San Francisco has not one brand-new park, but two. On Friday morning, Mayor London Breed cut the ribbon on the Presidio’s Battery Bluff, a six-acre open space not far from the long-anticipated Tunnel Tops park, which is now slated to open in July.
“What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to celebrate the opening of a park over a freeway?” Michael Boland, chief of Park Development at the Presidio Trust, said to a gathering of dozens of public and private agency team members who attended the dedication.
Named for a set of military defenses built around the turn of the last century, Battery Bluff is the second phase of the thirty-years-in-the-making redo of spaces surrounding the Presidio Parkway that connect to the trails and marsh near the Quartermaster Reach, an earlier phase of the project that opened in December 2020.
Since 1936, the area has been officially off-limits to the public. And its location on the curve of Lincoln Boulevard across from the National Cemetery kept it out of reach from all but the most committed taggers.
The Presidio Trust-driven project has since scrubbed down the former artillery sites, added an “anti-graffiti coating” to their walls, installed picnic tables, built trails to Crissy Field, and opened up a perch for new spectacular views that stretch from the Golden Gate to Downtown.
New picnic areas at Battery Bluff in the Presidio, April 22, 2022 | Maryann Jones Thompson
Meanwhile, Francisco Park’s playground bay vistas will debut in Russian Hill next week. This green space, created by the community’s Francisco Park Conservancy and SF Recreation & Parks, will top an old reservoir on Bay Street — another seemingly out-of-nowhere new playground for city dwellers.
Read on for more ideas of new green spaces around SF to get your toes in the grass this Earth Day weekend.
Battery Bluff, The Presidio
April 2022
A full-fledged team effort of local, state and federal government agencies unveiled San Francisco’s newly appointed and refurbished Battery Bluff, named after the four U.S. Army gun batteries (Blaney, Baldwin, Slaughter and Sherwood) and tucked along the hillside just above Chrissy Field (and not to be confused with the “Battery to Bluffs Trail” on the west side of the Presidio.) Visitors can now enjoy breathtaking views of the Golden Gate, Angel Island, Alcatraz and San Francisco Bay, take a break at one of the newly installed picnic tables or mosey along its multi-use path, surrounded by 60,000 native and ornamental plants, connecting visitors to the Golden Gate Bridge. (Pro-tip: Despite what Google Maps might show, Battery Bluff is not accessible from Mason Street; drivers can park along Lincoln Blvd. or in the Main Post.)
Japanese Tea Garden & Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park
April 2022
Nothing’s better than free! As of today, San Franciscans can now stroll (free of charge) in two more of Golden Gate Park’s historic gardens. Both the pagodas, koi ponds and steep drum bridge of the Japanese Tea Garden and the tropical oddities of the Conservatory of Flowers became part of the “free pass” ordinance signed into law by Mayor Breed in March. The two join the San Francisco Botanical Garden as parks free to city residents and all U.S. veterans with I.D.
The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. | Photo by DeAgostini via Getty Images
Francisco Park, Russian Hill-Fisherman’s Wharf
April 2022
Community effort and SF Rec & Parks combined to transform the once-abandoned reservoir site into a public park flourishing in native landscaping and boasting some of the most awe-inspiring views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, Marin County, the Golden Gate Bridge and SF Bay. In addition to a fenced-in dog park, Francisco Park will have a fully ADA-compliant pathway beginning at Bay Street that leads to the lawn area and childrens’ playground when it officially opens April 27.
Francisco Park | Photo by Bruce Keene
Mansell Tai Chi Court at McLaren Park
March 2022
Whether it’s Yang, Chen or Sun style tai chi, locals can now master their moves in the city’s second-largest park. The McLaren Park Courts Project kicked off its newest space, Mansell Tai Chi Court in Mid-March with an elaborate demonstration of this Chinese martial art. The court is officially earmarked for public multi-use, so park goers will be able to use the space for yoga, dancing — and, of course, perfecting their “Parting the Wild Horse’s Mane.”
Helen Diller Playground at Dolores Park, The Mission
February 2022
Though Rec & Park might not count the playground’s repairs and resurfacing as a “major” project, local families disagree. After a six-month closure, they’re thrilled to have the playground back in action, telling The Standard they love the renovation’s new artificial grass-covered play surfaces and return to old-school sand for slide landing zones.
Shannon and her daughter Marlow use the slide at the Helen Diller Playground at Mission Dolores Park. They live in the neighborhood and have been “waiting for the reopen since it closed.” | Camille Cohen
Rossi Pool and Playground, Lone Mountain
February 2022
Dive in! After a two-year, $15 million renovation, the Angelo J. Rossi Pool has reopened to the community near USF. The project included improvements to the pool and its building, as well as the park’s sports fields.
Rossi Pool was recently reopened. | Courtesy of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
Bay Wheels Bike Share, The Presidio
February 2022
Three new bike share stations will open this weekend in the Presidio: Anza Avenue at Lincoln Boulevard, Torney Avenue at Lincoln Boulevard and MacArthur Avenue at Fernandez Street. (Non-members should check rates before riding.)
New Bay Wheels bike racks outside the Presidio’s Lombard Gates. | Courtesy of the Presidio Trust
Wander Woods at Cal Academy, Golden Gate Park
January 2022
Cal Academy opened a new outdoor space for children wanting a break from their immersive indoor exhibits. Wander Woods offers opportunities for unstructured play, including heaps of native greenery and structures built from reclaimed wood found in nearby parks.
