For the duration of this work, expect work vehicles in the roadway, lane closures, slow traffic, and temporary “No Parking | Tow Away” restrictions near the work area. Expect pedestrian detours around this section of Kearny Street. Please follow directions from flaggers and all posted signage. For any concerns related to parking tickets or towed vehicles, please call 311.

Kearny Street between Clay and Washington will be closed:

• Saturday, August 1, 1:00am through Monday, August 3, 5:00 a.m.
• Saturday, August 8, 1:00am through Monday, August 10, 5:00 a.m.

No pedestrians or vehicles will be allowed within the construction area during these full closures. Local access will be maintained for businesses on the east side of Kearny between Clay and Merchant streets.

During the week between the full closures, August 3-8, please be advised there may be temporary closures, detours, and other traffic and parking impacts along this section of Kearny Street.

To accommodate this work, Portsmouth Square Garage will be closed August 1-2 and August 8-9. Aside from temporary closures, in general, the garage will remain open as normal for the duration of the project.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Noah Levy

📧 noah.levy@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6633

Please visit the project page at:

Portsmouth Square Improvement Project

REMINDER: MONTHLY “OFFICE HOURS” START THIS FRIDAY, JULY 10

Starting this Friday, July 10, 10 a.m., we will be hosting regular, open office hours every second Friday of the month at 10 a.m. Meet at the corner of Walter U. Lum Place and Washington Street.

Join us at these monthly office hours to get construction updates, ask questions, and share feedback on the Portsmouth Square Improvement Project.

Interpretation services will be available in Chinese at all office hours. For other language services or accessibility requests, please contact the project manager at least 48 hours before the meeting. Late requests will be honored if possible.

Reminder too that main demolition activities of the pedestrian bridge over Kearny Street and at the Hilton Hotel will begin on Friday, July 31. This work is expected to last one week through Monday, August 10, 5:00 a.m. More information on related traffic and parking impacts, including temporary closures and pedestrian detours, is available here >>

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Noah Levy 

📧 noah.levy@sfgov.org 

📞 628-652-6633

Please visit the project page at:

Portsmouth Square Improvement Project

San Francisco – From kickflips to community gardens, amphitheater pathways to playground pergolas, seven citizen-driven park improvement projects are moving forward after receiving approval from the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission today.

The projects are being paid for through the Community Opportunity Fund, an innovative program that invites residents, neighborhood groups, park advocates, and community partners to help shape the future of the City’s park system

The selected projects will bring meaningful upgrades to parks and public spaces, improving accessibility, safety, recreation opportunities, and neighborhood gathering spaces across the City.

Projects approved to move forward include:

• Balboa Park (Skatepark): The park’s 10,500-square-foot skatepark will receive major upgrades, including the replacement of deteriorated wood features with durable concrete terrain, new fencing, and enhanced seating areas.
• Howard Langton Community Garden: Improvements include new fencing, upgraded planter beds, and accessibility enhancements to better serve gardeners and visitors of all abilities.
• John McLaren Park (Native Plant Garden): The area south of Visitacion Valley Middle School will receive new native plantings, decorative boulders, upgraded irrigation, and a shipping container for storage and maintenance needs.
• John McLaren Park (Jerry Garcia Amphitheater): The entrance and connecting pathways to the amphitheater will be fully repaved to improve accessibility, alongside important drainage upgrades.
• Michelangelo Playground Park: The project will renovate the park’s central lawn and include new drainage infrastructure, upgraded decking and stairways, a new pergola, and additional seating.
• St. Mary’s Playground (Alemany Farm): Accessibility improvements will include a new ramp, pathway and parking lot upgrades, and replacement of a deteriorating retaining wall.
• Woh Hei Yuen Playground: The project will replace the playground’s entrance gate and drinking fountain and upgrade railings along the John Street entrance.

“San Francisco has an incredible park system, and the Community Opportunity Fund gives residents a direct role in shaping the future of these spaces,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “With these seven projects, we are listening to communities and creating safer, more welcoming gathering spaces in the neighborhoods that make San Francisco special.”

“The Community Opportunity Fund is helping ensure that San Francisco’s parks continue to reflect the needs and dreams of the communities that use them every day,” said SF Rec and Park General Manager Sarah Madland. “These are community-driven projects, shaped by the people who know and love these spaces best, and the enthusiasm behind them shows how much our parks mean to San Franciscans.”

Approximately $6 million has been allocated to the selected projects through the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond, with individual projects eligible to receive between $500,000 and $1.5 million in funding.

The application process launched in January and included two public workshops held in February to help prospective applicants develop their proposals. Rec and Park received 36 applications, which were evaluated by a selection committee made up of City staff and community partners. Projects were scored based on how well they aligned with the program’s goals and community needs.

“The Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park brings people together through music, culture, and celebration, and these improvements will make it easier for everyone to access and enjoy,” said park advocate Linda Litehiser. “The entrance and pathways are used by visitors of all abilities, including people using paratransit and the crews who help bring performances to life. These upgrades will help ensure the amphitheater remains safe, accessible, and welcoming.”

Since its creation in 2008, the Community Opportunity Fund has empowered communities to lead improvements in their local parks. The program has helped deliver projects at 35 parks citywide, leveraging $5 million from the 2008 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond, $12 million from the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond, and an additional $13.7 million in philanthropic contributions and in-kind support.

With Commission approval now secured, the seven projects will move into design development and environmental review. As plans advance, projects may return to the Rec and Park Commission for additional review and approvals as needed before construction commences.

###

Press release, June 18, 2026

We are excited to announce the 2026 Community Opportunity Fund (COF) list of selected project proposals!

We were thrilled to have received so much response to the program. The applications we received demonstrated years of love and commitment from community members to San Francisco’s parks and open spaces.

The following is the list of selected project proposals that will be put forward for approval at the June 18 meeting of the Recreation and Park Commission:

Selected Projects:

• Balboa Skatepark Renovation (Large)
• Howard Langton’s Garden: Community Safety & Accessibility (Large)
• Alemany Farm Access and Improvement Project (Small)
• McLaren Park: Jerry Garcia Amp. Repaving and Improvements (Small)
• McLaren Native Plant Garden (Small)
• Michelangelo Park Makeover (Small)
• Woh Hei Yuen Park Safety/Accessibility Enhancements (Small)

We also have a waitlist of projects that will be funded and implemented should the first tier of projects be completed under their budget thresholds.

Waitlisted Projects:

• Outdoor Fitness Equipment in Balboa Park (Small)
• Revitalization of Yik Oi Huang Peace and Friendship Park (Small)
• Precita Park Entrance: Circle of Welcome (Small – mini)
• States Street Calisthenics Bars (Small – mini)
• Sunset Dunes Outdoor Showers & Spigot Stations (Small – mini)

We received a variety of project ideas across a diverse set of park spaces, and we wish we had the resources to fund them all. We are hopeful that we will be able to fund more of these projects in the future through upcoming park bond measures.

If you would like to receive updates about park bond measures, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements | Initiatives: Park Bond Measures."

COF is a citywide capital improvement program funded by General Obligation Bonds that provides an opportunity for neighbors, community groups, park advocates, and partners to nominate their park project ideas for funding. The previous five rounds of COF funded more than $17 million in community-nominated projects at 35 city parks, including improvements at Bayview K.C. Jones Playground, Golden Gate Heights Park, Fillmore Turk Mini Park, and Zion Skate Plaza (Waller Street Skate Park).

This is the COF’s sixth application cycle and the City has allocated $6 million from the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond for this round of project awards. Awards of up to $1.5M will be offered to large projects and up to $500K for small projects. Please visit the Community Opportunity Fund (COF) website for more details.

💬 Have questions or feedback?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Alexis Ward

📧 RPDCOF@sfgov.org

Please visit the program webpage at:

Community Opportunity Fund

Thank you so much to all our COF Program applicants.

Our Scoring Committee has kicked off, and the applications are currently being evaluated.

We anticipate announcing project selections in June.

💬 Have questions or feedback?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Alexis Ward

📧 RPDCOF@sfgov.org

Please visit the program webpage at:

Community Opportunity Fund

If you would like to receive further updates on the Community Opportunity Fund (COF), please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and select updates for “Rec Park Improvements | Initiatives: Community Opportunity Fund (COF)."

Construction work continues to progress at Buchanan Street Mall!

We’ve installed many more segments of the Memory Walk’s decorative paving, and the site walls and playground footings between Turk and Eddy streets are now complete.

We’ve also started to install many of the new site furnishings. These furnishings feature bright, beautiful blue and yellow colors that were selected by the community during the engagement process.

The park’s new lawns will be planted in early July, so all the grass will be well-established and ready for folks to enjoy once the park reopens this fall. Rain gardens will also be constructed over the next month near several park entrances, and more paving and site furnishings will be put in place.

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS IS CHANGING BETWEEN FULTON AND MCALLISTER: Starting this week, there will no longer be through access for pedestrians between Fulton and McAllister streets, until the project is complete this fall. Friendship Village Apartment residents will be able to access their gates from McAllister Street only. See attached diagram.

Thanks again to our neighbors for your patience with the various pedestrian detours.

We are also planning community meetings for the last week of July to share the latest on the Buchanan Street Mall Equity Action Plan. More information forthcoming!

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Lauren Dietrich Chavez

📧 Lauren.Chavez@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6643

Please visit the project webpage at:

Buchanan Street Mall Renovation Project

Construction continues on Buchanan Street Mall. The northern block is taking shape with retaining walls now installed and installation of the green infrastructure underway. The current focus is on final grading and paving.

The base for the Memory Walk is being laid on several blocks, with more decorative concrete and pavers forthcoming.

Our staff are also working with City departments and partner organizations to develop operational initiatives for the Buchanan Street Mall Equity Action Plan. This work has significant alignments with the Fillmore Community Action Plan (FCAP) effort, also currently underway.

Our team will participate in the Fillmore Community Action Plan Workshop: Placemaking & Culture on Thursday, June 4, 5pm at the African American Art and Culture Complex. All ages welcome! Food and refreshments will be provided. Event is free; RSVP requested. Click the link for more information.

We are working to schedule a community status report meeting in July to share progress and receive community input on initiative refinement. Stay tuned for more information.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Lauren Dietrich Chavez

📧 Lauren.Chavez@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6643

Please visit the project webpage at:

Buchanan Street Mall Renovation Project

CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY: Pedestrian access between McAllister St. and Golden Gate Ave. will be limited to residents-only now through the end of construction in late 2026.

Residents of Fredrick Douglas Haynes Gardens can access the northern gate off Buchanan Street Mall from Golden Gate Avenue, and all other gates off Buchanan Street Mall are accessible from McAllister St.

All other pedestrians will be detoured to Webster St. or Laguna St. to travel between McAllister St. and Golden Gate Ave.

See closure and detour map

Other construction updates:

Construction is humming along! The new performance stage between Fulton St. and McAllister St. is taking shape with the stage canopy and concrete work now complete. Framing for the stage wooden decking will begin in May.

The columns for the Memory Walk are starting to be raised, and the pervious paving and decorative paving on the southern block is complete. Site wall framing is in process on the northern block, and grading and paving work is progressing on the middle blocks.

Memory Walk updates:

The Foundational Phase 1 artwork for the Memory Walk was approved by the San Francisco Arts Commission Visual Arts Committee on April 15! This artwork was created by nine artists with strong connections to the Fillmore.

See the final art concepts from our nine Memory Walk artists and new renderings showing Memory Walk columns and fences in place in the finished park.

Buchanan Street Mall Equity Action Plan 

Success Centers, our workforce development partner on the project, is hosting their annual May Day! job fair on Friday, May 1 at 1449 Webster St. (off the old Safeway parking lot)

SF Rec and Park is engaged with the Fillmore Community Action Plan process, and is actively coordinating with City departments, partner organizations, and other community leaders on the Buchanan Street Mall Equity Action Plan and Park Improvement Equity Action Toolkit. We look forward to reporting our progress and shaping next steps with the community this summer! 

We’ll share more info and our engagement schedule in a future blog post.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Lauren Dietrich Chavez

📧 Lauren.Chavez@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6643

Please visit the project webpage at:

Buchanan Street Mall Renovation Project

The Bernal Heights Playground Renewal is now complete! Thank you for your support throughout construction. This will be our last blog update for this project.

Please visit our park improvements webpage to learn about other major projects happening in the parks.

For picnic area reservations at Bernal Heights Playground, please visit our reservations page.

If you would like to stay involved in all things Rec and Park, please sign up for RPD eNews.

Thanks again and enjoy this vibrant new play area!

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Jeannine Kane

📧 jeannine.kane@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6675

Please visit the project webpage at:

Bernal Heights Playground Renewal

Images Courtesy: KOMPAN

This week, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department celebrated the reopening of the Bernal Heights Playground, unveiling a refreshed and fully accessible play space that also marks a major step forward in how the City delivers park improvements.

Bernal Heights Playground is the first project completed under San Francisco’s new Playground Renewal Program, which uses a cooperative purchasing contracting method to dramatically speed up playground delivery and reduce costs. The approach—made possible through legislation approved by the Board of Supervisors last year—allows Rec and Park to purchase and install high-quality play equipment through pre-bid contracts shared by multiple agencies, cutting out layers of red tape and contractor markups.

The $1.3 million renewal project replaced outdated play structures and surfaces, transforming the space into a vibrant, modern, and fall-safe play area. Crews improved grading and drainage and installed new accessible surfacing to ensure children of all abilities can safely explore and play.

"I am incredibly grateful for the renovation of such a beloved playground in Bernal Heights, now ready for families to congregate, play, and explore in such a fun and creative public space. This was much needed improvement for the community,” said District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder.

