Garfield Square Park

A Historic Park in the Mission

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Mission District, Garfield Square Park spans 3.46 acres of urban sanctuary. Since 1884, this community space has been a neighborhood fixture, but its history stretches back even further. The land once hosted Recreation Grounds, California's first professional baseball park from 1868, giving this modest park some serious historical cred. Today, it sits just a stone's throw from the murals on Treat Street, adding a splash of cultural context to your visit.

From Old-School to Outstanding: The 2021 Makeover

In 2021, Garfield Square underwent a significant $19.7 million renovation that transformed the space with modern facilities and amenities.

At the heart of this renewal stands the new Garfield Center - a thoughtfully designed 3,550 square foot complex housing both a clubhouse and pool building with a shared lobby. The indoor pool didn't just get a refresh; it received a complete overhaul, including a new shallow end great for little ones and a clever moveable divider that lets different activities happen simultaneously.

Dive In: The Swimming Scene

The indoor swimming pool is one of the park's main attractions. With five 25-yard lanes for serious swimmers and a dedicated shallow area where toddlers can splash safely, it strikes an ideal balance for aquatic enthusiasts of all ages.

The changing rooms are kept clean, and the water temperature stays consistently comfortable year-round. Regardless of whether you're looking to swim laps, join an exercise class, or enjoy family swim time, the pool's schedule accommodates various needs throughout the week.

Beyond the Pool: Outdoor Offerings

Step outside and you'll find several newly renovated spaces designed for active play. The basketball courts offer a smooth surface for pickup games, while the splashpad provides cooling fun for kids on warm days.

Soccer enthusiasts gravitate toward the well-maintained soccer field, where local teams and casual players alike compete with intensity or just kick around for fun. Spectator seating lines the field's edge, making it easy to cheer on your favorite players.

Need a spot for lunch? Metal picnic tables are scattered around the park, particularly near the soccer field and playground areas - great for a family picnic or catching your breath between activities.

Kid-Friendly Corners

The large playground area is a hit with families, featuring equipment that especially appeals to children between 4-10 years old. Parents appreciate the enclosed design, which helps keep energetic little ones contained and safe while they play.

Just a heads-up: on sunny days, the black surface of the playground can get quite hot. Fortunately, there's plenty of bench seating nearby where you can keep a watchful eye on the fun.

Art in the Park

What truly sets Garfield Square apart is its commitment to artistic expression. Don't miss the breathtaking glass mural by artist Favianna Rodriguez that runs alongside the pool - an impressive work stretching 8 feet high and 113 feet long.

The artwork captures the essence of Mission District life with vibrant colors depicting a mother and baby, playful children, and a paletero (ice cream vendor) - a beautiful reflection of the neighborhood's cultural heritage.

History and art merge in the restored "Primal Sea" mural from the 1980s, brought back to life through the skilled hands of Precita Eyes Muralists.

Community at Its Core

Garfield Square Park is an important social space in the neighborhood. It's where people of all ages gather, where pickup basketball games happen regularly, and where families spend quality time together.

The park is particularly active during community celebrations, especially during the Dia De Los Muertos festivities. After the parade, the park becomes a gathering space where tributes to departed loved ones are displayed throughout the grounds.

Good to Know

You'll discover clean, handicap-accessible restrooms conveniently located around the park, and WiFi connectivity lets you stay connected (though maybe consider unplugging and enjoying the moment instead).

One practical note: parking can be tricky, as only street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood - so consider public transportation or rideshare if possible.