For years now, San Franciscans have heard tell of Presidio Tunnel Tops, a massive new 14-acre public park designed by James Corner Field Operations. The new park connects the Presidio’s Main Post with Crissy Field through a series of bluff landscapes, pathways, and gathering places. Lucky for us, it is now officially open! Following its exciting grand opening, Presidio Tunnel Tops will continue to celebrate with events during the coming months:
- First Sunday afternoons: Performances, pop-up food vendors, live music, activities and more at Presidio Visitor Center (1-4pm on 8/7, 9/4, 10/2, 11/6)
- Outdoor art installation by Favianna Rodriguez (ongoing)
- Drop-in nature and history explorations at Presidio Field Station (Wed-Fri 11am-4pm; Sat-Sun 10am-5pm)
- NPS Ranger talks at the Campfire Circle (4-4:30pm Fri-Mon through September 5)
The park project boasts lovely Bay overlooks, trails, community gathering spaces, and nearly 200,000 native and drought-tolerant plants.
We’re especially excited about the Presidio Steps, giant grassy amphitheatre-style steps built into the hillside; and the Outpost, a 2-acre children’s play area made from fallen tree trunks, boulders, and other natural elements. There will also be a cozy wind-sheltered Campfire Circle for cloudy days, and Cliff Walk, a wheelchair-friendly path overlooking Crissy Field.
Tunnel Tops includes new opportunities for its youngest visitors at the Field Station, which will offer drop-in opportunities for children and families to draw, play, learn, and discover. Crissy Field Center got an upgrade with expanded classrooms, labs, seismic retrofitting, an outdoor kitchen, and a private courtyard.
The project came about following the installation of the Presidio Parkway Tunnels, which replaced an above-ground highway to the Golden Gate Bridge. After reviewing 25 design proposals from around the world, the Partnership for the Presidio chose James Corner Field Operations, known for NYC’s High Line, to execute their design.
The public’s input was a valuable part of the design process, and as a result more community gathering spaces, picnic tables, bathrooms, and barbeques were incorporated. Construction began in 2018, funded by over $98 million in philanthropic donations.
Learn more at Presidio Tunnel Tops.
Featured image: Presidio Tunnel Tops