SAN FRANCISCO, CA –A once-overlooked park in Bayview Hunters Point reopened today with a community celebration after a $3.3 million renovation transformed it into a family-friendly oasis with an adventure playground, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced.
Shoreview Park’s overhaul features a new children’s play area with synthetic turf surfacing. A custom skywalk, the first of its kind installed by its manufacturer in a California playground, connects a climbing net and 25-foot slide. The renovation also includes a new picnic and barbeque grill area, a lawn, outdoor fitness equipment, native plant landscaping, 14 new trees, strategically placed seating, new lighting and accessible pathways. Two ramp entrances offer access from Shoreview Apartments and other nearby housing complexes, as well as a direct connection to the Bayview Adult Day Healthcare Center and KIPP College Preparatory Academy, both located on San Francisco Unified School District’s property adjacent to the park.
“The community told us what they wanted: a welcoming place where people of all generations could come together and gather surrounded by natural beauty. The Shoreview Park renovation delivered. This is a wonderful neighborhood space devoted to healthy recreation and fun that will make a real difference for the people who live here,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed.
The project was funded through $2.6 million in federal and state funds. An additional $749,000 was provided through Rec and Park and Open Space Funds. When funding fell short of covering the landmark play area envisioned by the community, commercial playground manufacturer KOMPAN discounted its equipment to ensure the vision was realized. Public Works provided design and construction management for the renovation. Other Rec and Park partners on the project included the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, and the State of California Natural Resources Agency’s Urban Greening Grant Program.
“I’m from Bayview and I know firsthand the importance of safe, beautiful parks,” said current District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton, who advocated for the project along with previous District 10 Supervisor and current State Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen “The renovated Shoreview Park offers something for everyone, from modern fitness equipment to a creative, adventurous playground. It is a place where people of all ages can gather and thrive.”
The .85 acre park at 1 Lillian Court was constructed by the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency in 1979 to serve residents of the newly constructed Shoreview Apartments, a subsidized housing complex with 156 housing units.
In the early 2000s, the park fell into disrepair. In 2012, the Redevelopment Agency dissolved. In 2017, the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure transferred Shoreline Park to the Recreation and Park Department with $1.9 million in community development block grant funding to renovate the park. Prior to the renovation, the Recreation and Park Department removed the fence around the play area, cleaned the sand, repaired the irrigation system and constructed new picnic tables. In 2018, the project received a $625,108 grant from the California Natural Resources Agency’s Urban Greening program. Funded by cap-and-trade revenues, Urban Greening grants support projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gases or convert built environments into green spaces that improve air and water quality.
Neighborhood outreach efforts resulted in a design that captured the community's desire for a family-friendly park that preserved open green space while offering space for celebrations and recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
“Green spaces are essential to our physical health and emotional wellbeing. This community truly came together to advocate for their park and playground and the results are spectacular,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “The renovated Shoreview Park will allow residents of nearby housing complexes a place to relax and enjoy nature for many years to come.”
Shoreview Apartments Tenants Association President Janice Powell and Vice President Belinda Rollins have been advocating for an improved park since the park was owned by the Redevelopment Agency.
“Everybody is so happy the day is finally here,” said Powell, who has lived in Shoreview Apartments for 43 years. “The park is open and it’s beautiful and we are just so excited to go spend time there.”
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