“Playgrounds like Bernal Heights are the heart of their communities, where kids grow up, friendships form, and families connect,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “These improvements ensure that every child, regardless of ability, can safely play, explore, and create memories in a welcoming space.”

Guided by community input, the project reflects neighborhood priorities while meeting modern ADA accessibility standards.

Construction began in August 2025 and was completed in record time thanks to the new cooperative purchasing framework, which shortens playground planning and construction timelines from several years to just 12–18 months.

"Bernal Heights playground has been a gathering place for families in the neighborhood for many years. It is not uncommon for us to meet neighbors in our community who have made lifelong friends at this playground, both as children and as parents,” said neighborhood organizer Mahdi Rahimi. “We are delighted to now have a safe, modern, and revitalized play area to serve the children of the neighborhood for many more years to come.”

###

Press release, November 3, 2025

Join us for the reopening of Bernal Heights Playground (500 Moultrie Street) on Monday, November 3 from 4 to 5 p.m.

The event will feature brief remarks, a ribbon-cutting, and community fun.

The design, shaped by community input, features all new play equipment and important accessibility improvements. This will be a fun and exciting space for the Bernal Heights community that will offer a variety of play opportunities for youth of all ages and abilities!

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Jeannine Kane

📧 jeannine.kane@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6675

Please visit the project webpage at:

Bernal Heights Playground Renewal

Construction work continues to progress at Buchanan Street Mall!

We’ve installed many more segments of the Memory Walk’s decorative paving, and the site walls and playground footings between Turk and Eddy streets are now complete.

We’ve also started to install many of the new site furnishings. These furnishings feature bright, beautiful blue and yellow colors that were selected by the community during the engagement process.

The park’s new lawns will be planted in early July, so all the grass will be well-established and ready for folks to enjoy once the park reopens this fall. Rain gardens will also be constructed over the next month near several park entrances, and more paving and site furnishings will be put in place.

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS IS CHANGING BETWEEN FULTON AND MCALLISTER: Starting this week, there will no longer be through access for pedestrians between Fulton and McAllister streets, until the project is complete this fall. Friendship Village Apartment residents will be able to access their gates from McAllister Street only. See attached diagram.

Thanks again to our neighbors for your patience with the various pedestrian detours.

We are also planning community meetings for the last week of July to share the latest on the Buchanan Street Mall Equity Action Plan. More information forthcoming!

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Lauren Dietrich Chavez

📧 Lauren.Chavez@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6643

Please visit the project webpage at:

Buchanan Street Mall Renovation Project

Construction continues on Buchanan Street Mall. The northern block is taking shape with retaining walls now installed and installation of the green infrastructure underway. The current focus is on final grading and paving.

The base for the Memory Walk is being laid on several blocks, with more decorative concrete and pavers forthcoming.

Our staff are also working with City departments and partner organizations to develop operational initiatives for the Buchanan Street Mall Equity Action Plan. This work has significant alignments with the Fillmore Community Action Plan (FCAP) effort, also currently underway.

Our team will participate in the Fillmore Community Action Plan Workshop: Placemaking & Culture on Thursday, June 4, 5pm at the African American Art and Culture Complex. All ages welcome! Food and refreshments will be provided. Event is free; RSVP requested. Click the link for more information.

We are working to schedule a community status report meeting in July to share progress and receive community input on initiative refinement. Stay tuned for more information.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Lauren Dietrich Chavez

📧 Lauren.Chavez@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6643

Please visit the project webpage at:

Buchanan Street Mall Renovation Project

CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY: Pedestrian access between McAllister St. and Golden Gate Ave. will be limited to residents-only now through the end of construction in late 2026.

Residents of Fredrick Douglas Haynes Gardens can access the northern gate off Buchanan Street Mall from Golden Gate Avenue, and all other gates off Buchanan Street Mall are accessible from McAllister St.

All other pedestrians will be detoured to Webster St. or Laguna St. to travel between McAllister St. and Golden Gate Ave.

See closure and detour map

Other construction updates:

Construction is humming along! The new performance stage between Fulton St. and McAllister St. is taking shape with the stage canopy and concrete work now complete. Framing for the stage wooden decking will begin in May.

The columns for the Memory Walk are starting to be raised, and the pervious paving and decorative paving on the southern block is complete. Site wall framing is in process on the northern block, and grading and paving work is progressing on the middle blocks.

Memory Walk updates:

The Foundational Phase 1 artwork for the Memory Walk was approved by the San Francisco Arts Commission Visual Arts Committee on April 15! This artwork was created by nine artists with strong connections to the Fillmore.

See the final art concepts from our nine Memory Walk artists and new renderings showing Memory Walk columns and fences in place in the finished park.

Buchanan Street Mall Equity Action Plan 

Success Centers, our workforce development partner on the project, is hosting their annual May Day! job fair on Friday, May 1 at 1449 Webster St. (off the old Safeway parking lot)

SF Rec and Park is engaged with the Fillmore Community Action Plan process, and is actively coordinating with City departments, partner organizations, and other community leaders on the Buchanan Street Mall Equity Action Plan and Park Improvement Equity Action Toolkit. We look forward to reporting our progress and shaping next steps with the community this summer! 

We’ll share more info and our engagement schedule in a future blog post.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Lauren Dietrich Chavez

📧 Lauren.Chavez@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6643

Please visit the project webpage at:

Buchanan Street Mall Renovation Project

Since our last update in February, we’re pleased to report that we’re making good progress on developing the project’s scope and design!

We attended a Buena Vista Neighborhood Association meeting this week and shared key design updates with the community. View the slides from our presentation.

The current project scope to be constructed will include:

• Key pathway improvements from Waller to Duboce, many to support heavy vehicles
• Sub-grade support wall at Maintenance Yard
• Accessibility upgrades along the sidewalk on Buena Vista Ave West near the Waller Street entrance

The goal of this design is to make focused improvements around the entrances on the northside; improve cross-park connections; improve connections to the tennis courts and playground; improve accessibility (ADA); address safety considerations, including erosion, fire access, and tree hazards; and protect the oak woodlands, natural areas, and historic features.

We’re currently on-pace to complete the pathways design by Fall 2026 and begin construction in mid-2027.

As a reminder, this pathway renovation project is the first to be drawn from the 2020 Needs Assessment. This foundational work guides this project and charts the course for future improvements at Buena Vista Park.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Omar Davis

📧 omar.davis@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6644

Please visit the project webpage at:

Buena Vista Park Improvement Project

We’re happy to report that we are more than a third of the way through design and should have design work completed by the end of the year. We’ll be starting the CEQA review process soon.

As a reminder, this pathway renovation project is the first to be drawn from the 2020 Needs Assessment. This foundational work guides this project and charts the course for future improvements at Buena Vista Park.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Omar Davis

📧 omar.davis@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6644

Please visit the project webpage at:

Buena Vista Park Improvement Project

This week a crew of geotechnical engineers will drill six boreholes in the northern portion of Buena Vista Park to perform soil sampling.

This will be similar to soil sampling completed last March. Workers will use a specialized, low-dust drilling rig truck to minimize noise and air quality impacts. This work will provide us with data on soil conditions ahead of upcoming project work.

Expect short, isolated trail closures and detours at various areas in the northern portion of the park while boreholes are being dug. Workers will help direct and detour pedestrians around work zones.

Our goal is to keep trail disruptions to a minimum. Please follow all posted detours and directions from flaggers.

We expect to have the first draft of construction drawings ready to share by early next year.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Omar Davis

📧 omar.davis@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6644

Please visit the project webpage at:

Buena Vista Park Improvement Project

Thank you to everyone who joined us last weekend for our third community gathering about the conceptual design for the Crocker Amazon Baseball and Softball Fields Renovation.

At the workshop sessions, attendees rotated through six stations, each station offering an opportunity to learn about and discuss different, key topics that have been important to the design process. This includes the proposed community gathering spaces; dog play areas; lighting and parking; playfield surfacing; trees and other plantings; and walking paths and other amenities.

View the boards from each station on the project page under the “Documents and Materials” tab.

Thank you for all your thoughtful questions and feedback at the workshops. The project team will review all the comments we received and make appropriate adjustments to the concept plan. Next, we will post the revised plan on the project website and send notifications that it is available to review.

We are planning to take the concept plan before the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission for approval later this year. Commission meetings are open to the public and all community members are welcome to attend.

Please stay tuned for more updates. If you would like to receive updates about the Crocker Amazon Baseball and Softball Fields Renovation, including information about the upcoming Commission hearing, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: Crocker Amazon Baseball and Softball Fields Renovation."

Thank you again for your continued support of our parks.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Dan Mauer

📧 dan.mauer@sfgov.org

Please visit the project page at:

Crocker Amazon Baseball and Softball Fields Renovation

Community Workshop Sessions

Session 1: Sunday, April 26, 10-11:30am

Session 2: Sunday, April 26,12:00-1:30pm

Meet at Crocker Amazon Clubhouse (Moscow St at Italy Ave)

RSVP at: tinyurl.com/CrockerRSVP

Join the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department to review and discuss the concept design for the upcoming revitalization of the baseball and softball fields at Crocker Amazon.

Two workshop sessions are being offered to accommodate different schedules. These sessions will be hosted in an open forum format and project team members will be available to discuss various components of the project and answer questions. These sessions will be outdoors and will happen rain or shine.

The project will re-orient and renovate the existing baseball and softball fields with new, state-of-the-art diamonds. In addition, it will install field and pathway lighting, expand the parking lot, install batting cages and outdoor exercise equipment, upgrade the existing dog play area, create a new dog play area, add a new restroom facility, and provide a central community plaza space. It will also improve pedestrian walkways, irrigation and plantings, and park furniture, such as picnic tables and benches.

These improvements are being made in partnership with the San Francisco Giants to benefit baseball and softball programs, as well as every park visitor.

For more information, visit the project webpage:

tinyURL.com/crockeramazonballfields

For questions or comments, contact the project manager:

Dan Mauer, dan.mauer@sfgov.org, (628) 652-6630

Interpreters will be available for Chinese and Spanish. For other language services or accessibility requests, please contact the project manager at least 48 hours before the meeting. Late requests will be honored if possible.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission on Thursday approved naming the Crocker Amazon Baseball and Softball Complex the Willie Mays Fields of Champions, honoring the legendary Giant and his enduring legacy of inspiring youth through sport.

The approved name would take effect as part of a proposed renovation of the western half of Crocker Amazon Playground, a long-anticipated project that would transform the park’s baseball and softball fields into a state-of-the-art recreation hub for San Francisco families. The project remains subject to further review, community input and approvals. If approved, the project could break ground as early as 2027 and open in 2028.

The proposed renovation is powered by the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond and a partnership with the San Francisco Giants, who would contribute approximately $28 million in cash and in-kind support to the $50 million project. Improvements would address longstanding field closures due to weather and maintenance, while expanding access to safe, high-quality play space by up to 10,000 additional hours each year.

In addition to approving the naming of the complex at Crocker Amazon Playground, Rec and Park Commissioners recommended that the Board of Supervisors accept the grant from the Giants. If the Board accepts the grant and the project moves forward, the Giants will designate the fields in honor of Willie Mays. Mays’ Say Hey Foundation donated a $5 million lead gift that would help make the project possible. The Say Hey Foundation creates opportunities for youth in underserved communities through coaching, mentorship, and increased access to sports.

“Willie Mays understood that time on the field can change a child’s life. With the partnership of the San Francisco Giants and the Say Hey Foundation, our plan is to expand access to high-quality fields so more kids across San Francisco have that same opportunity to play, grow, and dream big,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Interim General Manager Sarah Madland.

“The Giants and the Giants Community Fund are extremely grateful to receive unanimous approval from the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission to name this transformational project for Willie Mays.  We are continuing to work with the community to receive their input on the overall project and are confident that we will arrive at  an inspired and thoughtful plan that integrates the needs of the neighborhood and park users while providing kids with the ultimate playing experience for baseball and softball,” said Jack Bair, Chief Development Officer, San Francisco Giants.     

The Willie Mays Fields of Champions would provide year-round play, support free youth programs like Junior Giants, and create a vibrant community destination. The park, which includes a skate park, lighted soccer fields, children’s play areas and sport courts in its eastern half, would retain the name Crocker Amazon Playground.

The proposed project is still in the iterative design process and has evolved in response to community feedback. Community members are invited to attend one of two April 26 community workshop sessions to review and discuss the concept design. Project managers will be on hand to discuss components of the project and answer questions. Spanish and Chinese interpreters will be provided. RSVP here.

###

Press release, April 17, 2026.

The Embarcadero Fountain Emergency Project is now complete. Contractors finished disassembly, site cleanup, and final inspections this week.

The sunken concrete basin will remain fenced off indefinitely, as it is not safely accessible to the public. The fencing will remain in place to help ensure public safety while future options for the site are considered.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Eoanna Harrison Goodwin

📧 eoanna.goodwin@sfgov.org

📞 (628) 652-6645

Please visit the project webpage at:

Embarcadero Fountain Emergency Project

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – A new vision for Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park is moving forward, transforming a key gateway between downtown and the waterfront.

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission today unanimously approved the final concept design for the Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Improvement Project, advancing a $40 million public-private effort to transform 5 acres at the foot of Market Street into a cohesive waterfront park with expansive lawns, gathering spaces, recreation opportunities, and year-round community programming.

“We are reimagining Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park, turning it into a true front door to downtown and a destination in its own right,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “This new and ambitious waterfront park is part of our vision for a downtown where people live, work, play, and learn and will help us build on our momentum downtown—because when downtown succeeds, our entire city succeeds.”

