Raymond Kimbell Playground

Recreation and Open Space

Tucked away at the corner of Geary Boulevard and Steiner Street in San Francisco, Raymond Kimbell Playground offers a surprising pocket of tranquility in the city's urban landscape. Despite sitting next to the busy Geary Boulevard, the park creates a relatively secluded feel where you can temporarily escape the bustling city around you. It's one of those places where you can stretch out, take a breath, and enjoy recreational facilities that cater to everyone from toddlers to serious athletes.

2015 Makeover

In 2015, the park got a serious upgrade thanks to $3.3 million from the 2008 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks bond. The renovation transformed the play areas, improved the landscaping, and beefed up safety features throughout the space.

Today, the park sports modern amenities while keeping its identity as a neighborhood gathering spot. The park is generally well-maintained, with evident attention to cleanliness.

Athletic Facilities

The athletic fields are well-used throughout San Francisco, particularly since their 2010 renovation. The addition of synthetic turf and lighting was a game-changer, adding over 9,500 hours of potential play time.

The fields accommodate several team sports, The fields accommodate soccer, football, baseball, softball, and lacrosse, with lights typically staying on until 10:15 PM for those evening matches. There are three baseball diamonds and a batting cage (though the cage could use a little TLC). Soccer enthusiasts will appreciate the full-size goals and proper field markings that make this a go-to spot for practices and weekend games.

A nice touch is how the playground sits right next to the soccer fields - perfect if you've got some kids who want to play while older siblings have practice.

Playground Area

Families with young children will love the playground's modern equipment and gated design. The enclosed space lets kids explore freely while giving parents some peace of mind. You'll discover several benches and tables nearby, making it comfortable to keep an eye on the little ones.

When hunger strikes, the park's proximity to Fillmore Street's food options means you're never far from a quick bite. One thing to note: on sunny days, the playground could use more shade - something to keep in mind if you're planning a summer visit.

Environmental Design

The park takes water conservation seriously. During its renovation, designers reduced irrigated ornamental turf from 2.5 acres to just 1 acre by incorporating water-wise plantings and drought-resistant no-mow turf.

The landscape now features over 2,000 water-wise shrubs and perennials and 52 newer trees that support local wildlife. You'll notice the meadows have been thoughtfully contoured to capture rainwater, adding to the park's eco-friendly approach. The colorful flowers change with the seasons, enhancing walks through the park.

Amenities

When nature calls, you'll discover restrooms that are generally open during daylight hours (though closed at night). They're typically clean enough - nothing fancy, but they do the job when you need them.

The park also includes a community garden that adds character and community involvement to the space. As for parking, you can usually find street spots around the park, but it can get competitive during peak times.

The overall vibe here is calm and family-friendly. Whether you're looking for a place to let the kids burn off energy, join a pickup game, or just find a quiet spot to read, Raymond Kimbell Playground offers both recreational activities and quieter spaces for relaxation.