A major new park in Downtown San Francisco just made a crucial step forward to becoming a reality. The San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors recently approved legislation that creates a partnership to make Embarcadero Plaza into a large park for the community to enjoy. The park is a collaboration between San Francisco and real estate developer BXP, with the vision to transform Embarcadero Plaza into a lush park. The project is just one of numerous efforts to revitalize San Francisco’s downtown, with hopes that it will connect residents and visitors to transit, shops, and more in the area.
“With the Ferry Building just across the street and the Bay Bridge in the backdrop, Embarcadero Plaza’s strategic position between Downtown and the iconic waterfront has always been its greatest asset,” said Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg in a recent statement. “Now, thanks for this public-private partnership, we have the opportunity to revive this unique space and transform it into the vibrant community hub it’s always been meant to be.”
A community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 6 from 5 to 7 pm at 4 Embarcadero Center where the public is invited to share their opinions and feedback on the park. Current plans for the park envision transforming the plaza and connecting it to Sue Bierman Park to create 5 acres of multi-purpose space. For now, the park is still in the planning and design stages, and construction and potential opening dates have not been announced.
This is just one of several efforts to transform Embarcadero, with many community events including free Shakespeare plays, pop-up paddle courts, a free EDM concert hosted by Another Planet Entertainment, and more.
“Embarcadero Plaza is a vital link between San Francisco’s bustling downtown and our stunning waterfront, yet its potential has not been fully realized,” said Robbie Silver, President and CEO, Downtown SF Partnership. “The newly approved private public partnership agreement will drive the transformation to unlock opportunities for residents, workers, and visitors alike, making it a dynamic, inviting space for all. We need the community to come together and help create a vibrant waterfront destination that will elevate the City’s cultural life for generations to come.”
The new park will be directly across from the historic Ferry Building, which regularly hosts community events including vintage markets, yoga, and tasting events. Plus, multiple food vendors keep the building bustling daily.