With the concept design now approved, the project moves into detailed design and engineering. On Tuesday, Supervisor Danny Sauter introduced legislation to authorize the City to accept up to $20 million in private funding for the renovation and formalize the partnership helping deliver the project, which is expected to break ground in late 2026.

"San Francisco is one step closer to having a beautiful new waterfront park for all to enjoy. The reimagined Embarcadero Plaza will serve as a gateway from San Francisco's downtown to our Bay and will delight countless visitors and locals for generations to come,” said District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter. “I applaud the creative partnerships that have pushed this forward and the many neighbors who have crafted this proposal to include more open space, recreation, and access to arts and culture."

"We envision a waterfront park that is alive from morning to night, where office workers eat lunch in the sun, families play after visiting the Ferry Building, residents attend fitness classes and visitors experience the beauty and energy of San Francisco for the first time,” said Sarah Madland, General Manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. "This design transforms the space into a beautiful and welcoming introduction to San Francisco, creating room for concerts and festivals, culture and recreation, community gatherings, and everyday fun."

Once designed around the Embarcadero Freeway, the plaza will be transformed into a waterfront park that embraces its connection to the Bay, with new spaces for recreation, dining, arts, and community events.

Key features of the approved concept design include:

• A large central lawn and performance space for recreation, festivals, cultural events, and civic gatherings
• Spaces for outdoor dining, shopping, and socializing along the edge of Embarcadero Center.
• Comfortable seating and gathering areas throughout the park;
• Areas for exercise, dog play, and other recreational activities;
• Spaces designed to support markets, festivals, public art, and year-round programming.
• Places for children and families to play and spend time together, including picnic areas outside the existing playground, renovated in 2023;
• Wide, smooth pathways and durable public spaces that support everyday recreation, including skateboarding; and
• Gardens woven throughout the edges of the park, improved lighting, accessibility, and connections between downtown and the waterfront.

The project integrates historic interpretation elements that will reflect the site's evolution over time, including the Embarcadero Freeway era, the original plaza and Vaillancourt Fountain, the working waterfront, skateboarding culture, public events, and community traditions associated with Embarcadero Plaza.

The concept design, initiated by BXP and created by HOK and project partners, reflects more than a year of community engagement that included three major public meetings and thousands of survey responses and comments from residents, workers, visitors, neighborhood groups, and other stakeholders. Community feedback consistently emphasized the need for improved flexibility, seating, programming, and stronger connections to the waterfront.

The partnership brings together a broad coalition of public agencies, civic organizations, and private partners:

• San Francisco Rec and Park will oversee the public park project and steward the long-term operation of the space.
• The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) is supporting the project as part of the city’s broader economic recovery and downtown revitalization strategy.
• The Downtown Development Corporation will lead fundraising efforts to secure up to $20 million in private support to complement approximately $18 million in identified public funding sources. Crankstart is providing $10 million and the DDC will raise a matching $10 million from additional donors.
• BXP has committed to spend a $2.5 million in-kind donation to support the park’s design and is investing approximately $3 million to develop dedicated restroom facilities for park visitors at Embarcadero Center. 
• The Downtown SF Partnership has helped spearhead community engagement and fundraising efforts, already securing approximately $2 million in private support. DSFP is the official programming and activations partner for the park under the guidance of Rec and Park.

"Embarcadero Plaza is downtown San Francisco's front door, and this project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine this iconic gateway as a vibrant destination for residents, workers and visitors from across the region and the world that will continue to drive economic growth and opportunity for our city," said Anne Taupier, Office of Economic and Workforce Development Executive Director. "This effort represents a true public-private partnership and I am so grateful for all our partners and community supporters who have come together to make this vision a reality." 

“The transformation of Embarcadero Plaza into a new waterfront park will create a vibrant destination that strengthens the connection between downtown San Francisco and its iconic waterfront,” said Aaron Fenton, SVP of Development at BXP. “The park will be a hub for the neighborhood, complementing Embarcadero Center’s dynamic mix of shops, restaurants, and premier workplaces. BXP is proud to partner with the City of San Francisco and community stakeholders on a project that demonstrates the power of public-private collaboration to create exceptional public spaces.”

“As the official programming and activations partner for Embarcadero Park, we are one step closer to bringing to life a new public park and gathering space, unlike anything in the city’s recent history,” said Robbie Silver, President and CEO of the Downtown SF Partnership. “We are in the process of ensuring the long-term viability of Downtown through the renewal and expansion of our district, and we look forward to partnering with the City and BXP to build a front door to Downtown that leads to a hub where business, creativity, and community converge."

"Great cities are defined by their public spaces," said Shola Olatoye, CEO of the San Francisco Downtown Development Corporation. "The Embarcadero was once shaped by a freeway. Now it will be shaped by the people who use it, five acres connecting downtown to the Bay with room for concerts, markets, and kids having fun on the playground. The DDC is proud to work with Mayor Lurie, the Recreation and Park Department, Downtown SF Partnership, Crankstart, and many other partners to get this park built.”

"Crankstart believes that when cities thrive, people thrive. Embarcadero Park embodies that belief: a vibrant, welcoming space that helps revitalize downtown and creates new opportunities for families, residents, and visitors to connect with the heart of San Francisco,” said Missy Narula, CEO of Crankstart.

###

Press release, June 18, 2026

This Thursday, Rec and Park staff will be presenting the concept design for the Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation Project to the Recreation and Park Commission for approval.

This marks an important milestone for the project, and we want to thank everyone for their interest and participation in our community outreach events throughout 2025-26.

This meeting of the Recreation and Park Commission will be held on Thursday, June 18 at 10 a.m. at City Hall, room 416, and we are ninth on the meeting agenda.

For details on how to attend in-person or to call-in, visit our Commission Meeting Info & Calendar. Instructions to provide comment virtually are listed at the top of the meeting agenda.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Eoanna Harrison Goodwin

📧 eoanna.goodwin@sfgov.org

📞 (628) 652-6645

Please visit the project webpage at:

Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation Project

If you would like to receive updates about the Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation Project, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park."

Last call! The third design survey for the Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation Project closes today, Thursday, May 21:

Take the Survey: https://tinyurl.com/embsurvey3

Your input is essential to ensure the project reflects the needs and priorities of everyone who uses the park. View the presentation boards from our April 28 community meeting, which showcase the latest design concepts shaped by what we’ve heard so far.

Please help spread the word by sharing the design survey with your friends and neighbors.

Stay tuned for more updates—we look forward to hearing your feedback.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Eoanna Harrison Goodwin

📧 eoanna.goodwin@sfgov.org

📞 (628) 652-6645

Please visit the project webpage at:

Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation Project

You’ll see our team working on a few operations and maintenance items in the park this summer, largely in response to community input that we’ve received since the park reopened.

• On May 19-22, a small contractor crew will be on site to raise the sprinkler heads in the synthetic turf portion of the Dog Play Area (DPA). The contractor will be blocking off the portion of the DPA that they are working in but the majority of the DPA will remain open for use.
• Permanent signs are now on order to replace the temporary signage at the mid-block entrance to the southern meadow. These signs reiterate that no dogs are allowed in the southern meadow except for service and support animals. They also clearly outline the requirements for service and support animals. We’ll install those signs as soon as they’re ready, with the goal of having them installed before the end of June.
• In partnership with the Dogpatch & NW Potrero Hill Green Benefit District, our consulting arborist will do another comprehensive tree assessment of the park this summer.
• The raised boardwalk decking on the southern edge of the park was damaged recently by a fire. This area has been cordoned off and will be repaired as soon as we receive replacement materials.

Esprit Park reopened in February 2025 after a complete renovation (see press release). The park has since returned to regular operations and maintenance, and this will be our last project update for the renovation project.

If you have questions or concerns moving forward, please email us at RPDinfo@sfgov.org.

Please visit our park improvements webpage to learn about other major projects happening in the parks.

If you would like to stay involved in all things Rec and Park, please sign up for RPD eNews.

Thanks again for all your support throughout construction and enjoy the new, fully renovated Esprit Park!

Melinda Sullivan

📧 melinda.sullivan@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6648

Please visit the project page at:

Esprit Park Renovation Project

Work this week to replace 15 young trees at Esprit Park is now complete. These trees were currently under warranty after the recent park renovation.

Our crew planted 12 London Plane trees along the Minnesota Street frontage and 3 multi-stemmed Western Redbud trees just north of the shipping container.

We’ll continue to monitor these new trees through their establishment and expect them to do well in their new home!

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Melinda Sullivan

📧 melinda.sullivan@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6648

Please visit the project page at:

Esprit Park Renovation Project

The week of January 5, Rec and Park will be working with our contractor team to replace 15 trees that were installed during the recent park renovation project and are currently under warranty.

We expect to complete this work over a four-day period. Disruption to park use is expected to be minimal.

While these 15 trees look mostly healthy, our consulting arborist has identified structural deficits that make it prudent to replace them while they are still under warranty.

The affected trees are 12 London Plane trees along the Minnesota Street frontage and 3 Alder trees just north of the shipping container.

The London Plane trees will be replaced with the same species. The Alders will be replaced by multi-stemmed Western Redbud trees, which are expected to do better in that location.

 💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Melinda Sullivan

📧 melinda.sullivan@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6648

Please visit the project page at:

Esprit Park Renovation Project

We are excited to report that all of the permitting agencies, including Building, Electrical, Fire, Plumbing, and Accessibility, have inspected and signed off on the building being safe to occupy.

During inspections, we discovered an issue with the new playground surfacing, so we will be removing and reinstalling it starting in early July.

We’re planning to use the month of July to have our contractor wrap up all the finishing touches. Our Rec and Park staff will also start moving in and getting set up. Our program staff are currently completing trainings and permit requirements for the new facility, and they are very excited to move in and start hosting programs.

We’re on track to open the new facility in August, before SFUSD’s first day of school. Stay tuned for the date of the grand opening celebration!

WEEKEND WORK ADVISORY: A crew will be working on the outdoor court this Saturday, June 27. There will be no heavy equipment use and we expect no significant noise or traffic impacts.

Thank you for your support of this transformative project.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Melinda Sullivan

📧 melinda.sullivan@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6648

Please visit the project page at:

Gene Friend Recreation Center

Please be advised: The San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) will be testing the new facility’s life safety systems and fire alarms on Tuesday, June 2, between 4 pm and 8 pm.

During the testing period, please expect intermittent fire alarm noise and lights. This is routine testing – Please do not report this testing as a problem or emergency.

We apologize for any inconvenience. This work is a required part of completing permitting and inspections. We are on track to open the facility later this summer.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Melinda Sullivan

📧 melinda.sullivan@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6648

Please visit the project page at:

Gene Friend Recreation Center

Please be advised that our contractor will have a crew working this Saturday, May 23. This crew will be working on the final portion of the park perimeter fencing, as well as installing thresholds. There will be no heavy equipment use and we expect no significant noise or traffic impacts.

We are on track to open the new facility this summer. Please stay tuned for more details as we home in on a more specific opening date.

Thank you for your patience with and support of this transformative project! 

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Melinda Sullivan

📧 melinda.sullivan@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6648

Please visit the project page at:

Gene Friend Recreation Center

The 9th Avenue Gateway is moving forward and is scheduled to be

The 9th Avenue Gateway is moving forward and is scheduled to be advertised for bids in April! If the city receives acceptable bids, we can expect the project to break ground in early summer for an estimated eight month construction timeline. Traffic and transit routing at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Lincoln way will be carefully coordinated with SFMTA during the project as we work hard to avoid unnecessarily impacting travel. We are very excited to be progressing on this improvement to one of the park’s busiest entry gateways.

Alex Schuknecht, Project Manager, alex.schuknecht@sfgov.org

The design team is closing in on 100% completion of the construction documents and the project will soon be advertised for bids. . .

The design team is closing in on 100% completion of the construction documents and the project will soon be advertised for bids. The project is on track to begin construction in early 2023 for an 8 month construction duration. Rec and Parks will coordinate closely with SFMTA to route transit, pedestrians, bikes and traffic through the intersection at 9^th and Lincoln to minimize disruption and maintain access to Golden Gate Park throughout the life of the project.

The Golden Gate Park - BAYS Breast Cancer Memorial Garden project is now complete. Thank you for your support throughout construction. This will be our last blog update for this project.

• Please visit our park improvements webpage to learn about other major projects happening in the parks.
• To see all our active projects happening in Golden Gate Park specifically, check out our active park projects page for Golden Gate Park.
• If you would like to stay involved in all things Rec and Park, sign up here for RPD eNews.
• For updates about the Memorial Garden and to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit the BAYS Memorial Garden webpage.

Thanks again for your support in creating this powerful new place of healing and hope.

Omar Davis, Project Manager, omar.davis@sfgov.org

Golden Gate Park - Bay Area Young Survivors Breast Cancer Memorial Garden

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie was joined this weekend by Bay Area Young Survivors (BAYS) and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department to unveil the BAYS Breast Cancer Memorial Garden in Golden Gate Park, the first permanent memorial of its kind in the United States dedicated to lives lost to breast cancer. The memorial honors the strength and spirit of those who died and the community of survivors that continue to carry their legacy forward.

Located at the junction of Arguello Boulevard and Conservatory Drive, this meaningful new space is the result of an 11-year collaboration between Rec and Park and BAYS, a volunteer-led nonprofit that supports individuals diagnosed with breast cancer aged 45 and under.

