Koshland Park

A Bit of History

Tucked at the corner of Page and Buchanan streets in San Francisco's Hayes Valley neighborhood, Koshland Park offers a peaceful retreat from city life. This green space came to be in 1973 when the children of Daniel E. Koshland purchased nearly an acre of land as an 80th birthday gift to their father.

The park's story has a bittersweet beginning. After an arson fire destroyed a four-story apartment building on the site, the community turned tragedy into opportunity. The planning process was genuinely democratic - over 200 locals showed up to the first meeting, and more than 3,500 residents weighed in on what features they wanted to see.

From Vision to Reality

Koshland Park officially opened its gates on June 30, 1977. It wasn't just the locals who thought it was special - the American Society of Landscape Architects recognized it as a national model, awarding it a merit honor in 1979.

Like many urban spaces, the park went through a rough patch in the '80s and '90s when neighborhood crime made it a place many avoided. But in true San Francisco spirit, the community refused to give up on their green space.

The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Group (HVNPG) formed and sparked a renaissance, eventually securing $2 million to renovate Koshland and two other neighborhood parks. Talk about a comeback story!

What You'll Find There

One of the park's standout features is the Community Learning Garden, established in 2000 in the lower east section. This 54-plot garden represents a living classroom for students from nearby John Muir Elementary School and green-thumbed locals alike.

Wander through and you'll spot a fruit orchard, native plants, vegetables, and an herb garden that might make you wish smell-o-vision was real. Community flowerbeds welcome gardening enthusiasts, and yes, there's even composting on site for the environmentally conscious.

Don't miss the Western Addition Peace Wall along Page and Buchanan streets - another project born from community collaboration. From certain spots in the park, you can catch a pretty stunning view of the downtown skyline, well-suited for those Instagram moments.

Places to Play

The playground here is a hit with the little ones, featuring bright play structures and a sand pit that keeps kids entertained for hours. Parents can appreciate the safety fence and latch gate around the play area, which includes multiple slides, climbing structures, step ladders, a seesaw, and a tire swing.

Bball enthusiasts can shoot some hoops at the basketball court with its single basket. Nearby water fountains help you stay hydrated after working up a sweat. Within the park, you'll find convenient seating areas and picnic tables, many nestled under trees for that perfect dappled shade on sunny days.

The Experience

Koshland Park feels like a secret sanctuary in the midst of urban hustle. Enter through a small gate on Oak Street, marked by decorative ceramic art tiles and a staircase foundation that signals you're entering somewhere special.

One of the most magical things about this park is the soundtrack - here, you can actually hear birds singing, a simple pleasure that feels surprisingly rare in city life. Winding paths with staircases invite exploration and offer quiet corners for a moment of peace.

Two clean restrooms are available (always good to know!), and the park welcomes visitors from 5 AM to midnight every day of the week.