Parks and Open Spaces

The last six years have been a golden age for new parks and open space in San Francisco. The rapid expansion of parks across the city, including all along the waterfront, and investments and renovations of existing parks and clubhouses have helped to create the best parks system in the country. Mayor London Breed understands that parks and open spaces are essential to the health and well-being of San Francisco’s residents, families, and visitors.

These changes were born out of long-term planning and creative responses to the COVID pandemic.

Mayor Breed has led efforts to modernize and improve parks across the city. These investments total over $1 billion, divided into $394 million in transformative park projects completed or initiated between 2018–2024 and $635 million allocated to major future projects currently underway. Together, these investments are reshaping San Francisco’s parks, prioritizing safety, accessibility, and sustainability, and transforming beloved landmarks like India Basin Shoreline Park, Herz Playground, and the Gene Friend Recreation Center into state-of-the-art facilities that serve diverse community needs.

As the pandemic revealed the critical need for open spaces, Mayor Breed championed initiatives like Shared Spaces and the JFK Promenade, which transformed streets and public areas into vibrant places for recreation and community gathering. The permanent conversion of JFK Drive and the Great Highway into car-free spaces has significantly expanded access to safe, welcoming outdoor areas.

Mayor Breed brought a vision for dynamic public spaces to Downtown’s evolution into a 24/7 neighborhood. The crowning piece of this is the ongoing transformation of Embarcadero Plaza into a dynamic waterfront destination that will serve as the gateway to Downtown and a gathering place for residents, workers and visitors.

Impact

Under Mayor Breed’s leadership, San Francisco has invested $1 billion in parks and open space improvements, broken down into the following:

• $394 million invested in projects from 2018 to 2024, including landmark renovations, accessibility upgrades, and climate resilience initiatives.
• $635 million allocated for future transformative projects, ensuring continued sustainability, access, and cultural preservation.

These investments have resulted in over 20 major projects completed or underway, building a healthier, more connected, and equitable city where every resident has access to safe and welcoming outdoor spaces.

Park Transformations

• India Basin Shoreline Park: $78.7 million investment to restore and expand one of San Francisco’s most iconic waterfront spaces with a focus on recreation, ecology, and climate resilience.
• China Basin Park: Opened in April 2024, this five-acre park near Oracle Park features a sloping lawn, pedestrian paths, and a sandy beach, serving as a key public space in the Mission Rock development.
• Bayfront Park (Mission Bay): Opened in October ll 2024, this 5.4-acre park near Chase Center includes grassy hills, benches, and bioretention gardens, connecting several green spaces along the Central Waterfront.
• Panorama Park (Yerba Buena Island): Opened in 2022, this park offers panoramic views of the Bay Area, includes a world-glass public art feature, and features walking trails and picnic areas for visitors.
• Buena Vista Park: $3 million investment in erosion control, trail upgrades, and historic preservation of the city’s oldest park.
• Crocker Amazon Ballfield Improvements: $44 million project updating ballfields in partnership with the SF Giants to support youth sports and community engagement.
• Francisco Park: Opened in 2022, Francisco Park transformed a former reservoir into a vibrant space with Bay views, walking paths, and a playground.
• Presidio Tunnel Tops: Completed in 2022, this 14-acre park created by the National Park Service connects Crissy Field to the Presidio with scenic views, play areas, and native gardens.
• Crane Cove Park: Opened in 2020, this 7-acre waterfront park in Dogpatch features a beach, picnic areas, and exhibits celebrating San Francisco’s maritime history.
• Goldman Tennis Center: Reopened in 2021, this $27 million Golden Gate Park facility offers 21 courts, a clubhouse, and youth programs for all skill levels.

Community-Centric Enhancements

• Japantown Peace Plaza: $34.3 million renovation to preserve cultural heritage and improve usability in this central community space.
• Buchanan Street Mall: $34.3 million revitalization of a vital green space in the Western Addition, fostering community connection and recreation.
• Fillmore Turk Mini Park: Revitalized in 2021, this small park in the Western Addition features new playground equipment, seating areas, and landscaping for local residents.
• Union Square: $2 million initiative to enliven the Union Square area with outdoor dining and event spaces.
• Let’sPlaySF! Initiative: A joint effort between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and the San Francisco Parks Alliance, funded through the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond, which allocated $15.5 million for playground renovations. The initiative focuses on equity, ensuring every child has access to safe and inspiring play spaces. Key Let’sPlaySF! Projects include:
• Panhandle Playground: Renovated and reopened in November 2019 with $3.2 million in upgrades, featuring new play structures designed to spark creativity and inclusive play.
• Juri Commons Park: Transformed with $1.8 million in improvements, including a children’s play area, fitness equipment, and enhanced seating for families.
• Merced Heights Playground: Completed in May 2023 with $4.2 million in renovations, adding new play structures, basketball and tennis courts, and a dog play area to serve the growing community.

Equity and Accessibility

• Portsmouth Square Elevator Modernization: $3 million project ensuring ADA compliance and improved access to Chinatown’s central park.
• Improved 9th & Lincoln Gateway (Golden Gate Park): Completed in 2023, this project enhanced signage, pathways, and landscaping to improve visitor experience.
• Golden Gate Park Golf Course Clubhouse: Renovated in 2022, this project upgraded accessibility and modernized the clubhouse for improved community use.

Golden Gate Park Improvements:

• $1 million outdoor fitness court for seniors.
• $2.3 million in ADA and shuttle upgrades for enhanced visitor access.
• $1.3 million in Stanyan entrance ADA enhancements.

Climate Resilience and Sustainability

• Ocean Beach Climate Adaptation: $8 million initiative addressing coastal erosion and sea-level rise.
• Embarcadero Park Renovation Funding: Secured in 2023, this funding supports infrastructure improvements and landscaping updates to enhance accessibility and functionality.
• SF Marina Improvement and Remediation: $130 million investment to modernize waterfront facilities with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.

Programs and Policies

• Shared Spaces: Created during the pandemic, this program transformed sidewalks and streets into vibrant spaces for outdoor dining, events, and cultural activities. These spaces remain a vital part of the city’s recovery and vibrancy.
• Slow Streets: Mayor Breed expanded the program to include permanent car-free spaces like Shelley Drive in McLaren Park and Twin Peaks Boulevard, creating over 30 miles of safer streets for walking, biking, and community use.
• Park Activation: Introduced innovative programming to activate parks and plazas, including events, fitness courts, and partnerships with local organizations.