“This memorial is the first of its kind in the United States: a permanent public site dedicated to honoring all those we have lost to breast cancer. It is a place where we can come to remember the loved ones whose lives were cut short and a place where we can all find strength,” said Mayor Lurie. “I hope it inspires others to get involved, to support families, to get screened, to fund research, and to never look away. I want to thank Bay Area Young Survivors for your determination and vision to make this day possible.”

Thoughtfully designed to be a sanctuary of remembrance, reflection, and resilience, the garden features a serene seating area nestled among native plants and oak woodlands, with sweeping views of Conservatory Valley and Sutro Tower. Stone walkways—etched with powerful words from BAYS members living with breast cancer—wind through the memorial, while a graceful metal frame wraps around the space bearing the names of more than 100 BAYS members who died of metastatic breast cancer—a moving tribute to their strength, spirit, and legacy.

“Golden Gate Park is home to some of our city’s most treasured spaces—and now, with the opening of the BAYS Memorial Garden, we welcome a powerful new place of healing and hope,” said Phil Ginsburg, General Manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. “This garden honors lives lost, uplifts those still fighting, and invites every visitor to reflect, connect, and find peace.”

“After concepting the garden with many of our BAYS members in the early 2000s and an 11-year effort to bring it to life, I am filled with joy to finally see the memorial is here,” said Nola Agha, BAYS Breast Cancer Memorial Project Co-Lead and Volunteer. “We’ve lost so many good friends and members along the way, and having a physical space we can tend to for healing and remembrance is incredibly meaningful.”

The approximately $800,000 memorial was fully funded through donations raised by BAYS. Construction began in November 2024, with acclaimed landscape and architecture firm InsideOut leading the project.

“The Memorial Garden reminds us that our fight against breast cancer is far from over. Many of the lives we honor through the memorial have been my own patients,” said Dr. Hope Rugo, Director of Women’s Cancers Program and Division Chief of Breast Medical Oncology at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center. “It is also a very serene and special space that can offer comfort to those undergoing treatment, as well as the people and healthcare workers who care for them.”

Taking inspiration from the AIDS Memorial Grove, which opened in Golden Gate Park in 1991, the BAYS Memorial Garden is not only the nation’s first permanent breast cancer memorial but also the first new memorial in the park in over three decades.

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Press release, May 4, 2025

Blue Heron Lake in Golden Gate Park is a 12-acre lake with an island in the middle, where hundreds of park visitors come to boat every week.

Unfortunately, the on-water boat storage shed where rental paddleboats and rowboats are kept is now in poor condition and deteriorating.

We’re excited to announce the Golden Gate Park - Blue Heron Boatshed project, which will demolish the existing boatshed, install new timber piers, and build a new, larger boatshed in its place to accommodate the expanded fleet.

Once the new boatshed is complete, the project will restore the lake edge used for construction access during the project.

Construction is expected to begin in mid-2027 and be completed by early 2028.

If you would like to receive updates about this project, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: Golden Gate Park - Blue Heron Boatshed."

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Omar Davis

📧 omar.davis@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6644

Please visit the project webpage at:

Golden Gate Park - Blue Heron Boatshed

Great news! We have reached substantial completion on all phases of the JFK/Stanyan Accessibility Improvements project.

The sidewalk curb ramps and driveways around McLaren Lodge were replaced last month with freshly poured concrete, and all sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots around McLaren Lodge are now fully reopened.

The contractor will be onsite into early May to complete a few minor remaining tasks, but major work is now all complete.

Thank you for your support throughout construction!

💬 Have questions or concerns about the project?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Omar Davis

📧 omar.davis@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6644

Please visit the project page at:

Golden Gate Park - JFK Access and Safety Improvements

Construction is now complete on the sidewalk on Stanyan Street that runs along Golden Gate Park. The sidewalk is now fully open and available for use.

Construction will begin this week on the sidewalk in front of McLaren Lodge that runs along John F Kennedy Drive (JFK Drive). Near the project area, expect pedestrian detours. The bicycle lane along JFK Drive will not be impacted by construction.

Pedestrians are advised to use other nearby pathways, such as the crosswalk just south on Kezar Drive.

Please follow all posted signage and directions from flaggers. Expect construction vehicles and construction noise for the duration of the project.

PARKING IMPACTS

Parking at McLaren Lodge will be very limited. ADA access to McLaren Lodge is available through the main entrance and will remain available throughout construction. For up-to-date information about access to McLaren Lodge, please contact us at (415) 831-2700 or rpdinfo@sfgov.org.

Parking rules will be enforced. Please follow all parking restrictions and posted signage. Park visitors are advised to find alternative parking locations, such as the Music Concourse Garage (55 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive) and Kezar Lot (825 Stanyan).

Thank you for your support as we work to improve accessibility and safety in Golden Gate Park!

💬 Have questions or concerns about the project?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Omar Davis

📧 omar.davis@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6644

Please visit the project page at:

Golden Gate Park - JFK Access and Safety Improvements

REMINDER: Construction on the sidewalk that runs along Golden Gate Park on Stanyan Street, between Fell and Hayes streets, continues this week.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of May 2026.

Near the project area, expect pedestrian and bicycle detours. Traffic lanes on Stanyan Street will be shifted over for the duration of construction. Please follow all posted signage and directions from flaggers. Expect construction vehicles and construction noise for the duration of the project.

PUBLIC TRANSIT IMPACTS 

The MUNI 33 bus stops on Stanyan at Hayes will be temporarily relocated to nearby locations.

PARKING IMPACTS 

One parking space on the northbound side of Stanyan will be unavailable for the duration of construction.

Parking at McLaren Lodge will also be very limited. ADA access to McLaren Lodge is available through the main entrance and will remain available throughout construction. For up-to-date information about access to McLaren Lodge, please contact us at (415) 831-2700 or rpdinfo@sfgov.org.

Parking rules will be enforced. Please follow all parking restrictions and posted signage. Park visitors are advised to find alternative parking locations, such as the Music Concourse Garage (55 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive) and Kezar Lot (825 Stanyan).

Thank you for your support as we work to improve accessibility and safety in Golden Gate Park! 

💬 Have questions or concerns about the project?  

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Omar Davis 

📧 omar.davis@sfgov.org 

📞 628-652-6644

Please visit the project page at: 

Golden Gate Park - JFK Access and Safety Improvements 

We are in the process of evaluating the proposals received for the CM/GC contract. We will make an announcement once the contractor is selected! We anticipate resuming the design phase of the project this Fall.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Alexis Ward

📧 alexis.ward@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6641

Please visit the project webpage at:

Kezar Pavilion Renovation Project

If you would like to receive updates about the Kezar Pavilion Renovation Project, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: Golden Gate Park - Kezar Pavilion."

We have released a Request for Qualifications and Proposals for a CMGC prime contractor on the Kezar Pavilion Renovation Project!

Please find the RFQP documentations at the links below.

• SF City Partner
• SFPW Bid Opportunities

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Alexis Ward

📧 alexis.ward@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6641

Please visit the project webpage at:

Kezar Pavilion Renovation Project

If you would like to receive updates about the Kezar Pavilion Renovation Project, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: Golden Gate Park - Kezar Pavilion."

We are excited to share that we will be releasing a Release for Qualifications/Proposals (RFQP) for a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) for the Kezar Pavilion Renovation Project in early 2026!

This will allow us to integrate the contractor into the project team as the design is still being developed. We will announce on the RFQP has been posted on the City Partner website.

The project’s allocation from the 2020 Earthquake Safety and Emergency Response Bond has been reduced to $20 million and the remainder of the project’s funding is planned to come from a 2028 Parks Bond. This will allow us to align the project’s schedule so that the 2028 Bond funding is available once we are ready to start construction. 

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Alexis Ward

📧 alexis.ward@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6641

Please visit the project webpage at:

Kezar Pavilion Renovation Project 

If you would like to receive updates about the Kezar Pavilion Renovation Project, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: Golden Gate Park - Kezar Pavilion."

The rehabilitation project received a low bid from Bauman Landscape and Construction Inc. which will be presented to the RP Commission for approval on 10/20. With approval from the Commission we plan to move forward with the tree removals (the first part of the project effort) by the end of October. Upon completion of the tree removals the general contractor will proceed with mobilization and demo, beginning what we anticipate being a year-long construction effort. The construction team will coordinate with permitted runs and other events throughout the year to minimize conflicts between the project and other happenings in Golden Gate Park. We are excited to begin work on this amazing project soon!

The rehabilitation project was advertised for bids last month and, because of the complexity of the project, the bid due date was extended to today, 9/7/2022. The bidding contractors will be named shortly. Assuming a low bid is received within range of the project budget, Recreation and Parks will move forward targeting a construction start date of October 2022, starting with tree removals and following that with the remaining demo, then lake rehabilitation and ecological restoration work. We are eager to begin work on this exciting project soon!

Since our last update in February, we’re pleased to report that we’re now more than halfway through the design process.

We’re aiming to complete design work in the next few months and begin construction of the new outdoor recreation space this fall, once all the big concerts on the west side of the park have wrapped for the season.

We do not expect the construction of the new outdoor recreation space to impact the programming schedule for the Senior Center.

We’ll share more updates on the construction schedule and related impacts once those details are set.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Omar Davis

📧 omar.davis@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6644

Please visit the project webpage at: 

Golden Gate Park - Senior Center Outdoor Recreation Area

We’re excited to announce that our Recreation and Park Commission approved the concept design for the Golden Gate Park - Senior Center Outdoor Recreation Area.

View the concept design

This marks an important milestone for the project, and we want to thank everyone who participated in our community events and design surveys over the past few years.

We’re expecting to finish design and begin construction by late summer with goal of opening the new outdoor recreation area by the end of 2026.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Omar Davis

📧 omar.davis@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6644

Please visit the project webpage at: 

Golden Gate Park - Senior Center Outdoor Recreation Area

If you would like to receive updates about the Golden Gate Park - Senior Center Outdoor Recreation Area, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: Golden Gate Park - Senior Center Outdoor Recreation Area."

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our third and final community meeting about the planned improvements to create a new Outdoor Recreation Area behind the Golden Gate Park Senior Center.

Community meeting boards (PDF)

Our plan is to present this concept design to the Recreation and Park Commission for their consideration and approval early next year.

We are grateful to all the neighbors and community members who have taken the time to help shape the design of this exciting new space, including everyone who offered their feedback at our two previous community meetings and through our two design surveys.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Omar Davis

📧 omar.davis@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6644

Please visit the project webpage at: 

Golden Gate Park - Senior Center Outdoor Recreation Area

If you would like to receive updates about the Golden Gate Park - Senior Center Outdoor Recreation Area, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: Golden Gate Park - Senior Center Outdoor Recreation Area."

Blue Heron Lake in Golden Gate Park is a 12-acre lake with an island in the middle, where hundreds of park visitors come to boat every week.

Unfortunately, the on-water boat storage shed where rental paddleboats and rowboats are kept is now in poor condition and deteriorating.

We’re excited to announce the Golden Gate Park - Blue Heron Boatshed project, which will demolish the existing boatshed, install new timber piers, and build a new, larger boatshed in its place to accommodate the expanded fleet.

Once the new boatshed is complete, the project will restore the lake edge used for construction access during the project.

Construction is expected to begin in mid-2027 and be completed by early 2028.

If you would like to receive updates about this project, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: Golden Gate Park - Blue Heron Boatshed."

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Omar Davis

📧 omar.davis@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6644

Please visit the project webpage at:

Golden Gate Park - Blue Heron Boatshed

We are in the process of evaluating the proposals received for the CM/GC contract. We will make an announcement once the contractor is selected! We anticipate resuming the design phase of the project this Fall.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Alexis Ward

📧 alexis.ward@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6641

Please visit the project webpage at:

Kezar Pavilion Renovation Project

If you would like to receive updates about the Kezar Pavilion Renovation Project, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: Golden Gate Park - Kezar Pavilion."

Since our last update in February, we’re pleased to report that we’re now more than halfway through the design process.

We’re aiming to complete design work in the next few months and begin construction of the new outdoor recreation space this fall, once all the big concerts on the west side of the park have wrapped for the season.

We do not expect the construction of the new outdoor recreation space to impact the programming schedule for the Senior Center.

We’ll share more updates on the construction schedule and related impacts once those details are set.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Omar Davis

📧 omar.davis@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6644

Please visit the project webpage at: 

Golden Gate Park - Senior Center Outdoor Recreation Area

Last month, we celebrated a major construction milestone as all 57 foundation piles were installed for one of the park's signature features, its future boathouse.

Additional work this month includes removing unforeseen buried concrete and hauling approximately 3,000 cubic yards of excess soil off-site. The two large soil stockpiles currently on site are part of a soil surcharge program designed to reduce future ground settlement and help ensure the long-term stability of the park.

The stockpiles will remain covered for dust control and compliance with city requirements while other construction activities continue over the next year. Once the surcharge program is complete and the ground has settled to an acceptable level, the soil will be used to fill the empty PG&E pit.

Also, as we announced in late June, we’re grateful to have been awarded a $4 million grant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) to support our ongoing environmental cleanup and restoration work on this project.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

David Froehlich

📧 david.froelich@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6649

Please visit the project webpage at:

India Basin Waterfront Park

San Francisco – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department a $4 million grant to support environmental cleanup efforts at the future India Basin Waterfront Park, a transformative project that will expand public access to San Francisco’s southeastern waterfront, the department announced today.

The funding comes through the EPA’s Brownfields Program, which helps communities transform vacant, underutilized, or environmentally impacted properties into community assets such as parks and open spaces. The grant is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The award will support ongoing cleanup and restoration work at the former India Basin Shoreline Park site, located at 401 Hunters Point Blvd., which is currently under construction. Once construction is complete, the 7.5-acre site will be connected to the nearby 900 Innes Ave. site to create a unified 10-acre waterfront park featuring a restored shoreline, expanded green space, new basketball courts and fitness equipment, a renovated playground, a boathouse, a pier, a dock, and other community amenities.

