Another awesome new playground has been added to the SF cityscape!
Yesterday, San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced the reopening of the George Christopher Playground in Diamond Heights, which underwent a $5.2M renovation starting in 2019. The new play area is designed with both younger and older kids in mind, including swings, a whirl, and several exploration areas. Kids can play in a garden meant to spark their imaginations, complete with stepping stones, a bridge, a playhouse, and a dry riverbed.
The 6.8 acre park has also undergone infrastructure improvements, including pathways, lighting, landscaping, and irrigation. Visitors will enjoy a new accessible plaza, more fencing and safety features, and a new gender-neutral restroom.
Several pieces of equipment from the original 1971 playground have been turned into a climbable sculpture garden. The concrete Saddle Slide by Jim Miller-Melberg and metal Pleasure Dome by David Aaron serve as relics of mid-century playground design that came out of the Creative Play Design movement of the 1950s-60s. George Christopher Playground was named after San Francisco’s 34th mayor who served from 1956 to 1964. Mayor George Christopher was the most recent Republican to be elected mayor of San Francisco.
Mayor Breed cut the ribbon for the George Christopher Playground on Wednesday, along with Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, the Recreation and Park Department, Public Works, and children from Noe Valley Nursery School and Eureka Valley Arts.
“Safe, engaging playgrounds and accessible parks are essential for the health of our children and our communities,” said Mayor Breed. “We’re investing in our children, families and seniors by updating neighborhood gems like George Christopher Playground so they can continue to shine. Thanks to the support of so many neighbors and organizations over the years, this community now has a wonderful new space to enjoy.”
Phil Ginsburg, general manager of SF Recreation and Parks, added: “George Christopher Park has been called the best kept secret in San Francisco, but it’s long been a neighborhood favorite for its spectacular views and trails that connect to Glen Canyon. Now, its playground is among the most innovative and fun in San Francisco. The community’s love for this space was reflected in their enthusiasm guiding this project.”
Public Works helmed the project’s landscaping and design construction management, and the space was created in collaboration with Friends of Christopher Park, Supervisor Mandelman, SF Rec and Parks, Diamond Heights Community Association, the San Francisco Parks Alliance, the Northern California Chapter of the Documentation of the Modern Movement, and other community leaders.
Be sure to check out this incredible nature-inspired park at 5210 Diamond Heights Blvd in San Francisco!
[Featured Image: SF Recreation and Parks]