Parks for People
Credit: Nita Winter
Less than half of all Bay Area children 15 years old and younger live within walking distance of a park. For these children, outdoor play spaces are streets and vacant lots–and that's if they get outside at all.
In San Francisco, TPL's Parks for People initiative is trans-forming worn-out local parks into vital community resources that promote neighborhood health and sustainability. The program focuses on:
Park Design and Build
Our team is leading the way in establishing a parks program that uses sophisticated research and GIS mapping techniques to pinpoint areas of need, and then engages the local community in every aspect of park design and stewarding.
Community-centric Design
Our hands-on design process with local residents ensures that the space reflects the unique character and needs of the community it will serve, setting it up for long term success. Wherever possible (and often at the request of the community) our designs incorporate green building practices and other environmentally friendly features such as living roofs and rainwater catchment systems.
Fundraising
Strong partnerships are at the core of our most successful parks, and park funding is the basis of many of our partnerships. The majority of our parks bring together funds from public agencies; federal, state, and local governments; private foundations; corporations; and individuals.
Current projects include:
Hayes Valley Playground
Hayes Valley Playground is a quarter-acre inner city playground and clubhouse located in a diverse, dynamic San Francisco neighborhood with a strong sense of community. read more »Balboa Park
The 25-acre Balboa Park is located in the Excelsior neighborhood, a community with the highest concentration of children in San Francisco. read more »Visitacion Valley Greenway
A two-acre ribbon of mini-parks that stretches through the heart of Visitacion Valley and includes a community and native plant garden, gathering plaza, and children's playground. read more »Bella Vista Park
For over six years, TPL worked in collaboration with the city of Oakland and the Friends of Bella Vista Park to transform this bleak asphalt playground into a beautiful green park. read more »