“India Basin represents environmental justice in action, transforming a formerly industrial shoreline into a vibrant public space where families can gather, play, and connect with the waterfront,” said SF Rec and Park General Manager Sarah Madland. “This grant will help keep critical cleanup and restoration work moving forward at India Basin, bringing us one step closer to delivering a world-class waterfront park for Bayview-Hunters Point residents.”

The India Basin Waterfront Park project broke ground in 2021. The park’s southern portion at 900 Innes Ave. opened in fall 2024, featuring new amenities including restrooms, a food pavilion, a makers shop for boat-building activities and youth programming, as well as a dock and piers that provide direct waterfront access.

Construction on the park’s northern section, located at the former India Basin Shoreline Park site, began in fall 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in 2028.

The India Basin Waterfront Park project is a partnership between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, Trust for Public Land, A. Philip Randolph Institute, The San Francisco Foundation, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, and the Bayview-Hunters Point community.

Pile Installation Work to Begin at Future Boathouse Site

We're excited to share that preparation is underway for pile installation at the future Boathouse site, marking a construction milestone for one of the park’s signature waterfront features.

Crews also continue earthwork and grading to shape the park site.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

David Froehlich

📧 david.froelich@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6649

Please visit the project webpage at:

India Basin Waterfront Park

We are happy to share that the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) approved our permit for the Jackson Playground Improvement Project.

Construction is on-pace to begin on this curb-to-curb park renovation in late 2027, with the park slated to reopen in late 2029.

Later this month, you will see the permit notice posted on-site as part of our DBI noticing requirements, but to be clear, construction will not begin in 2026. DBI permit approval is an important project milestone, but we’ve got several steps ahead before we can enter construction, including finalizing project financing, completing design reviews, and obtaining other construction permits.

Thank you for your continued support as we cross these milestones and stay tuned for more project updates! 

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Jeannine Kane

📧 jeannine.kane@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6675

Visit the project page at:

Jackson Playground Improvement Project

Since our last update in June, we’re excited to share that we recently completed 50% Design Development, a significant milestone in the design process. We expect to have the final design completed by the end of next year.

And BIG THANKS to the Friends of Jackson Park for hosting the Play in Your Park Party on September 6. What a fun way to connect and enjoy the park!

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Jeannine Kane

📧 jeannine.kane@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6675

Jackson Playground Improvement Project

As part of the ongoing design process for the Jackson Playground Park project, soil sampling will take place on Thursday, June 26, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Expect short, intermittent closures and detours at various areas around the park while boreholes are being dug and while equipment is being transferred between sampling points.

Work involves collecting soil samples at various locations throughout the park using narrow boring tools. Workers will use specialized equipment to minimize noise and air quality impacts.

Our goal is to minimize any disruptions to park activities. This work should have no impact on permitted activities.

Please refer to the attached map for approximate sampling locations.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Jeannine Kane

📧 jeannine.kane@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6675

Jackson Playground Improvement Project

Upcoming Night Work:

• Night work starts again on July 6 and will continue intermittently throughout July 18. Weeknight work hours are 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. from Monday evening through Saturday morning.
• The work consists of leveling the mall entrance finish floor, preparing for waterproofing, then reassembling the temporary walkways before the mall opens at 8:30 a.m. Night work is not expected to impact any mall businesses or neighborhood festivities.

Plaza/Pagoda Work:

• One of the accompanying photos below shows off a cool view of the pagoda renovation from the neighboring Kabuki Hotel!
• Pagoda Podium (the base of this historic structure) is being formed and poured
• Pagoda painting is approximately 90% completed. Plaza painting will start in approximately one month.
• Waterproofing work on the plaza continues and is now in its last few months. We expect some odor during this process and fans will be in use to help with airflow.
• 50% of the planters have arrived and are being tested before final attachment/installation.

Garage Work:

• Plumbing/Electrical layout and installation continues.
• While the pagoda scaffold shoring was removed, scattered parking spaces may be blocked to work on utilities under the garage ceiling. Drive cautiously in the garage and follow posted detours signs. Please do not walk on the ramp between levels.

Access to and throughout Japan Center Malls and Garage:

• Access from Geary Boulevard: Use the Geary Boulevard parking garage to access both East Mall and West Mall.
• Access from Post Street: Use the new posted detours into East Mall adjacent to U.S. Bank and to West Malls adjacent West Mall building.
• Sidewalk: Accessible pedestrian detour is open along the north side of Geary between Laguna to Buchanan Streets. For safety, follow all detours, stay within fenced pedestrian detour lane, and avoid walking in the bus lanes.

💬 Have questions or concerns? 

Feel free to contact the project manager:

J. Marien Coss

📧 marien.coss@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6647

Please visit the project webpage at:

Japantown Peace Plaza Renovation Project

Night Work:

• Night work starts again on May 20 and will continue intermittently throughout May and June. Weeknight work hours are 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. from Monday evening through Saturday morning.
• Expect the most noise from this round of night work over the four-day period from the night of May 26 through the morning of May 30.
• The work consists of leveling the mall entrance finish floor, preparing for waterproofing, then reassembling the temporary walkways before the mall opens at 8:30 a.m. Night work should not impact any mall businesses nor neighborhood festivities.

Plaza/Pagoda Work:

• The pagoda scaffolding is coming down! Over the next 7-10 days (including this Saturday, 5/16), the scaffolding will be dismantled and stacked on site to off haul mid-week.
• The copper roofing on the Pagoda is complete and passed all inspections. For the next month, observe the soft orange glow reflected on the ceiling above before the copper patinas to its final historic color. See attached photos.
• Pagoda painting is approximately 90% completed. Plaza painting will start in approximately one month.
• Waterproofing work on the plaza continues. We expect some odor during this process, and fans will be in use to help with airflow.
• Check out photos of the light and dark tile mockups used to confirm workmanship and the anticipated finish throughout the plaza.

Garage Work:

• Plumbing/Electrical layout and installation continues.
• 60 parking spots under the Pagoda, in both upper and lower garage levels, will be occupied through mid-2026. Drive cautiously in the garage and follow posted detours signs on both upper and lower levels. Please do not walk on the ramp between levels.

Access to and throughout Japan Center Malls and Garage:

• Access from Geary Boulevard: Use the Geary Boulevard parking garage to access both East Mall and West Mall.
• Access from Post Street: Use the new posted detours into East Mall adjacent to U.S. Bank and to West Malls adjacent West Mall building.
• Sidewalk: Accessible pedestrian detour is open along the north side of Geary between Laguna to Buchanan Streets. For safety, follow all detours, stay within fenced pedestrian detour lane, and avoid walking in the bus lanes.

💬 Have questions or concerns? 

Feel free to contact the project manager:

J. Marien Coss

📧 marien.coss@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6647

Please visit the project webpage at:

Japantown Peace Plaza Renovation Project

Night Work will be starting April 16 and will continue intermittently throughout April and May. Weeknight hours are 11PM to 7AM from Monday evening through Saturday morning.

Please be advised that we expect the noisiest periods of work will occur the evening of April 20 through the morning of April 25.

Night work will not impact any mall businesses, nor neighborhood festivities, because it will be performed when the mall is closed. The work consists of disassembling the temporary entrance walkway, repairs to (or removal of) waterproofing underneath entrances and installation of finishes and reassembling the temporary walkways.

Plaza/Pagoda Work:

• The fifth-floor pagoda roof ceiling is now visible as the scaffolding is being dismantled, which will take approximately six weeks. 
• The copper roofing is 20% installed. There is a soft orange glow reflected on the ceiling above before it patinas to its final historic color-approximately six to eight weeks after installation.
• Pagoda painting is approximately 70% completed. Plaza painting will start in approximately one month.
• Waterproofing work on the plaza continues. We expect some odor during this process, and fans will be in use to help with airflow.

Garage Work:

• Plumbing/Electrical layout and installation continues.
• Scaffold shoring occupy 60 parking spots under pagoda, in both upper and lower garage levels will be occupied through mid-2026. Drive cautiously in the garage and follow posted detours signs on both upper and lower levels. Please do not walk on the ramp between levels.

Access to and throughout Japan Center Malls and Garage:

• Access from Geary Boulevard: Use the Geary Boulevard parking garage to access both East Mall and West Mall.
• Access from Post Street: Use the new posted detours into East Mall adjacent to U.S. Bank and to West Malls adjacent West Mall building.
• Sidewalk: Accessible pedestrian detour is open along the north side of Geary between Laguna to Buchanan Streets. For safety, follow all detours, stay within fenced pedestrian detour lane, and avoid walking in the bus lanes.

💬 Have questions or concerns? 

Feel free to contact the project manager:

J. Marien Coss

📧 marien.coss@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6647

Please visit the project webpage at:

Japantown Peace Plaza Renovation Project

We're excited to share that the renovation project at Kimbell Playground (1901 Geary Boulevard) is now complete!

As part of the project, the synthetic turf on these fields was replaced after 14 years of use. Additional improvements include fencing repairs, ADA improvements, and new bleachers, benches, signs, and trash receptacles.

Thank you for your support throughout construction. This will be our last blog update for this project.

Please visit our park improvements webpage to learn about other major capital improvement projects happening in the parks. This project is part of the Park Playfield Repairs and Reconstruction Program.

If you would like to stay involved in all things Rec and Park, please sign up for RPD eNews by clicking this link.

Thanks again and enjoy your parks!

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Dan Mauer

📧 dan.mauer@sfgov.org

📞 415-581-2542

Please visit the project webpage at:

Kimbell Athletic Field Renovation

Construction at Kimbell Athletic Field is making good progress. Over the last several weeks, the contractor has been working to replace all the fence fabric and damaged posts, as well as completing all the upgraded drainage improvements. 

Over the next few weeks, you will see the new synthetic turf being installed. This includes installing a new field pad, followed by turf fabric, and finally adding natural infill. All the old turf will be removed and recycled.

This project is part of the Park Playfield Repairs and Reconstruction Program.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Dan Mauer

📧 dan.mauer@sfgov.org

📞 415-581-2542

Kimbell Athletic Field Renovation

Photos: Rolls of new field pad material on pallets being moved to the field and drainage rock placement.

Since our last update in March, we are excited to announce that we have now begun construction on the Kimbell Athletic Field Renovation project!

Over the next few weeks, you will see construction fence going up and old turf and fencing being removed all in preparation for new materials to be installed.

The Kimbell Athletic Field Renovation project aims to replace all the current field turf with new material that utilizes natural infill. The synthetic turf currently on these fields is over 14 years old and at the end of its useful life. All the old turf will be removed and recycled.

Additional improvements will include replacing the chain link fence fabric, minor ADA improvements around the site and new site furniture such as bleachers, benches, signs, and trash receptacle.

We appreciate your patience during construction. If you would like to enjoy field recreation activities, please visit nearby Hamilton Park or Margaret Hayward Playground.

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Dan Mauer, Project Manager, dan.mauer@sfgov.org, 415-581-2542

For more information, please visit the project webpage >>

This project is part of the Park Playfield Repairs and Reconstruction Program.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by yesterday for our second and final community information session on the upcoming playground renovation! We were delighted to hear your thoughts on the design options for the project.

LAST CALL to complete our online playground design survey: tinyurl.com/RPDKPPsurvey.

Survey closes Sunday, April 12 – Please share with neighbors and friends of Koshland Park!

You can view the meeting boards for March 21 and April 8, as well as our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), on the project page under the Documents and Materials tab.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Sanjana Appachu

📧 sanjana.appachu@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6629

Please visit the project page at:

Koshland Park Improvement Project

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our community information session on March 21!  We were delighted to chat about the design options for the project with everyone who stopped by.

We’ve also been receiving a lot of helpful feedback from our online playground design survey. You can take the design survey at: tinyurl.com/RPDKPPsurvey, open now through Sunday, April 12 – and please share with other neighbors and friends of Koshland Park!

We have one more community info session scheduled:

Koshland Park Playground Renewal – Community Info Session

Wednesday, April 8, 3:30-5:30pm

Meet at Koshland Park Playground (Page and Buchanan)

At this community info session, you can meet with Rec Park staff and learn more about the upcoming renovation of the playground equipment and surfacing. Rec Park staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions.

The community information session on April 8 will have no formal agenda or program. Event is rain or shine.

For language services or accessibility requests, please contact the project manager at least 48 hours before the meeting. Late requests will be honored if possible.

You can view the meeting boards for March 21 and April 8, as well as our newly updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), on the project page under the Documents and Materials tab.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Sanjana Appachu

📧 sanjana.appachu@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6629

Please visit the project page at:

Koshland Park Improvement Project

Koshland Park Playground Renewal

Community Info Sessions

Saturday, March 21, 10am-noon

Wednesday, April 8, 3:30-5:30pm

Meet at Koshland Park Playground (Page and Buchanan)

Join the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department to learn more about the upcoming renovation of the playground equipment and surfacing at Koshland Park Playground.

These two community information sessions will have no formal agenda or program. Rec Park staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions. Events are rain or shine.

Take the design survey! Playground design survey for the Koshland Park Playground Renewal is open through Sunday, April 12.

