SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department today celebrated the reopening of the Bernal Heights Playground, unveiling a refreshed and fully accessible play space that also marks a major step forward in how the City delivers park improvements.
Bernal Heights Playground is the first project completed under San Francisco’s new Playground Renewal Program, which uses a cooperative purchasing contracting method to dramatically speed up playground delivery and reduce costs. The approach—made possible through legislation approved by the Board of Supervisors last year—allows Rec and Park to purchase and install high-quality play equipment through pre-bid contracts shared by multiple agencies, cutting out layers of red tape and contractor markups.
The $1.3 million renewal project replaced outdated play structures and surfaces, transforming the space into a vibrant, modern, and fall-safe play area. Crews improved grading and drainage and installed new accessible surfacing to ensure children of all abilities can safely explore and play.
"I am incredibly grateful for the renovation of such a beloved playground in Bernal Heights, now ready for families to congregate, play, and explore in such a fun and creative public space. This was much needed improvement for the community,” said District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder.
“Playgrounds like Bernal Heights are the heart of their communities, where kids grow up, friendships form, and families connect,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “These improvements ensure that every child, regardless of ability, can safely play, explore, and create memories in a welcoming space.”
Guided by community input, the project reflects neighborhood priorities while meeting modern ADA accessibility standards.
Construction began in August 2025 and was completed in record time thanks to the new cooperative purchasing framework, which shortens playground planning and construction timelines from several years to just 12–18 months.
"Bernal Heights playground has been a gathering place for families in the neighborhood for many years. It is not uncommon for us to meet neighbors in our community who have made lifelong friends at this playground, both as children and as parents,” said neighborhood organizer Mahdi Rahimi. “We are delighted to now have a safe, modern, and revitalized play area to serve the children of the neighborhood for many more years to come.”
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