Fay Park

Fay Park is a small public park located in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood, at the corner of Leavenworth and Chestnut Streets. This hidden gem spans approximately a quarter-acre and offers visitors a tranquil retreat from the bustling city life.

The park was originally a private residence until 1998. It surrounds a 1912 home built by brothers Luke Fay and John Fay, Jr., on property owned by the family since 1869. Mary Fay Berrigan, Luke's daughter, lived in the house with her husband Paul Berrigan from 1953 until her passing in 1988. Following Mary's wish to dedicate the property to the City of San Francisco for public use, it became Fay Park upon Paul's death in 1998.

In 1957, Mary and Paul Berrigan commissioned renowned landscape architect Thomas Church to design the garden. Church's design, which he featured in his 1969 publication "Your Private World: A Study of Intimate Gardens," is characterized by its formal layout and twin gazebos.

The park consists of three terraces that climb the hillside for half a city block. These terraces are connected by stairs and ramps, making the park accessible to visitors. Stone balustrades and retaining walls line the terraces, which feature ornamental planting beds and neatly trimmed boxwood hedges. The garden is home to a variety of plants, including roses, ornamental shrubs, flowers, and fruit trees.

At the top of the park, visitors will find two latticed wooden gazebos and an overlook offering views of San Francisco Bay. The park also features a central lawn panel and white balustrades with benches, providing spaces for relaxation and contemplation. An interesting historical detail is the garden light fixture, which was once a street lamp in Copenhagen.

In 2005, the park underwent renovations to improve public access and restore elements of Church's original garden design. Today, Fay Park serves as a peaceful oasis in the heart of San Francisco, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to experience a piece of the city's horticultural history.