Tenderloin Recreation Center Children’s Play Area Improvements

Completed and Opened to the Public on May 26, 2026!

Scope of Work

San Francisco Recreation & Park Department (RPD), in partnership with SF Children & Nature, Wu Yee Children’s Services, KABOOM!, and Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) completed improvements to the Tenderloin Rec Center Children’s Play Area.

This Green Schoolyard Project at Tenderloin Rec Center transformed the old play area into a nature-based, multi-functional space that balances active play, nature exploration, and quiet retreat. The project prioritized accessibility and community-driven design elements while maintaining flexibility for programming needs.

Key Improvements:

• Nature-Based Play Areas: A Children’s Play Area (CPA) and Nature Exploration Area (NEA) with climbing structures, a nest swing, slides, and carved logs for exploration.
• Reorganized Layout for Safety & Supervision: The soccer court was moved to the front as a buffer between the street and playground, and the children’s play area was shifted to the rear for improved protection and sight-lines.
• Enhanced Accessibility: The playground design now meets contemporary ADA and CPSI standards, with reconfigured entry ramp handrails and an added cane detector at the drinking fountain.
• Increased Nature & Greenery: More tree plantings, expanded planting areas, and an improved irrigation system brings elements of nature into the urban environment.
• Seating & Gathering Spaces: Adds a flexible seating area near the entrance for outdoor classrooms or quiet retreat, plus additional seating throughout with clear views of the playground.
• Durable & Inclusive Play Materials: Play structures use natural wood elements and is designed for all ages, eliminating the need for a separate toddler area.
• Minimal Hardscape, Maximum Play Space: Reduced asphalt areas create a more engaging, nature-integrated setting, while some hardscape remains for flexible programming and events.

This thoughtful redesign provides a safe, engaging, and nature-rich environment for the Tenderloin community, ensuring access to quality play spaces for local children and families.

Project Team

Project Management – San Francisco Recreation and Park Department

Landscape Architect – BASE Landscape Architecture

Civil Engineer – BKF Engineers

Structural Engineer – Hohbac-Lewin Inc.

Background

Located in the heart of the Tenderloin, the Tenderloin Rec Center Children’s Play Area is a vital resource for the neighborhood’s large and diverse population of children. As a priority equity zone, the facility provides a safe and welcoming space for youth, offering outdoor classroom opportunities for preschools, after-school programs, and organized sports five days-a-week. The fenced outdoor area ensures a protected environment for children to learn, play, and socialize.

Regular users include Arab Cultural Community, Up On Top for afterschool programs serving 80+ children, Wu Yee Children’s Services and GLIDE for preschool outdoor activities, and various community organizations such as Street Soccer USA – San Francisco, Boys & Girls Club, SEADC, Tenderloin Achievement Group, and City Kids.

Despite the importance of this space, by the time this project was envisioned, the playground equipment, which was installed in 1995, was outdated and no longer met contemporary safety standards. The playground surface was worn, and the space lacked nature engagement and shaded areas. Rec Park undertook the Tenderloin Rec Center Play Area Improvement Project to address these concerns. Supported by KABOOM! and a $1M CAL FIRE Green School Yard grant, this initiative delivered a nature-rich play area, enhanced accessibility, introduced tree plantings, and reorganized the outdoor space to better serve the children and families of the Tenderloin.

This transformation ensures protected, inclusive, and enriching play opportunities for the community’s youth for years to come.

Funding

Funding for this project comes from the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond , a CAL FIRE Green Schoolyard Grant and a Head Start California grant via Wu Yee Children’s Services , Mimi & Peter Haas Fund and the Crankstart Foundation via KABOOM! , and San Francisco Department of Early Childhood (DEC) via Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) .

The construction contract award for this project was awarded to Bauman Landscape and Construction, as approved by Recreation and Parks Commission on July 17, 2025 ( PDF ). This construction contract award obtained and complies with all city, state, and federal regulatory approvals, including any that are specific to this project’s funding sources.

Project Schedule

Planning , 2022

Design , 2024

Construction begins , Late 2025

Open to the Public , May 26, 2026

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Contact Us

Keri Ayers

Project Manager keri.ayers@sfgov.org Phone: (628) 652-6642