Families explore during the opening day of Wander Woods. | Courtesy of Gayle Laird © California Academy of Sciences
Field Notes, The Presidio
January 2022
Need an excuse to wander around the Presidio? Field Notes is a new, self-guided experience that invites visitors to learn more about the park’s flora and fauna. Wooden markers share seasonal facts and provide QR codes to get even more information.
The view at one of the stops on the Presidio Field Notes self-guided tour. | Courtesy of the Presidio Trust
Bayview K.C. Jones Playground, Bayview
December 2021
The community wanted a better playground—and that’s what they got: A $6 million renovation that includes a larger play area, exercising equipment for adults, a walking path, grassy picnic area and a renovation of the ball field where namesake basketball great K.C. Jones played as a child. The design boasts 29 new trees and a bioretention area with native vegetation to prevent flooding.
Children climb on the large play structure in Bayview K.C. Jones Playground. | Courtesy of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
Heron’s Head Park EcoCenter, Bayview
November 2021
The new nature exploration area at Heron’s Head Park grew from inspiration provided by local children. The play area is woven with paths through native vegetation, massive boulders, locally sourced trees, and repurposed wood that lead to a lookout with views of San Francisco Bay.
Barbara Heroux and Bill Neely, amateur bird watchers who walk the park most days, enjoy the sun at Heron’s Head Park on Feb. 7, 2022. “It’s been such a hard year. It’s nice to come here, where there’s always something to look at.” | Camille Cohen
McLaren Park Ropes Course, Excelsior
September 2021
Strap into a full-body harness and grab a helmet at McLaren Park Ropes Course for some tree-top adventure. The 313-acre course offers 11 elements with a combination of low and high challenges. “The Leap” from the tippy top of a telephone pole to a dangling buoy a dozen or so feet away will tempt only the most brave. Managed by Outward Bound California, building the confidence of local students is the primary goal but spots are occasionally available to the general public.
A climber atop McLaren Park’s newest addition, a ropes course. | Courtesy of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
Juri Commons, The Mission
September 2021
The mini park’s $1.9 million renovation aimed to create a hidden natural oasis for the neighborhood. With its improved playspaces for children, “tot” area, sprawling grass for dogs, and exercise area adorned with equipment for adults, Juri Commons hopes to help connect kids to nature.
Juri Commons, a sliver of a park, sits ready for use. | Courtesy of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
Black Point Historic Gardens, Fort Mason
August 2021
Eureka! The pathways that connect Aquatic Park to blufftop Fort Mason reopened to the public for the first time since the 49ers landed in SF. The one-acre park of terraced gardens offers incredible views and connections to the Bay Trail and the rest of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
The newly renovated Black Point Historic Gardens in Fort Mason. | Photo by Russell Bombon, Parks Conservancy
Golden Gate Heights Playground, Golden Gate Heights
July 2021
Ready to test your nerves on a new climbing wall? The $2.8 million makeover at Golden Gate Heights Park is a hopping, climbing, jumping, swinging great time for youngsters and the young at heart. The playground added new activities galore—monkey bars, slides, basket swings, spinner, rolling arches and spring disc steps.
Children climb the new structure in Golden Gate Heights park. | Courtesy of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
Shoreview Park, Bayview
June 2021
The community asked for a family-friendly place where multiple generations could gather in nature and the $3.3 million renovation project did not disappoint. Among the accessible pathways, new irrigation, plantings, landscaping, lighting, picnic area and furnishings lies the first ever playground “skywalk” in California.
Children climb up the slide at Shoreview Park. | Courtesy of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
George Christopher Playground, Diamond Heights
April 2021
Known by neighbors as one of SF’s “best kept secrets,” George Christopher Park’s panoramic views and Glen Canyon trail access have been enhanced by a brand new playground. A $5.2 million renovation added structures for big and little kids, swings, an imagination garden, a playhouse, a dry nature riverbed and a performance stage.
The nature-themed play structure at George Cristopher park. | Courtesy of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
Kapwa Gardens, SOMA
April 2021
SF’s Filipino community grew paradise from a parking lot on Mission Street. Kapwa Gardens sprung to life during the pandemic, providing a new destination for arts, culture and wellness gatherings in the SOMA Pilipinas Cultural Heritage District. Check their calendar for upcoming events or stop by for an afternoon “green” break from the SOMA bustle.
Kapwa Gardens rotates outdoor activities and events. | Courtesy of Kapwa Gardens
Garfield Square Recreation Area, The Mission
March 2021
A 113-foot-long brightly colored glass mural now runs the length of the Garfield pool. The $19.7 million project transformed the “pool” into a neighborhood center, with a new playground, sports fields, restrooms and a courtyard connecting it all.
New mural on walls of Garfield Pool was created in collaboration with Precita Eyes. | Courtesy of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
Goldman Tennis Center, Golden Gate Park
March 2021
Beginners and experts cheered the opening of the $27 million dollar tennis center in Golden Gate Park. The 16 lighted tennis courts, six pickleball courts, and numerous instructional opportunities allow everyone in the city to get their whites on.
Tennis players utilize the new courts in Golden Gate Park. | Courtesy of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground, Chinatown
February 2021
Chinatown’s favorite place to play got a $14.5 million facelift to ring in the Year of the Ox. The playground’s freshly-painted pagoda overlooks new sitting areas, two sand-floor play areas, tennis and volleyball courts, and a roof-top basketball court that would make local legend Willie Wong proud.
Children, parents and community members spend an afternoon in the sunshine at Willie “Woo Woo” Wong playground in Chinatown on Feb. 7, 2022. | Camille Cohen
Additional research by Shelley Fargo.
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