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- McLaren Park - Completed Park Improvements/
- McLaren Park - Park Playground & Group Picnic Area/
McLaren Park - Park Playground & Group Picnic Area
Completed and Open to the Public in October 2020!
Background
The McLaren Park Playground and Group Picnic Renovation Project was funded by the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond. This project is part of the overall McLaren Park Planning Process. Additionally, the renovation of the children’s playground is part of the Let’sPlaySF! Initiative, a partnership between the Recreation and Park Department and the San Francisco Parks Alliance, which seeks to inspire creativity and play throughout the City. In the coming years, 13 playgrounds prioritized for improvement by a citizen task force will be reimagined and redesigned for this and future generations of San Francisco’s children.
The Group Picnic Area is located off of John F. Shelley Drive within John McLaren Park. The closest cross street is Cambridge Street. The site features two reservable picnic areas with tables, counters, and BBQ s. To reserve those space please visit our Permits and Reservations page by clicking here .
Project Scope
The project included restoring a children’s playground at the Group Picnic site and removing the old sand areas. The new playground is situated between the two picnic areas to capitalize on the park’s hilly topography. A slide descends from the top of the playground towards the central lawn. Natural elements such as boulders, timbers, and native plantings were incorporated. A large net structure climbs the playground and allows children amazing views of the City. There were additional improvements to the overall site including upgrading the picnic areas, pathways, and lawn as well as the addition of a loading zone, as well as a new permanent restroom.
Funding
The Playground and Picnic Area Renovation project was funded by the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond and had a total budget of $3.6 Million. The restroom project (PDF) was also funded by the 2012 Parks Bond and had a total budget of $1.7 million.
Get Out and Play!
Thanks for supporting park improvements in your San Francisco parks! To stay informed and involved, we encourage you to subscribe to Rec and Park eNews .
You can also explore Rec and Park volunteer opportunities – We have park needs in every corner of the city and volunteer opportunities that are as diverse as your interests, skills, and abilities. Have fun in your parks, and get out and play!
Project Updates
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As an initial phase of the Marina Improvement and Remediation Project, geotechnical and environmental investigations in the form of borings will take place on land on May 21, 2025 and offshore in June. Work hours will be Read on…
Stern Grove Playground Renovation | Construction update, May 2025
The playground continues to take shape with the installation of the playground towers and other climbing elements. We are looking forward to wrapping up construction this summer Read on…
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Our contractor has mobilized, and tree work has begun at Buchanan Street Mall. Tree work on the southern blocks is well underway, with a cluster of pine trees south of McAllister to be removed next week. Tree work will continue progressing to the Read on…
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There will be weekend work on-site this Saturday, May 17. We expect noise to be limited due to the scope of work and minimal heavy equipment use. This is the last weekend work scheduled for May. Next week, on Monday, May 19 and Friday, May 23, between Read on…
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Over the past few months, we connected with the community through in-person and virtual outreach, including a neighborhood cleanup day and an online meeting. More than 60 participants completed our questionnaire, providing valuable insight into Read on…
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We anticipate that there will be weekend work on-site on the following upcoming Saturdays: May 3, May 10, and May 17. We expect noise to be limited due to the scope of work and minimal heavy equipment use. The contractor team is working to Read on…
Twin Peaks Trail Improvement Project and Promenade Project | Construction update, April 2025
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Documents & Materials
Schematic Design Renderings
McLaren Park Playground and Group Picnic Area Rendering View Number 1 (JPG)
McLaren Park Playground and Group Picnic Area Rendering View Number 2 (JPG)
McLaren Park Playground and Group Picnic Area Rendering View Number 3 (JPG)
Commission Documents
Workshop 3
Workshop 3 Group Picnic Playground Concept Design (PDF)
Workshop 2
Workshop 2 Group Picnic Playground Boards (PDF)