Francisco Park

Francisco Park is a 4.5-acre public park located in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, California. Opened in April 2022, it is situated on the site of the former Francisco Reservoir, which was decommissioned in 1940 and remained unused for decades. The park is bordered by Francisco, Larkin, Bay, and Hyde streets, offering sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, including landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardelli Square, Alcatraz, and the Palace of Fine Arts.

The park's development was a result of a unique public-private partnership between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and the Francisco Park Conservancy, a non-profit community organization. The Recreation and Park Department acquired the land in 2014, while the Conservancy undertook funding, design, and construction of the park.

Francisco Park features a mix of natural and designed elements. It includes native plants and trees that support local wildlife, as well as a sustainable rainwater catchment system designed to save nearly 900,000 gallons of water annually. The park's layout incorporates ADA-accessible pathways, ensuring it is navigable for visitors with varying mobility needs.

A section of the historic reservoir wall and brick reservoir floor has been preserved near the park's Hyde Street entrance, serving as a reminder of the site's history. The park's design also highlights the original reservoir's outline in the pathway paving, connecting visitors to the area's past.

Francisco Park is the largest public park to open in San Francisco's urban core since 1983, addressing the need for open space in one of the city's densest areas. It continues to be maintained through ongoing efforts of the Francisco Park Conservancy, which funds maintenance and improvements through private donations.