Several San Francisco playgrounds getting new play surfaces thanks to $1M+ in funding

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Six city playgrounds with worn play surfaces and needing minor equipment upgrades are getting refreshments due to $1.6 million in approved funding, San Francisco Recreation and Park officials announced Friday.

The following playgrounds will see updates thanks to their respective funding allocations from the Open Space Fund’s Deferred Maintenance Reserve:

• Sunset Recreation Center ($275,000)
• Potrero Hill Upper Play Area ($213,000)
• St. Mary’s Square ($301,000)
• Mission Playground ($225,000)
• McCoppin Square ($271,000)
• St. Mary’s Recreation Center ($395,010)

“With more than 150 playgrounds citywide, Rec and Park focuses its resources on those most in need, guided by safety considerations, the age and condition of equipment, and staff observations in the field,” officials added in a news release.

A total of 14 playgrounds will be resurfaced by fall 2026, including work funded or completed on the below locations, according to Rec and Park officials:

• Alamo Square
• Eureka Valley Recreation Center
• Palega Recreation Center
• Parkside Square
• Alioto Mini Park
• Lincoln Park
• West Sunset Playground
• Alta Plaza
• Upper Noe Recreation Center (resurfaced June 2025 and shown below)

“Playgrounds are where childhood happens — where kids make friends, learn new skills, and families connect,” said Phil Ginsburg, General Manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department in a news release. “These resurfacing projects will give thousands of kids clean, comfortable places to play and help parents feel confident that their neighborhood playground is ready for them.”