Mariposa Park

Scenic Design and Layout

Mariposa Park is a 2.5-acre urban park located in the Mission Bay neighborhood of San Francisco. Developed in conjunction with the UCSF Russell Benioff Children's Hospital, the park provides a multi-functional outdoor space for patients, hospital staff, and local residents.

The park features a one-seventh mile walking path shaped like a butterfly's wing, reflecting the park's namesake. This design element is visible from aerial views or the upper floors of the nearby hospital.

Industrial Heritage Elements

The park incorporates elements that celebrate the area's industrial waterfront heritage, including a trellis made of locally salvaged timbers and steel I-beams. This design replicates former railroad roundhouse tracks and turntable.

Natural Environment

Mariposa Park promotes biodiversity through extensive use of native plant species that attract birds and beneficial insects. The landscaping includes plant species associated with the endemic and endangered Mission Blue butterfly.

Stormwater management is integrated through vegetated swales and other low-impact development techniques.

Children's Play Area

For children, the park offers play features themed around butterfly metamorphosis, including colored egg spheres, caterpillar balancing balls, a web cocoon climber swing, and flight lift-off mounds. These playful elements provide an engaging outdoor environment for young visitors and patients from the nearby children's hospital.