Park Improvements
Capital and Planning Division
Our Capital and Planning Division oversees a large portfolio of park renovations, developments, and acquisitions. Together with community members and park advocates, our Capital and Planning team strives to create and renovate parks that address social problems and enhance community resilience. The Capital and Planning Division was created in 2005 in response to the passage of the 2000 Neighborhood Parks Bond. Soon after the creation of the Division, the Mayor and Board of Supervisors adopted Rec and Park’s first ten-year Capital Plan to assess the City’s future infrastructure needs, the investment required to meet them, and the plan of finance. The Capital Plan is now updated and reissued every two years. It is used to prioritize critical capital projects that impact public safety. It places a strong emphasis on accountability, transparency, and meeting the highest level of fiscal responsibility.
Project Updates
If you would like to receive updates about all our active projects, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to “Rec Park Improvements | All Project Updates,” or pick-and-choose your subscriptions by project name.
Seven Park Projects Moving Forward Through Community Opportunity Fund
Transformative program empowers residents to help shape future of San Francisco’s parks Read on…
Vision for New 5-Acre Waterfront Park at Embarcadero Plaza Moves Forward
Final concept design approved as legislation advances public-private partnership and funding plan Read on…
Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation | Concept design at Rec Park Commission, June 18
This Thursday, Rec and Park staff will be presenting the concept design for the Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation Project to the Recreation and Park Commission for approval. This marks an important milestone for the project, and we want to Read on…
Community Opportunity Fund (COF) | Announcing the list of selected project proposals!
We are excited to announce the 2026 Community Opportunity Fund (COF) list of selected project proposals! We were thrilled to have received so much response to the program. The applications we received demonstrated years of love and commitment from Read on…
Minnie & Lovie Ward Athletic Fields Renovation | Construction begins next Monday, June 15
Minnie and Lovie Ward Athletic Fields will be under construction starting Monday, June 15, 2026 through late October 2026. Construction and related field closures will be performed in two phases to allow play to continue on one half of the Read on…
Golden Gate Park-Senior Center Outdoor Recreation Area | Project update, June 2026
We’re pleased to report that we’re now more than halfway through the design process. We’re aiming to complete design work in the next few months and begin construction of the new outdoor recreation space this fall, once all the big concerts on the Read on…
Embarcadero Fountain Emergency Project | Construction update, June 2026
The Embarcadero Fountain Emergency Project is now complete. Contractors finished disassembly, site cleanup, and final inspections this week. The sunken concrete basin will remain fenced off indefinitely, as it is not safely accessible to the Read on…
Mayor Daniel Lurie Breaks Ground on Transformation of Chinatown’s Historic Portsmouth Square
$73 Million Investment, Community-Led Project Will Upgrade Chinatown’s “Living Room” With New Community Clubhouse, Play Areas & Event Space. Continues the Mayor’s Work Under Family Opportunity Agenda to Provide Vibrant, Welcome Public Spaces for Families Read on…
Portsmouth Square Improvements | REMINDER: Groundbreaking Celebration, June 9, 2026, 1 PM!
Join us to celebrate the beginning of the Portsmouth Square project with a groundbreaking ceremony at the park (733 Kearny Street) on Tuesday, June 9 at 1 p.m. The project will revitalize the 1.3-acre plaza with a new community clubhouse, expanded Read on…
Buena Vista Park Improvements | Project update, June 2026
We attended a Buena Vista Neighborhood Association meeting this week and shared key design updates with the community. The current project scope to be constructed will include: Key pathway improvements from Waller to Duboce, many to Read on…
South Sunset Clubhouse | Construction update, June 2026
South Sunset Clubhouse is nearing substantial completion! We are working on the finishing touches to make the clubhouse ready for Self Help for the Elderly to move back in July. This includes paving adjustments for accessibility and testing the new Read on…
Portsmouth Square Improvements | Groundbreaking Celebration, June 9, 2026, 1 PM!
