Laura Thompson

Once a treeless hill, San Francisco's highest natural point is an urban forest with a controversial past -- and future.

Turk-Hyde Mini Park and Sgt. John Macaulay Playground are both getting makeovers, and now's the time for neighbors to weigh in.

Get to know Lake Merced Park and choose from a variety of adventures along its shores.

This Lakeside District playground serves up a dose of recreation in the neighborhood.

Guarded by an army of hand-carved wooden figures, the playground owes its magical appeal to the devotion of a single city gardener.

Head to the hills to find a little country in the city.

The park and playground offer stunning views of the city and beyond—including a rope swing over the skyline.

Take some time to relax in Bernal Heights’ front yard.

Tucked off of Taraval, the playground is a long-time family destination.

The neighborhood park invites a wide variety of play, for kids, adults, and canines.

A small sliver of open space preserves a piece of Noe Valley’s wild landscape.

A corporate gift to a neighborhood is treasured open space.

One of the city's most notorious land title disputes shaped this Pacific Heights park.