San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department joined City leaders and members of the skateboarding community today to unveil the newly expanded United Nations Skate Plaza, which will ensure the space is dynamic and engages skaters of all skill levels.
The newly completed project has added approximately 2,100 square feet of skateable surface to the northeast corner of the existing plaza. The repaved space also features three unique, skateable geometric art pieces, designed by Olympic skateboarder, MIT-trained architect, and Converse CONs skate rider Alexis Sablone. The expansion is possible through a partnership with The Skatepark Project (TSP) and Converse.
During the unveiling ceremony, City leaders praised the skate plaza, which has been a focal point of the revitalized U.N. Plaza, which debuted in November 2023 as part of SF Rec and Park’s $2 million U.N. Plaza revitalization effort.
“Creativity is a cornerstone of San Francisco values and the U.N. Skate Plaza is a testament to that spirit. It provides a fun and dynamic space where people from all walks of life can come together, express themselves, and push the limits of what’s physically possible,” said Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman. “This skate plaza’s expansion is an exciting step forward in making our city even more welcoming for skaters and youth.”
“This new skate plaza offers a completely revitalized U.N. Plaza, activating the space by attracting a diverse crowd of locals and visitors who are eager to have fun and build connections with folks who share similar hobbies,” said District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, representative for the Civic Center neighborhood. “This isn't just a skate plaza—it’s a symbol of how we can creatively transform public spaces to meet the needs of our community and make our neighborhoods safer and more connected. I have no doubt this improvement will inspire a new generation of homegrown skaters.”
“Expanding the skate area at U.N. Plaza is about ensuring that more people can benefit from this vibrant and inclusive space,” said SF Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “This skate plaza is a place where creativity and recreation intersect. The extra spaces ensures that everyone has a chance to experience the joy of skateboarding in the heart of our city.”
A celebration to kick off the expanded area will be hosted by Converse, The Skatepark Project, and Skate Like a Girl, on Saturday, February 15, from noon to 3 p.m. at the plaza. The event will bring together youth from across the Bay Area for a day of skateboarding, featuring giveaways, trick competitions, and live demos by the Converse CONS skate team—all aimed at inspiring the next generation of San Francisco skaters.
“San Francisco is one of the most skateable cities in the country, and TSP is proud of our longstanding partnership with SF Rec and Park,” said The Skatepark Project CEO Benjamin Anderson Bashein. “We're especially pleased to be unveiling Alexis's skateable sculptures, which combine public art and skate spot architecture to engage both novice and experienced skaters alike. This innovative installation showcases the fusion of skateboarding, art, and design and reimagines public spaces as hybrid playscapes. And it represents a true collaboration between TSP, Converse, local skate advocates, and a supportive city to further upgrade this historic space.”
“The city of San Francisco has such a rich history in skateboarding and the communities it’s built have always shown love to Converse,” said Converse VP/GM of North America Brandis Russell, “That's why we’re thrilled to work with the city, with our partners The Skatepark Project, and with Converse CONS team member and architect Alexis Sablone to return that love with a newly designed space for youths and youths-at-heart to gather and further their craft and community.”
Construction on the expanded U.N. Skate Plaza began last month.
The original skate area at U.N. Plaza was designed by local skateboarders and iconic skateboarding brands, paying homage to legendary street skating spots in San Francisco. The plaza also features outdoor fitness stations, space for yoga and Zumba, and tables for ping pong and other games. Visitors can also enjoy free dance and fitness classes daily and free chess and mahjong instruction on weekends. In addition, café seating, new trees, and Tivoli lights have created a more inviting atmosphere, ensuring the plaza is a fun downtown destination.
“We leverage the City's contribution with those from philanthropic partners to fund a year-long schedule of free classes and events to keep the plaza full of positive activities,” said Civic Center Community Benefit District Executive Director Tracy Everwine. “Clean, safe and active public space is essential for the success of everything around it.”
In its first year, the plaza became a vibrant hub of activity, drawing more than 340,000 visitors and contributing to a 79% reduction in daytime drug-related incidents.