Francisco Park

From Reservoir to Recreation: A Neighborhood Retreat

Francisco Park is a 4.5-acre public park nestled in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood. Opened in April 2022, this green space breathes new life into what was once the Francisco Reservoir - a water facility decommissioned back in 1940 that sat unused for decades.

Tucked between Francisco, Larkin, Bay, and Hyde streets, the park rewards visitors with breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay. On clear days, you can spot iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardelli Square, Alcatraz, and the Palace of Fine Arts from this perfect vantage point.

A Community Success Story

The park exists thanks to collaboration between public agencies and passionate locals. The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department acquired the land in 2014, while the Francisco Park Conservancy - a non-profit community organization - took on the funding, design, and construction.

Together, they transformed what was once an overgrown, fenced-off area into a community space for both residents and visitors.

What You'll Find

Francisco Park blends thoughtful design with natural elements. Native plants and trees create habitat for local wildlife, while a rainwater catchment system conserves nearly 900,000 gallons of water annually.

The park is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ADA-compliant pathways throughout. A spacious grassy field provides an excellent spot for impromptu picnics or just lounging with a book, while designated picnic tables on the upper level offer more structured seating options.

Families with kids will appreciate the modern playground on the Hyde Street side. With swings, slides, and climbing ropes, it's particularly well-suited for children over 5 years old, all set atop safety surfacing for peace of mind. When nature calls, clean public restrooms are conveniently located near the upper-level picnic area.

Dog owners will appreciate that The park features two dedicated dog areas where your four-legged friends can run off-leash. The lower area near Bay Street has artificial turf, while the upper area offers natural grass. Both spaces are fenced and equipped with water fountains for both pups and their humans.

There's even a small community garden where local residents grow vegetables and plants, adding to the park's neighborhood feel.

Honoring the Past

Rather than erasing history, Francisco Park embraces it. Near the Hyde Street entrance, you can find preserved sections of the historic reservoir wall and original brick floor - tangible reminders of the site's former life. Throughout the park, informational signs tell the story of how this space evolved from an 1860s water reservoir to today's recreational haven.

Even the pathway design cleverly outlines the original reservoir's footprint, giving you a sense of what came before as you walk through today's park.

Urban Oasis

As the largest public park to open in San Francisco's urban core since 1983, Francisco Park addresses a critical need for green space in one of the city's most densely populated areas.

Its strategic location makes it a wonderful rest stop between tourist favorites Lombard Street and Ghirardelli Square. If you happen to visit during Fleet Week, you'll be treated to spectacular views of the air show, while Independence Day brings front-row seats to fireworks over the bay.

The park remains beautiful year-round thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Francisco Park Conservancy, which funds maintenance through private donations. Open daily from 6AM to 10PM, open daily from 6AM to 10PM, the park is maintained through private donations to the Francisco Park Conservancy.