SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – After more than a decade of dedication and hard work by members of the greater Russian Hill community, civic and government leaders, environmentalists and countless others, Francisco Park is slated for completion in 2021. Upon completion, this park will join the pantheon of great San Francisco parks, such as Stern Grove and South Park, which have been gifted to the city by committed residents who are passionate on providing open space in every neighborhood.
Located between Larkin, Bay, and Hyde streets, Francisco Park will combine previously inaccessible open space with the long-abandoned Francisco Reservoir to create a 4.5-acre park with 100,000 square feet of recreational space and spectacular views. The park will feature a 25,000 square foot main lawn, community garden, enclosed dog run, children’s playground, and historic interpretive area for environmental education focusing on water conservation.
The Francisco Park Conservancy (FPC) has an operating agreement with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department that requires the Conservancy to raise all necessary funds privately for design, construction, and maintenance, making Francisco Park the first entirely privately funded public park of this size in San Francisco.
Francisco Park Campaign Chair Vanessa Snow salutes the hundreds of individuals whose generosity and leadership is making Francisco Park a reality. “We are grateful the community recognized the potential of this green space, and we are excited it will soon be open for people to enjoy.”
At this time, the Conservancy has raised $25M of the $27.5M needed to complete and open the park. This month, the Conservancy will launch its campaign to raise the final $2.5M. Individuals will have the opportunity to honor their family’s legacy or pay tribute to a loved one through a dedication etched into the park’s Stairs.*
Francisco Park is the result of the tireless efforts of the Francisco Park Conservancy Board of Directors and the Recreation and Park Department and the generosity of hundreds of individuals and family foundations. We are particularly grateful to our leadership donors: Anonymous, Chris Larsen and Lyna Lam, Anonymous (2), Chris and Bradley James, Anonymous, J.D. Bechtel Foundation, Bowes Family Foundation, George and Judy Marcus, and Maria Manetti Shrem and Jan Shrem. The Larsen/Lam Children’s Playground, Greg and Bev James Picnic Area, Pepi’s Playground, and Maria Manetti Shrem Community Garden will commemorate the legacy of some of our most generous donors.*
For more information, please visit www.franciscopark.org.
*Stair design and naming opportunities are subject to approval by Recreation and Parks Commission. Stair plaques will be in place through 2066.