SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today broke ground on a newly redesigned playground in the Tenderloin, marking a step forward for the neighborhood’s families and children. The project will deliver an improved public space with a reconfigured layout, a more secure and cohesive play area, and accessibility improvements.
The planned redesign continues Mayor Lurie’s work to improve San Francisco's public spaces and support the city’s parks. Earlier this month, the mayor unveiled improved tennis courts at McLaren Park alongside Roger Federer and celebrated the opening of the new Cityside Park on Treasure Island. The mayor also broke ground on the final phase of the India Basin Waterfront Park project in August, a project that will add a new park on the city’s southeastern waterfront.
“The Tenderloin has the highest concentration of children of any neighborhood in San Francisco. When we activate public spaces, we bring communities together, and this project will provide kids and families in the Tenderloin with another safe place to play and grow,” said Mayor Lurie. “Thank you to the Recreation and Park Department and all our community partners for their commitment to kids and families in the Tenderloin.”
“The Tenderloin deserves the same access to safe, creative spaces for children as any other neighborhood in San Francisco. I’ve seen firsthand how the recreation center has become a true gathering place for this diverse community, from Eid street fairs to family celebrations at Christmas,” said District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood. “This renovation is an investment in continuing that legacy, ensuring the Tenderloin remains a place where children and families of all backgrounds can come together, play, and thrive.”
“In a neighborhood as dense as the Tenderloin, outdoor spaces for children are truly precious,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “Playgrounds give city kids a safe place to run, explore, and connect with each other. We’re proud to partner with the community to make this long-needed renovation a reality.”
Originally built in 1993, the Tenderloin Recreation Center playground has not been renovated in more than three decades. This project represents a significant investment in the health, well-being, and future of the community. The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission approved the redesign in January 2025. With construction now underway, the project is on track for completion by summer 2026.
“Activating open space is critical for our city’s youngest residents, especially children growing up in the Tenderloin,” said Mark Ryle, CEO of Wu Yee Children’s Services. “Safe, vibrant playgrounds not only give kids in early education the chance to play, learn, and thrive, but they also strengthen the fabric of the entire community.”
“Playgrounds and outdoor activity are central to a healthy childhood and how kids build memories and experience the many physical, social, and emotional benefits of play,” said Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM! “This project was made possible by a community of partners who support access to nature for all kids, first with Heron’s Head Park and now we are so glad the work is continuing at Tenderloin Rec Center with a safe, green space for kids to enjoy.”
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