For more information, visit the project webpage:

tinyURL.com/RPDKPP 

For language services or accessibility requests, please contact the project manager at least 48 hours before the meeting. Late requests will be honored if possible.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Sanjana Appachu

📧 sanjana.appachu@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6629

Please visit the project page at:

Koshland Park Improvement Project

Hi neighbors! As a quick update, the upcoming Lake Merced project, which involves renovation of pathways and other site improvements, is undergoing preparation to take construction bids. This involves reviewing regulatory and permitting work, as well as active geotechnical and other site survey work. We’ll keep you posted as this work proceeds. We are currently on pace to begin construction this Fall.

Steve Tucker, Project Manager, steven.tucker@sfgov.org

We are happy to report that the project team is in the process of preparing for the project to go out to bid. We will keep you updated as to when the project will be going into construction. Watch for signs to appear around the Lake, informing you of closure areas and alternate routes.

Marking a major project milestone, the Rec Park Commission unanimously approved the concept design for the Marina Improvement and Remediation Project on April 16.

Thank you to all who provided feedback on the project as it has evolved over the last three years.

Follow these links for the Commission Staff Report and Presentation.

The team is continuing to work toward finalizing construction documents, and we expect to advertise the construction contract this Fall, with construction slated to start in mid-2027.

For more information on the project, please visit the project website: https://sfrecpark.org/marinaproject

For questions or concerns, please contact the project manager:

Monica Scott, REC-SFMarinaProject@sfgov.org, 628-652-6632

PG&E Inquiries: remediation@pge.com or (415) 973-0270

Marina Yacht Harbor Inquiries: RECSFMARINA@sfgov.org

Concept Plan for the West and East Harbors

Rendering of public access improvements at the Marina Triangle, shoreline and East Harbor renovation.

Rec Park Capital Committee has been cancelled for April and the Marina Improvement & Remediation Project item will now be heard only at the Full Commission on April 16^th.

Upcoming Public Touchpoints

• Presentation to the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) Design Review Board on 4/6/2026 at 5 pm at Metro Center, 375 Beale Street.
• Presentation of the project for final approval to our Recreation and Park Commission in April.
  • Recreation and Park Commission Meeting on April 16^th at 10:00am (in City Hall, room 416).
  • Public comment can be made at the meetings or can also be submitted via email to recpark.commission@sfgov.org.

For more information on the project, please visit the project website: https://sfrecpark.org/marinaproject

For questions or concerns, please contact the project manager:

Monica Scott, REC-SFMarinaProject@sfgov.org, 628-652-6632

PG&E Inquiries: remediation@pge.com or (415) 973-0270

Marina Yacht Harbor Inquiries: RECSFMARINA@sfgov.org

I am reaching out to share exciting updates for the Marina Improvement & Remediation Project.

Current Updates

• Permit applications to State and Federal agencies have been submitted
• Design teams are on track to finalize construction documents by mid-2026
• The San Francisco Planning Department has prepared an addendum to the Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) for the project. Addendum is available at: http://www.sfplanning.org/sfceqadocs

Upcoming Public Touchpoints

• Presentation to the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) Design Review Board on 4/6/2026 at 5 pm at Metro Center, 375 Beale Street.
• Presentation of the project for final approval to our Recreation and Park Commission in April.
  • First at Recreation and Park Capital Committee on April 8 at 2:00pm (in City Hall, room 416)
  • And, lastly at the Recreation and Park Commission Meeting on April 16^th at 10:00am (in City Hall, room 416).

Public comment can be made at the meetings or can also be submitted via email to recpark.commission@sfgov.org.

Additionally, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board) is planning a public comment period for the Draft Remedial Action Plan this spring. The public comment period will be announced to the community by the Water Board via mail and email.

For more information on the project, please visit the project website: https://sfrecpark.org/marinaproject

For questions or concerns, please contact the project manager:

Monica Scott, REC-SFMarinaProject@sfgov.org, 628-652-6632

PG&E Inquiries: remediation@pge.com or (415) 973-0270

Marina Yacht Harbor Inquiries: RECSFMARINA@sfgov.org

The Herz Recreation Center project is now complete! (see press release). Thank you for your support throughout construction. This will be our last blog update for this project.

• For more information on Herz Rec Center, including current hours, please visit our facilities page.
• For Permits and Reservations, please visit SFRPD Permits & Reservations or contact our Permit’s Call Center at 415-831-5500 (Monday thru Friday, 10AM to 2PM).
• Please visit our park improvements webpage to learn about other major projects happening in the parks.
• To see all our active projects happening in McLaren Park specifically, please visit our park improvements page for McLaren Park.
• If you would like to stay involved in all things Rec and Park, please sign up for RPD eNews.

Thanks again and enjoy the new Herz Rec Center!

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Eoanna Goodwin

📧 eoanna.goodwin@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6645

Please visit the project page at:

McLaren Park - Herz Recreation Center Project

Photos by Bruce Damonte

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The new Herz Recreation Center has officially opened its doors, marking the first Recreation Center built from the ground up in San Francisco in more than 25 years. The new facility delivers a modern, multifunctional recreation hub to the area, welcoming residents from the Sunnydale and Visitacion Valley neighborhoods, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today. 

Spanning 11,500 square feet, the facility features a full-size basketball court with bleacher seating for 200 people; a multipurpose room for community rentals and wellness classes; a welcoming lobby and reception area; staff offices; restrooms; a kitchen; and ample storage space—creating a flexible space designed to serve residents of all ages. 

The project also includes significant improvements to connect the surrounding neighborhood. New and upgraded pathways link Herz Playground with the Sunnydale Resource Center and the nearby areas of Visitacion Valley and Sunnydale. Additional amenities include an outdoor fitness terrace, a nature exploration and picnic area, and thoughtfully designed landscaping. Landscape improvements include meadow grassland, native hillside plantings, a lawn near the ballfields, and stormwater filtration in low-lying areas. 

The Rec Center is located within Herz Playground, a six-plus-acre park in John McLaren Park. In addition to the new Rec Center, the park features a recently renovated children’s playground, a clubhouse, two outdoor basketball courts, a ballfield, the indoor Coffman Pool, and expansive open space for recreation and relaxation. 

The public space features the large-scale public artwork Reflection & Projection, which greets visitors at the center’s entrance. In collaboration with the San Francisco Arts Commission, the approximately 8-by-10-foot, interactive installation created by artist Sanjay Vora combines painted mirrored stainless-steel tiles to create a dynamic experience that celebrates belonging, inclusion, and shared joy. 

The Herz Recreation Center is the latest milestone in a broader effort to reinvest in Sunnydale and Visitacion Valley through new parks, community facilities and services. In fall 2023, Rec and Park completed a $3.38 million renovation of Herz Playground as part of the Let’sPlaySF! Initiative, transforming playgrounds across the city. 

“The opening of the Herz Recreation Center is an important milestone for Sunnydale and Visitacion Valley,” said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. “This state-of-the-art facility will provide a safe and modern space where residents of all ages can thrive, and I was proud to help secure federal funding for this well-deserved project. Let us salute Mayor Lurie, the Recreation and Park Department and the community partners who worked to bring this long-anticipated resource to life.” 

City leaders highlighted the importance of expanding access to safe, high-quality public spaces in historically underserved neighborhoods and emphasized the long-term impact of sustained public investment.  

“The opening of the Herz Recreation Center expands access to safe, welcoming public space for Sunnydale and Visitacion Valley and the families who call these neighborhoods home,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “This new recreation center will give San Franciscans a place to play, learn, and build community and it reflects our work to support public spaces in every neighborhood in our city." 

“The opening of the Herz Recreation Center represents what it looks like when the City makes sustained, intentional investments in historically underserved neighborhoods,” Supervisor Shamann Walton said. “This is more than a new building. It is a commitment to the families of Sunnydale and Visitacion Valley that their health, safety, and quality of life matter. By creating safe spaces where young people can play, seniors can stay active, and neighbors can gather, we are strengthening community and laying the foundation for long-term stability and opportunity.” 

“The addition of Herz Rec Center will be a transformative investment in this park, providing Sunnydale and Visitacion Valley residents with expanded opportunities to stay healthy, active, and connected,” said SF Rec and Park Interim General Manager Sarah Madland. “With its wide range of amenities, the Rec Center strengthens this park as a community hub, complementing the beloved Coffman Pool and the recently renovated playground.” 

Rec and Park planned the playground renovation and the new recreation center in close coordination with the nearby Sunnydale Community Hub, which opened in fall 2024 and offers programming for residents of all ages, an early learning center, and a children’s clubhouse. Together, these investments support the broader Sunnydale HOPE SF project. Sunnydale HOPE SF is a resident-led redevelopment that replaces aging public housing with more than 1,700 new affordable homes while making long-term investments in neighborhood infrastructure, open space and amenities. 

Project partners emphasized the collaborative effort behind delivering the new recreation center. 

"The opening of the Herz Recreation Center represents a pivotal moment in our long-term commitment to Sunnydale and Visitacion Valley and reflects the coordinated, community-driven reinvestment underway across the neighborhood,” said Tiffany Bohee, President of Mercy Housing California. “This achievement is the result of deep collaboration with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, Related California, public and philanthropic partners—and, most importantly, the residents themselves. By delivering high-quality community assets alongside affordable housing and services, we are building a healthier, more connected neighborhood where people of all ages can thrive.” 

“The opening of the Herz Recreation Center marks yet another critical milestone in our partnership with Mercy Housing California and the City and County of San Francisco to advance the Sunnydale redevelopment and create an amenity-rich and thriving community,” said Related California President and CEO Ann Silverberg. “Related California is pleased to have supported the capital campaign to make the Herz Recreation Center a reality, allowing Sunnydale residents and Visitacion Valley neighbors to enjoy a new state-of-the-art indoor basketball court and multipurpose rooms. We are grateful for the generosity of the numerous capital campaign donors who supported the creation of the Herz Recreation Center, and for the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department’s ongoing collaboration to operate this new community asset.” 

“Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco is grateful to our partners who support youth in a truly holistic way, said Rob Connolly, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco. “Access to the state-of-the-art gym facility at Herz Park allows us to fully activate our Healthy Lifestyles programming in Sunnydale.”   

“The Herz Recreation Center is a powerful investment in the children and families of Sunnydale and Visitacion Valley,” said Mark Ryle, CEO of Wu Yee Children’s Services. “As a citywide early childhood education provider and trusted partner in early learning, Wu Yee Children's Services is committed to expanding access to high-quality, inclusive early childhood education throughout San Francisco. Safe, nature-based, and thoughtfully designed play spaces are essential to young children’s healthy development, and this new center and playground create an environment where children can explore, learn, and thrive. Being part of this vibrant community space reflects our shared commitment to building opportunity from the earliest years.” 

Funding for the $26.1 million Herz Rec Center project includes $10 million from the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond, $4 million from the bond’s Sustainability Program, $10 million from Sunnydale Infrastructure LLC, $1.5 million from the Economic Development Initiative Community Planning Grant—secured by Pelosi—and $600,000 from the Recreation and Park Department’s general fund. 

Community members have eagerly anticipated the new Rec Center since planning first began in 2019. Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects led design on the project, with construction commencing in fall 2023.  

Originally built in 1965, Herz Playground is named after former Recreation and Park Commissioner Dr. Francis Joseph Herz, who served from 1953 to 1965. Prior to the 2023 playground renovation and the newly opened Rec Center, the park last received major improvements in 1998. 

###

Press release, January 10, 2026

Happy New Year! We’re excited to invite the community to celebrate the grand opening of the new Herz Recreation Center at 160 Mrs. Jackson Way in McLaren Park on Friday, January 9, from 3:30–5:00 p.m.

The new recreation center includes an indoor basketball court with bleachers, a multi-purpose room, restrooms, outdoor fitness equipment, and a new nature exploration and picnic area. The celebration will feature a brief speaking program, activities for youth and seniors, open gym time, and a Junior Warriors game for all to enjoy.

We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the newest San Francisco Recreation and Park Department facility serving the Visitacion Valley and Sunnydale communities. We look forward to welcoming neighbors, families, and community partners for this special occasion.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Eoanna Goodwin

📧 eoanna.goodwin@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6645

Please visit the project page at:

McLaren Park - Herz Recreation Center Project

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our two community information sessions at the playground in January! Between both sessions, we spoke with over 150 parkgoers about the design options for the project. In addition, we received a lot of

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our two community information sessions at the playground in January!  Between both sessions, we spoke with over 150 parkgoers about the design options for the project.

In addition, we received a lot of helpful feedback from our online design survey.

Based on what we heard, we are currently working with Kompan, the playground vendor, on incorporating your feedback into a final playground layout.

We expect to share the new playground elements and site plan with the community later this spring. Stay tuned!

💬 Have questions or comments?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Alex Schuknecht

📧 alex.schuknecht@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6631

Please visit the project webpage at:

McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal

If you would like to receive updates about the Louis Sutter Playground Renewal, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal."

We have two community information sessions scheduled: Saturday, January 24, 11am and Monday, January 26, 2:30pm. Join the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department to learn more about the upcoming renovation of the playground equipment and

Community Information Sessions with Rec Park staff:

Saturday, January 24, 11am-12:30pm

Monday, January 26, 2:30-4:30pm

Meet at Louis Sutter Upper Playground (near McNab Lake)

Please join the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department to learn more about the upcoming renovation of the playground equipment and surfacing at the Louis Sutter Upper Playground.

These two community information sessions will have no formal agenda or program. Rec Park staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions.

Chinese and Spanish language interpreters will be present. Event is rain or shine.

For language services or accessibility requests, please contact the project manager at least 48 hours before the meeting. Late requests will be honored if possible.

Please share your feedback now with our design survey: tinyurl.com/louissuttersurvey

Survey open through Saturday, January 31.