Please join us at Portsmouth Square on Tuesday, June 9, 1 PM to celebrate the start of construction with a Groundbreaking Celebration! Construction will begin the following day on Wednesday, June 10. Construction fences will be put up, and the park will Read on…
Gene Friend Rec Center | Fire alarm system testing on Tuesday, June 2
Please be advised: The San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) will be testing the new facility’s life safety systems and fire alarms on Tuesday, June 2, between 4 pm and 8 pm. During the testing period, please expect intermittent fire alarm noise and Read on…
McLaren Park - Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal | Project update, June 2026
We’re pleased to share the final plan for the Louis Sutter Upper Playground! This plan grew from the invaluable input of community members who participated in our online survey and two in-person feedback sessions. We received nearly Read on…
Portsmouth Square Improvements | Construction advisory, May 2026
The park will be closed for construction for two years starting summer 2026. During this time, the park will receive a complete renovation. The project will deliver community-identified priorities, including a large flexible outdoor event space with an Read on…
Buchanan Street Mall | Construction update, May 2026
The northern block is taking shape with retaining walls now installed and installation of green infrastructure underway. The current focus is on final grading and paving. The base for the Memory Walk is being laid on several blocks, with more decorative Read on…
India Basin Waterfront Park | Construction update, May 2026
We’re excited to share that preparation is underway for pile installation at the future Boathouse site, marking a construction milestone for one of the park’s signature waterfront features. Crews also continue earthwork and grading to shape the Read on…
Mayor Lurie Celebrates Reopening of Tenderloin Children’s Play Area
Mayor Daniel Lurie celebrated the reopening of the Tenderloin Recreation Center Children’s Play Area, marking the completion of a major improvement project that has transformed the space into a greener and more welcoming area for neighborhood children and Read on…
Minnie & Lovie Ward Athletic Fields Renovation | Construction advisory, May 2026
Minnie and Lovie Ward Athletic Fields will be under construction from early June 2026 through late October 2026. Construction and related field closures will be performed in two phases to allow play to continue on one half of the field space throughout Read on…
Tenderloin Rec Center Play Area | REMINDER: Opening Ceremony on May 26, 11 a.m.
We are excited to announce the reopening of the Tenderloin Rec Children’s Play Area (570 Ellis Street) on Tuesday, May 26. This milestone will be celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:00 a.m. The renovated play area has been reorganized to Read on…
Gene Friend Rec Center | Weekend Work Advisory for Saturday, May 23
Please be advised that our contractor will have a crew working this Saturday, May 23. This crew will be working on the final portion of the park perimeter fencing, as well as installing thresholds. There will be no heavy equipment use and we Read on…
Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation | REMINDER: Design survey closes today!
Last call! The third design survey for the Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation Project closes today, Thursday, May 21. Take the Survey: https://tinyurl.com/embsurvey3. Your input is essential to ensure the project reflects the needs and Read on…
Japantown Peace Plaza Renovation | Construction update, May 2026
Night work starts again on May 20 and will continue intermittently throughout May and June. Weeknight work hours are 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. from Monday evening through Saturday morning. Expect the most noise from this round of night work over the Read on…
Tenderloin Rec Center Play Area | Opening Ceremony on May 26, 11 a.m.
We are excited to announce the reopening of the Tenderloin Rec Children’s Play Area (570 Ellis Street) on Tuesday, May 26. This milestone will be celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:00 a.m. The renovated play area has been reorganized to Read on…
Esprit Park | Project update, May 2026
You’ll see our team working on a few operations and maintenance items in the park this summer, largely in response to community input that we’ve received since the park reopened. On May 19-22, a small contractor crew will be on site to raise the Read on…
Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation | REMINDER: Design survey open thru Thurs, May 21
The third design survey for the Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation Project is open now through Thursday, May 21. Take the Survey: https://tinyurl.com/embsurvey3. Your input is essential to ensure the project reflects the needs and Read on…
Twin Peaks Promenade Project | Construction update, May 2026
Construction on the Twin Peaks Promenade Project began today, marking an important milestone in the effort to transform the area into a safer, more accessible space for visitors while protecting its natural environment. Bauman Landscape and Read on…
Tenderloin Rec Center Play Area | Construction update, May 2026
We’re continuing to make great progress on the children’s play area at the Tenderloin Recreation Center and the project will soon be complete! Construction is in its final stages, with major elements now in place. Installation of the new Read on…
Gene Friend Rec Center | Construction update + Weekend Work Advisory for Saturday, May 9
Construction advisory: Please be advised that our contractor will have a crew working this Saturday, May 9. This crew will be doing preparation work related to playground surfacing installation. There will be no heavy equipment use and we expect no Read on…
Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation | REMINDER: Design survey open now through May 21
The third design survey for the Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation Project is open now through Thursday, May 21. Take the Survey: https://tinyurl.com/embsurvey3. Your input is essential to ensure the project reflects the needs and Read on…