McLaren Park Playground & Group Picnic Area

Project opened to the public in October 2020!

To reserve the Picnic Area please visit our Permits and Reservations page by clicking here.

Project ScopeClimbing structure made of logs and rope net with a large tower and slide over green safety surface

The project included restoring a children’s playground at the Group Picnic site and removing the old sand areas. The new playground is situated between the two picnic areas to capitalize on the park’s hilly topography. A slide descends from the top of the playground towards the central lawn. Natural elements such as boulders, timbers, and native plantings were incorporated. A large net structure climbs the playground and allows children amazing views of the City.

Additional Improvements

There were additional improvements to the overall site including upgrading the picnic areas, pathways, and lawn as well as the addition of a loading zone, as well as a new permanent restroom.

Budget

The Playground and Picnic Area Renovation project was funded by the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond and had a total budget of $3.6 Million. The restroom project (PDF) was also funded by the 2012 Parks Bond and had a total budget of $1.7 million.

Background

The McLaren Park Playground and Group Picnic Renovation Project was funded by the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond. This project is part of the overall McLaren Park Planning Process. Additionally, the renovation of the children’s playground is part of the Let’sPlaySF! Initiative, a partnership between the Recreation and Park Department and the San Francisco Parks Alliance, which seeks to inspire creativity and play throughout the City. In the coming years, 13 playgrounds prioritized for improvement by a citizen task force will be reimagined and redesigned for this and future generations of San Francisco’s children.

Site Description

The Group Picnic Area is located off of John F. Shelley Drive within John McLaren Park. The closest cross street is Cambridge Street. The site features two reservable picnic areas with tables, counters, and BBQs. To reserve those space please visit our Permits and Reservations page by clicking here.

  1. What's New
  2. Documents & Materials
  3. FAQs
  1. Capital Project Update

    SF Rec and Park Commission Meeting at Joe Lee Rec Center | March 16 at 10 a.m.

    Come meet your Rec and Park Commissioners at our offsite Commission meeting at Joe Lee Rec Center Read on...
  2. Capital Project Update

    McLaren Group Picnic Area and Playground Project Update 11/10!

    We will be removing two additional trees that are . . . Read on...
  3. Capital Project Update

    McLaren Park Redwood Grove Playground is Open for Play!!!

    Hi everyone- We are officially open for play! Woohooo! Read on...
  4. Capital Project Update

    McLaren Group Picnic Area and Playground Project Update 9/18!

    Hi folks- We have completed installing the new table tops and barbecues. . . Read on...
  5. Capital Project Update

    McLaren Group Picnic Area and Playground Project Update 8/21!

    Hi all- We are close to wrapping up work at the new Redwood Grove Playground! Read on...
  6. Capital Project Update

    McLaren Group Picnic and Playground Project Update 7/27!

    We are continuing to finalize the entrance area at the new playground and restroom. Read on...
  7. Capital Project Update

    McLaren Group Picnic and Playground Project Update 6/25!

    Hi everyone, the construction team has been working hard at McLaren. Read on...
  8. Capital Project Update
  9. Capital Project Update

    McLaren Park Group Picnic and Playground Construction Update 3/24

    Work on public projects such as this one is continuing at this time. Read on...
  10. Capital Project Update

    MCLAREN PLAYGROUND & RESTROOM PROJECT UPDATE FEB 2020

    Work is continuing on-site with the installation of the new pathways which connect to the playground and the picnic areas Read on...
  11. Capital Project Update

    MCLAREN PLAYGROUND/GROUP PICNIC PROJECT UPDATE FEB 2020

    The contractor continues to make progress on-site. The boulders are in and they are currently working on Read on...
  12. Capital Project Update

    CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: MCLAREN GROUP PICNIC AREA PLAYGROUND & RESTROOM

    Work is continuing at the Group Picnic Area. The curb walls are being finished this week and the play equipment footings will start to be poured. Read on...
  13. Capital Project Update

    MCLAREN PARK GROUP PICNIC PLAYGROUND + RESTROOM

    We have exciting news to share. Earlier this month, the Rec Park Commission approved increasing the construction contract amount Read on...
  1. Alexis Ward

    Project Manager
    Phone: 1-628-652-6641