💬 Have questions or comments?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Alex Schuknecht

📧 alex.schuknecht@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6631

Please visit the project webpage at:

McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal

If you would like to receive updates about the Louis Sutter Playground Renewal, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal."

We have two community information sessions scheduled for January. Join the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department to learn more about the upcoming renovation of the playground equipment and surfacing at the Louis Sutter Upper Playground. These

Community Information Sessions with Rec Park staff:

Saturday, January 24, 11am-12:30pm

Monday, January 26, 2:30-4:30pm

Meet at Louis Sutter Upper Playground (near McNab Lake)

Please join the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department to learn more about the upcoming renovation of the playground equipment and surfacing at the Louis Sutter Upper Playground.

These two community information sessions will have no formal agenda or program. Rec Park staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions.

Chinese and Spanish language interpreters will be present. Event is rain or shine.

For language services or accessibility requests, please contact the project manager at least 48 hours before the meeting. Late requests will be honored if possible.

Please share your feedback now with our design survey: tinyurl.com/louissuttersurvey

Survey open through Saturday, January 31.

💬 Have questions or comments?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Alex Schuknecht

📧 alex.schuknecht@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6631

Please visit the project webpage at:

McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal

If you would like to receive updates about the Louis Sutter Playground Renewal, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal."

We’re pleased to share the final plan for the Louis Sutter Upper Playground!

This plan grew from the invaluable input of community members who participated in our online survey and two in-person feedback sessions. We received nearly 140 survey responses and spoke in-person with over 150 community members. Thank you for sharing your insights and helping to develop a playground that best meets the needs of everyone in the community.

• Nature-themed “Duck Pond” theme – The “Duck Pond” theme was a clear community favorite, offering a wide range of play experiences for children of all ages and abilities while playfully referencing McNab Lake and other natural wonders of McLaren Park. In keeping with this finding, respondents also expressed a strong desire for a tall slide, a variety of options for swinging and climbing, and an overall greater density of play features.
• Challenging play and “thrill” for older children – High climbing routes, tower nets, monkey bars, fireman’s poles and a new “gap jumper” feature that challenges children to step onto a suspended pole and vault across a gap between platforms. Together the playground’s features offer height, speed, and physical challenge to keep older kids engaged and having fun.
• Engaging, age‑appropriate play for younger children – For ages 3–8, the duck, fish, and other nature-themed graphics encourage make‑believe play, storytelling, and social interaction. The wide variety of seesaws, springers, swings, crawl-throughs, and multiple play loops encourage longer stays and repeat use. As confidence grows, younger children can test themselves with higher platforms, more demanding climbs, and more challenging play elements.
• Seating and comfort for parents and caregivers – Seating is an integral part of this design, with comfortable seating and clear sightlines distributed throughout the play area.

Inclusive design is also integrated throughout the entire playground, with ADA accessible pathways and stairs, engaging ground‑level activities, multiple entry points, and clear visual connections between levels, aligning with best practices for inclusive play.

Together, these strategies create a playground that offers a wide range of experiences for children of all ages. The new Louis Sutter playground will be welcoming, challenging, and distinctive to the neighborhood, while remaining grounded in its natural park setting.

For more details on what we heard from the community about the new play equipment, check out our “What we heard” sheet.

We are on pace to start construction this fall, and our goal is to open the new playground before the end of 2026.

💬 Have questions or comments?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Alex Schuknecht

📧 alex.schuknecht@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6631

Please visit the project webpage at:

McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal

If you would like to receive updates about the Louis Sutter Playground Renewal, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal."

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our two community information sessions at the playground in January!  Between both sessions, we spoke with over 150 parkgoers about the design options for the project.

In addition, we received a lot of helpful feedback from our online design survey.

Based on what we heard, we are currently working with Kompan, the playground vendor, on incorporating your feedback into a final playground layout.

We expect to share the new playground elements and site plan with the community later this spring. Stay tuned!

💬 Have questions or comments?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Alex Schuknecht

📧 alex.schuknecht@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6631

Please visit the project webpage at:

McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal

If you would like to receive updates about the Louis Sutter Playground Renewal, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal."

Community Information Sessions with Rec Park staff:

Saturday, January 24, 11am-12:30pm

Monday, January 26, 2:30-4:30pm

Meet at Louis Sutter Upper Playground (near McNab Lake)

Please join the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department to learn more about the upcoming renovation of the playground equipment and surfacing at the Louis Sutter Upper Playground.

These two community information sessions will have no formal agenda or program. Rec Park staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions.

Chinese and Spanish language interpreters will be present. Event is rain or shine.

For language services or accessibility requests, please contact the project manager at least 48 hours before the meeting. Late requests will be honored if possible.

Please share your feedback now with our design survey: tinyurl.com/louissuttersurvey

Survey open through Saturday, January 31.

💬 Have questions or comments?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Alex Schuknecht

📧 alex.schuknecht@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6631

Please visit the project webpage at:

McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal

If you would like to receive updates about the Louis Sutter Playground Renewal, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal."

As an update to our construction advisory on March 16, the Upper Reservoir Parking Lot is now open and will be available for parking over the weekend.

Construction will resume next week to complete work on the crosswalk. Barricades will be placed around the construction area, and the parking lot will again be temporarily closed to cars.

Cars will not be permitted past the construction barricades again next week. Alternative parking locations are available all along Shelley Drive. Accessible parking is at the Redwood Playground Group Picnic Area.

Pedestrians are encouraged to avoid the construction area and use the parking lot driveway as a detour.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Lauren Dietrich Chavez

📧 Lauren.Chavez@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6643

Please visit the project webpage at:

McLaren Park - Trails Improvement Project

Starting Monday, March 16, our contractor will reshape, repave, and stripe the crosswalk near the Upper Reservoir parking lot.

This crosswalk carries you to Philosopher’s Way across John F. Shelley Dr., east of the Blue Water Tower. To complete the crosswalk work, the Upper Reservoir Parking Lot will be temporarily closed during the week of March 16.

Parking is available along Shelley Drive, and the nearest accessible parking is at the Redwood Playground Group Picnic Area.

Pedestrians are encouraged to avoid the area and use the parking lot driveway as a detour.

Final planting and punch list work will be completed in the coming weeks, along with installation of dog waste bag dispensers.

One of our 2020 Bond Quick Start projects is updating the McLaren Park map, installing new wayfinding signage at key intersections, and developing a park-wide interpretive program. Some of the trail signage will be installed with that effort later this spring.

We’ll announce opportunities to engage with signage development in the coming weeks.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Lauren Dietrich Chavez

📧 Lauren.Chavez@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6643

Please visit the project webpage at:

McLaren Park - Trails Improvement Project

We’re getting very close to completing the McLaren Park - Trails Improvement Project!

• Our contractor has completed planting and a small bridge in the restored drainage area north of the Upper Reservoir and will be working on the planting area near Shelley Drive in the coming weeks.
• The accessible ribbon trail and new connector trail at the east end of the Hidden Bridges (dashed orange below) is now complete. We heard how much park users enjoy having options for steep, challenging hikes, so we preserved the steep trail at the east end of the grassland. Please stay on-trail (see gold below) and enjoy the area responsibly.
• On University Hill, trail decommissioning in the grasslands is nearing completion. Native plant seeds will be laid during the week of January 26. We need everyone’s support to help these baby plants grow! The park’s protected natural areas provide food and refuge for local native species, including bees, birds, butterflies, and pocket gophers! Please stay on-trail to protect this sensitive habitat (see the red hatched area below).

Enjoy the attached photos of construction progress, and please reach out with any questions.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Lauren Dietrich Chavez

📧 Lauren.Chavez@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6643

Please visit the project webpage at:

McLaren Park - Trails Improvement Project

Starting in late 2022, Rec and Park conducted extensive community and stakeholder engagement to get feedback on how to prioritize the investment of $6 million from the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond in McLaren Park. Throughout June and July 2025, we

Starting in late 2022, Rec and Park conducted extensive community and stakeholder engagement to get feedback on how to prioritize the investment of $6 million from the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond in McLaren Park.

Throughout June and July 2025, we attended several standing community group meetings, circling back with community stakeholders to share proposed updates to the 2018 Vision Plan and project priorities for 2020 bond funding, and receive final feedback before taking a McLaren Vision Plan update and project funding allocations to the Rec and Park Commission later this summer.

Thank you to the McLaren Collaborative, PROSAC, and Portola Neighborhood Association for hosting us!

Thank you to the folks who attended and gave feedback, as well as to everyone who has been involved in meetings, site walks, focus groups, and other conversations throughout the years. Your advocacy and input shaped the 2018 McLaren Park Vision Plan, this 2025 Vision Plan update, and make McLaren Park the amazing Citywide park that it is!

You can check out our meeting presentation which walks through what we've learned and are recommending—based on stakeholder input, site assessments, and the realities of available resources.

Many projects have occurred in McLaren Park in recent years, guided by the Vision Plan, and fueled by 2012 Neighborhood Park Bond funding. The final Tier 1 project funded by the 2012 Bond, the McLaren Trails Priority Improvements project, is well underway and slated to be complete by early 2026.

There are many other projects currently in design and planning, and many more park improvements that are still needed.

Throughout engagement we heard loud and clear a desire to fix the infrastructure and keep McLaren wild! The draft recommendations center nature while addressing needed improvements across the three Vision Plan pillars of program areas, gateways, and accessibility & connectivity. Staff have written grants, developed partnerships, and leveraged other local funding sources to triple the impact of the $6 million in 2020 Bond investment, and well-position McLaren Park for future investment.

Many thanks to the San Francisco voters who overwhelmingly approved the 2012 and 2020 Bonds! Your support helps ensure that San Franciscans have access to safe and welcoming parks and open spaces.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Lauren Dietrich Chavez

📧 Lauren.Chavez@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6643

Please visit the project webpage at:

McLaren Park – Vision Plan

Thanks to the 40 people who attended the virtual community meeting on February 23rd! We discussed

Thanks to the 40 people who attended the virtual community meeting on February 23rd!

We discussed the creation of a permanent promenade along John Shelley Drive West, and possible traffic calming and pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements along Shelley North (Cambridge west towards the Upper Reservoir) and Shelley East (Cambridge to Mansell).

There was unanimous interest in formalizing the temporary promenade—with minimal additions or interventions, and maintaining a stretch of Shelley West as a car-free zone. Staff will move forward with environmental compliance and required approvals. You can find a copy of our PowerPoint presentation from the meeting under the "Documents and Materials" section of the McLaren Park Pedestrian, Bike and Streetscape Projects page.

Lauren Dietrich Chavez, Project Manager, lauren.chavez@sfgov.org

Please join Rec and Park and SFMTA staff for a site walk to review design options proposed for slowing traffic and . . .

Please join Rec and Park and SFMTA staff for a site walk to review design options proposed for slowing traffic and improving pedestrian and bicycle safety and access along Visitacion Avenue.

Thursday 8/25/2022, 6-7:30pm 

Meet in front of Coffman Pool, 1700 Visitacion Ave, San Francisco, CA 94134

Goals for the Visitacion Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Project include increasing safety and improving pedestrian and bicycle access along a half mile stretch of Visitacion Avenue between Mansell Street and Hahn Street. Park users will benefit with improved traffic safety and calming on Visitacion Avenue, pedestrian connections to Herz Playground, McLaren Park Community Garden, McLaren Park Native Plant Garden, and the park trail system. In addition, new Visitacion Avenue bikeways will connect the existing Mansell St bikeway to the Visitacion Valley and Sunnydale neighborhoods.

Project scope includes narrowing the roadway and adding protected bike lanes, sidewalks, and lighting, and will remove a significant amount of parking, while maintaining parking in the high-use lower area between the McLaren Community Garden and Coffman Pool. 

We look forward to sharing current design options and hearing public input. Please join us on 8/25, or feel free to send comments to Rec and Park Staff:

Brian Stokle, brian.stokle@sfgov.org, 628-652-6611

Lauren Dietrich Chavez, lauren.chavez@sfgov.org, 628-652-6643

The McLaren Park Vision Plan (2018) has guided our park improvement priorities and driven investment in recent years. Having completed or started all Quick Start and Tier 1 projects, and McLaren Park having received $6 million from the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond, the time had come to review the Vision Plan’s framework and top priorities.

From Fall 2022 through Summer 2025, Rec and Park reviewed the Vision Plan, conducted assessments, and facilitated a new round of community outreach to identify and prioritize projects for the next wave of McLaren improvements.

Notable trends emerged during engagement.

• “Keep McLaren wild!" by protecting and celebrating the natural resources within the park.
• Improve the basic infrastructure of the park—restrooms, irrigation, pathways, and lighting and electrical systems at Jerry Garcia Amphitheater—rather than expanding or building new program areas.
• Improve accessibility and wayfinding, along with using physical and digital means to better communicate the passive and active recreation opportunities available.

Based on this feedback and stakeholder engagement, specific projects proposed for 2020 Bond funding include improvements at Louis Sutter Playground and McNab Lake and at Jerry Garcia Amphitheater; connectivity improvements south of Mansell; and irrigation system mapping, planning, and improvements.

Rec and Park is also seeking funding to replace the Mansell East Gateway restroom and improve Shelley Promenade, among other capital improvements.

Click here to review concept summaries for these proposed priority projects.

Please join us (in-person or online) for a presentation of the Vision Plan Update and 2020 Bond Funding Allocations:

Recreation and Park Commission

This Thursday, August 21^st at 10am.

