Just in time for summer, the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department celebrated the opening of Gilman Playground yesterday afternoon, after a $1.8 million renovation.
This renovation was made possible by the 2012 Clean & Safe Neighborhood Park bond, which gave SF Rec and Park $195 million to execute capital projects for the renewal and repair of San Francisco’s parks, recreation, and open space assets.
A press release by SF Rec and Park details the new park's features:
The entirely new play area includes two composite play structures connected by a 40 ft. net climber. In addition, the new playground features numerous swings and apparatuses including a zip line, net spinner, and independent spinners. The underlying rubber surface depicts a shoreline setting in reference to the park’s former proximity to the San Francisco Bay. New trees provide much-needed shade. A separate tot area with imaginative play panels are set up at a nearby picnic area. The arbor with picnic tables has been replaced, site lighting upgraded, existing pathways have been repaved for wheelchair access, and the clubhouse restrooms were modified for exterior access.
“When I was growing up, I didn’t have a park within ten minutes of where I lived," said Mayor Ed Lee. "In San Francisco, the majority of everybody who live here has a park within ten minutes of their homes. If I had that growing up, I would be much taller. I would probably be playing for the Warriors," he joked to the youth in attendance. "You’re going to grow up happier, healthier, and have more friends. School is important, but getting out of school and being active is just as important."
Gilman Playground is one of 15 public parks with funds allocated for renovation. The project was spearheaded by SF Rec & Park, where staff did extensive community outreach gathering input to find out specifically what improvements were needed. Upon receiving feedback, SF Public Works staff designed the playground and oversaw construction.
“It’s a very well-used park, we have kids from Bret Harte Elementary, Jamestown Neighborhood and a variety of housing and developments in the area," said San Francisco Public Works director Mohammed Nuru, who lives in the neighborhood. "It has provided a variety of options for people of all ages to enjoy. A lot of people live in this district, but this is my neighborhood park and I’m very pleased with the outcome ... It’s more than just play structures being installed, there was also a lot of greening involved with this project.”
In addition to playground improvements, a $5,600 grant from Greenfields allowed SF Rec & Park to install Greenfields Outdoor Fitness equipment, which includes five exercise stations to work out abs, triceps, back, legs and chest, including a wheelchair-accessible chest press.
“The revitalization of Gilman Playground is long overdue and these improvements will transform our neighborhoods for our families and youth,” said Supervisor Malia Cohen, whose district includes the new playground, in a press release. “This is a significant milestone for the Bayview community.”
The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was emceed by SF Rec & Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg, who noted that the department is currently investing $10.4 million in capital improvements to Bayview-area parks.
“We just want to keep investing in parks and making them better," said Ginsburg. "In addition to Gilman, we have Hilltop Park and India Basin, where there is a lot of opportunity. For Bayview, we have a big chance of creating one the best parks in the country, so we are going to keep working at it."
Other neighborhood parks that expect upcoming improvements include Bayview Playground and Youngblood Coleman, so stay tuned for updates.
The Gilman Playground is located at Gilman & Griffith and is open from 6am-10pm. For more information visit the website.
