Golden Gate Park Unveils Nation’s First Breast Cancer Memorial Garden

Golden Gate Park has a new peaceful spot to reflect and find comfort with the recent opening of the Bay Area Young Survivors Breast Cancer Memorial Garden. This marks the first permanent memorial in the U.S. dedicated specifically to those affected by breast cancer, and the first new memorial in Golden Gate Park in more than 30 years.

The garden is located at the junction of Arguello Boulevard and Conservatory Drive, overlooking the Conservatory of Flowers and the Golden Gate Bridge. It features a serene seating area surrounded by native oak woodlands and thoughtfully designed stone walkways etched with words from breast cancer survivors. A graceful metal arc displays the names of over 100 young people who lost their lives to metastatic breast cancer, offering a powerful tribute to their legacy.

The project is the result of an 11-year collaboration between Bay Area Young Survivors (BAYS)—a nonprofit supporting individuals diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45 or younger—and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. Construction began in late 2024, and the garden was officially unveiled in June 2025, fully funded through donations raised by BAYS.

Inspired by the success of the AIDS Memorial Grove, the garden offers a quiet place for survivors, caregivers, and visitors to pause, reflect, and find community. It’s more than a memorial—it’s a sanctuary in the heart of the city, welcoming anyone touched by cancer or in need of a moment’s peace.

Next time you’re wandering Golden Gate Park, take a detour to this meaningful new space. Whether you’re remembering loved ones or simply soaking in nature, the Bay Area Young Survivors Breast Cancer Memorial Garden is a powerful addition to the park’s treasured landscape.

Read more at SF.gov

Related Story: Golden Gate Park is Getting Its First New Memorial Garden in Over 3 Decades – 10/25/2023