Meeting information available in the Full Agenda

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Lauren Dietrich Chavez

📧 Lauren.Chavez@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6643

Please visit the project webpage at:

McLaren Park – Vision Plan

Starting in late 2022, Rec and Park conducted extensive community and stakeholder engagement to get feedback on how to prioritize the investment of $6 million from the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond in McLaren Park.

Throughout June and July 2025, we attended several standing community group meetings, circling back with community stakeholders to share proposed updates to the 2018 Vision Plan and project priorities for 2020 bond funding, and receive final feedback before taking a McLaren Vision Plan update and project funding allocations to the Rec and Park Commission later this summer.

Thank you to the McLaren Collaborative, PROSAC, and Portola Neighborhood Association for hosting us!

Thank you to the folks who attended and gave feedback, as well as to everyone who has been involved in meetings, site walks, focus groups, and other conversations throughout the years. Your advocacy and input shaped the 2018 McLaren Park Vision Plan, this 2025 Vision Plan update, and make McLaren Park the amazing Citywide park that it is!

You can check out our meeting presentation which walks through what we've learned and are recommending—based on stakeholder input, site assessments, and the realities of available resources.

Many projects have occurred in McLaren Park in recent years, guided by the Vision Plan, and fueled by 2012 Neighborhood Park Bond funding. The final Tier 1 project funded by the 2012 Bond, the McLaren Trails Priority Improvements project, is well underway and slated to be complete by early 2026.

There are many other projects currently in design and planning, and many more park improvements that are still needed.

Throughout engagement we heard loud and clear a desire to fix the infrastructure and keep McLaren wild! The draft recommendations center nature while addressing needed improvements across the three Vision Plan pillars of program areas, gateways, and accessibility & connectivity. Staff have written grants, developed partnerships, and leveraged other local funding sources to triple the impact of the $6 million in 2020 Bond investment, and well-position McLaren Park for future investment.

Many thanks to the San Francisco voters who overwhelmingly approved the 2012 and 2020 Bonds! Your support helps ensure that San Franciscans have access to safe and welcoming parks and open spaces.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Lauren Dietrich Chavez

📧 Lauren.Chavez@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6643

Please visit the project webpage at:

McLaren Park – Vision Plan

Connectivity planning has been a major focus of McLaren Park 2020 Bond Planning and Vision Plan updates. As part of ongoing project scoping and outreach, Rec and Park staff held three focus groups in May 2025. Representatives from various organizations related to disability access and biking came to our Capital & Planning Division offices for 90 minute sessions and provided feedback on how they prepare to visit a park and use trails, experience while on trails and what information is most relevant to have on maps and signs in the park, and improvements that Rec and Park can make to our signs and other communication tools.

Presentation slides

We thank all the participants as we learned so much from these diverse perspectives, and really enjoyed the conversations as well! We will be incorporating this input into an update of the McLaren Park map and new wayfinding and interpretive signage, which will be installed in late 2025 as part of the McLaren Trails construction project. We also plan to reference this feedback to assess and potentially update other communication tools, as well as our signs in other parks.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Lauren Dietrich Chavez

📧 Lauren.Chavez@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6643

McLaren Park - Trails Improvement Project

Dear Neighbor,

In partnership with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department, we are excited to share this project update for March 2023 (PDF). 

You can also check out this updated Upper Yosemite Creek Daylighting Project fact sheet (PDF).

Pictured is an early concept rendering of Upper Yosemite Creek Daylighting Project; Location picture is Yosemite Station along Wayland Street at Oxford Street

Omar Davis, Project Manager, omar.davis@sfgov.org

We’re pleased to share the final plan for the Louis Sutter Upper Playground!

This plan grew from the invaluable input of community members who participated in our online survey and two in-person feedback sessions. We received nearly 140 survey responses and spoke in-person with over 150 community members. Thank you for sharing your insights and helping to develop a playground that best meets the needs of everyone in the community.

• Nature-themed “Duck Pond” theme – The “Duck Pond” theme was a clear community favorite, offering a wide range of play experiences for children of all ages and abilities while playfully referencing McNab Lake and other natural wonders of McLaren Park. In keeping with this finding, respondents also expressed a strong desire for a tall slide, a variety of options for swinging and climbing, and an overall greater density of play features.
• Challenging play and “thrill” for older children – High climbing routes, tower nets, monkey bars, fireman’s poles and a new “gap jumper” feature that challenges children to step onto a suspended pole and vault across a gap between platforms. Together the playground’s features offer height, speed, and physical challenge to keep older kids engaged and having fun.
• Engaging, age‑appropriate play for younger children – For ages 3–8, the duck, fish, and other nature-themed graphics encourage make‑believe play, storytelling, and social interaction. The wide variety of seesaws, springers, swings, crawl-throughs, and multiple play loops encourage longer stays and repeat use. As confidence grows, younger children can test themselves with higher platforms, more demanding climbs, and more challenging play elements.
• Seating and comfort for parents and caregivers – Seating is an integral part of this design, with comfortable seating and clear sightlines distributed throughout the play area.

Inclusive design is also integrated throughout the entire playground, with ADA accessible pathways and stairs, engaging ground‑level activities, multiple entry points, and clear visual connections between levels, aligning with best practices for inclusive play.

Together, these strategies create a playground that offers a wide range of experiences for children of all ages. The new Louis Sutter playground will be welcoming, challenging, and distinctive to the neighborhood, while remaining grounded in its natural park setting.

For more details on what we heard from the community about the new play equipment, check out our “What we heard” sheet.

We are on pace to start construction this fall, and our goal is to open the new playground before the end of 2026.

💬 Have questions or comments?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Alex Schuknecht

📧 alex.schuknecht@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6631

Please visit the project webpage at:

McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal

If you would like to receive updates about the Louis Sutter Playground Renewal, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal."

Thank you to everyone who joined us last weekend for our third community gathering about the conceptual design for the Crocker Amazon Baseball and Softball Fields Renovation.

At the workshop sessions, attendees rotated through six stations, each station offering an opportunity to learn about and discuss different, key topics that have been important to the design process. This includes the proposed community gathering spaces; dog play areas; lighting and parking; playfield surfacing; trees and other plantings; and walking paths and other amenities.

View the boards from each station on the project page under the “Documents and Materials” tab.

Thank you for all your thoughtful questions and feedback at the workshops. The project team will review all the comments we received and make appropriate adjustments to the concept plan. Next, we will post the revised plan on the project website and send notifications that it is available to review.

We are planning to take the concept plan before the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission for approval later this year. Commission meetings are open to the public and all community members are welcome to attend.

Please stay tuned for more updates. If you would like to receive updates about the Crocker Amazon Baseball and Softball Fields Renovation, including information about the upcoming Commission hearing, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: Crocker Amazon Baseball and Softball Fields Renovation."

Thank you again for your continued support of our parks.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Dan Mauer

📧 dan.mauer@sfgov.org

Please visit the project page at:

Crocker Amazon Baseball and Softball Fields Renovation

Community Workshop Sessions

Session 1: Sunday, April 26, 10-11:30am

Session 2: Sunday, April 26,12:00-1:30pm

Meet at Crocker Amazon Clubhouse (Moscow St at Italy Ave)

RSVP at: tinyurl.com/CrockerRSVP

Join the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department to review and discuss the concept design for the upcoming revitalization of the baseball and softball fields at Crocker Amazon.

Two workshop sessions are being offered to accommodate different schedules. These sessions will be hosted in an open forum format and project team members will be available to discuss various components of the project and answer questions. These sessions will be outdoors and will happen rain or shine.

The project will re-orient and renovate the existing baseball and softball fields with new, state-of-the-art diamonds. In addition, it will install field and pathway lighting, expand the parking lot, install batting cages and outdoor exercise equipment, upgrade the existing dog play area, create a new dog play area, add a new restroom facility, and provide a central community plaza space. It will also improve pedestrian walkways, irrigation and plantings, and park furniture, such as picnic tables and benches.

These improvements are being made in partnership with the San Francisco Giants to benefit baseball and softball programs, as well as every park visitor.

For more information, visit the project webpage:

tinyURL.com/crockeramazonballfields

For questions or comments, contact the project manager:

Dan Mauer, dan.mauer@sfgov.org, (628) 652-6630

Interpreters will be available for Chinese and Spanish. For other language services or accessibility requests, please contact the project manager at least 48 hours before the meeting. Late requests will be honored if possible.

Construction Advisory

Minnie & Lovie Ward Athletic Fields Renovation

Construction June – October 2026

Minnie and Lovie Ward Athletic Fields will be under construction starting Monday, June 15, 2026 through late October 2026.

Construction and related field closures will be performed in two phases to allow play to continue on one half of the field space throughout construction.

The synthetic field turf on these fields is over 12 years old and due for routine replacement. This project will remove and replace the existing synthetic field turf on the play fields.

As part of this project, the old synthetic turf will be removed and recycled/downcycled. New turf will be installed with new infill material consisting of cork and sand, rather than the crumb rubber material used formerly.

Additional improvements will include the replacement of damaged fencing; installation of new fence fabric; minor ADA improvements; and installation of new site features, including drinking fountains, players benches, signage, and trash receptacles.

For alternative soccer fields, check out the newly renovated soccer fields at Crocker Amazon Playground (799 Moscow St). Visit the Permits & Reservations section of our website for a complete list of multi-use fields, including baseball, softball, soccer, and more. For up-to-date information on field availability and for reservations, email our Permits and Reservations staff at RPDReservations@sfgov.org.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Dan Mauer

📧 dan.mauer@sfgov.org

Please visit the project page at:

Minnie and Lovie Ward Athletic Fields Renovation

If you would like to receive updates the Minnie & Lovie Ward Athletic Fields Renovation, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: Minnie & Lovie Ward Athletic Fields Renovation."

Construction Advisory

Minnie & Lovie Ward Athletic Fields Renovation

Construction June – October 2026

Minnie and Lovie Ward Athletic Fields will be under construction from early June 2026 through late October 2026. Construction and related field closures will be performed in two phases to allow play to continue on one half of the field space throughout construction.

The synthetic field turf on these fields is over 12 years old and due for routine replacement. This project will remove and replace the existing synthetic field turf on the play fields.

As part of this project, the old synthetic turf will be removed and recycled/downcycled. New turf will be installed with new infill material consisting of cork and sand, rather than the crumb rubber material used formerly.

Additional improvements will include the replacement of damaged fencing; installation of new fence fabric; minor ADA improvements; and installation of new site features, including drinking fountains, players benches, signage, and trash receptacles.

For alternative soccer fields, check out the newly renovated soccer fields at Crocker Amazon Playground (799 Moscow St). Visit the Permits & Reservations section of our website for a complete list of multi-use fields, including baseball, softball, soccer, and more. For up-to-date information on field availability and for reservations, email our Permits and Reservations staff at RPDReservations@sfgov.org.

💬 Have questions or concerns?

Feel free to contact the project manager:

Dan Mauer

📧 dan.mauer@sfgov.org

Please visit the project page at:

Minnie and Lovie Ward Athletic Fields Renovation

If you would like to receive updates the Minnie & Lovie Ward Athletic Fields Renovation, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to "Rec Park Improvements: Minnie & Lovie Ward Athletic Fields Renovation."

We are excited to share that the Mission Bay Future Parks Project is moving ahead with the design phase. The developer released an RFQ in Early August and they will select a design team by mid-October.

The Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII) and Mission Bay Development Group (MBDG) are responsible for developing the Mission Bay Future Parks. Rec and Park will own and operate the parks upon completion and is engaged in the design to ensure the parks meet the department’s best practices and operational requirements.

The project includes two distinct areas; 1) the final three blocks of Mission Bay Commons which are currently temporarily activated with mini golf, food truck park, and soccer; and 2) a future active recreation complex in the undeveloped parcels bordered by Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay Circle, 7^th Street and Owens Street. You can learn more about the Mission Bay Future Parks project at our website here.

Rec and Park joined MBDG and OCII at community meetings throughout the planning process. The feedback and ideas shared by the community will shape the permanent design of these new parks.

If you would like to receive further updates on the Mission Bay Future Parks Project, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and select updates for Mission Bay Future Parks.

Alex Schuknecht

📧 alex.schuknecht@sfgov.org

📞 628-652-6631

Please visit the project page at:

Mission Bay Future Parks Project

SF Rec and Park began managing the completed Mission Bay Parks on July 1 of 2023. Our gardening and custodial staff – led by Park Service Area manager Brandon Young – has ensured that these beautiful parks continue serving both residents and visitors to Mission Bay. Brandon Young and other Rec and Park staff have attended Mission Bay CAC meetings and other meetings to introduce ourselves, hear community feedback, and build a relationship with the neighborhood. Rec and Park is proud to provide our excellent and professional stewardship for the Mission Bay parks.

We are excited to announce the creation of the Rec and Park website for the Mission Creek Park South Extension Project. The Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII), along with the Mission Bay Development Group (MBDG), is responsible for the development of Mission Creek Park South extension project (Parcels 2 and 8). Rec and Park will own and operate the park upon completion and is engaged in the design and construction process to ensure Rec and Park operational requirements and best practices are followed.

At this link you can find an overview of the Mission Creek Park South extension project. This document and more can also be found on our project website. Project elements include new passive recreation and gathering space, multi-use trails, public art, a community garden, and native plantings. We expect construction to begin in 2026 with an 18-month construction duration.

If you would like to receive further updates on the Mission Creek South Project, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and select updates for Mission Creek Park South.

Monica Scott  

📧 monica.scott@sfgov.org  

📞 628-652-6632  

Please visit the project page at:  

Mission Creek Park South Extension Project

The project will go to the Board of Supervisors at the end of March 2023. Upon approval, the project will proceed with construction drawings to integrate the prefabricated restroom into the existing site.