SF’s Esprit Park is Getting a $7.7 Million Makeover
Esprit Park is one step closer to a $7.7 million renovation designed to balance the needs of its growing Dogpatch community—from families to fitness enthusiasts to dogs and their people, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and University of California San Francisco announced today.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday authorized Rec and Park to accept a grant of $835,000 from the UCSF Board of Regents to be used for design services managed through the Dogpatch and Northwest Potrero Hill Green Benefit District. The grant is the last piece in a $5 million donation from UCSF toward the project and the last approval needed before breaking ground. The remaining funding for the project is provided by $2.7 million in Eastern Neighborhoods Development Impact Fees.
The conceptual design for the project, which will make the 2-acre oasis more resilient to increased use while honoring the original design of a multi-use meadow bordered by trees and shrubs, was approved by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission in February.
The park’s 40-year-old forest will be refreshed and protected and planted areas will be expanded. The park’s large lawn will be configured to better separate off leash dogs and general use areas. Paths will be made more resilient and compliant, and designed to offer varied opportunities for strolling and jogging. Seating and picnic areas will be increased and dispersed throughout the park. Nodes for exercising and children’s play will be tucked into the park’s green perimeter.
“Esprit Park has become even more important as the City has approved the addition of over 2,500 new units of housing in Dogpatch, with more to come. The renovation project will allow Esprit Park to accommodate more intense and varied uses while remaining a green oasis. The Green Benefit District is grateful to UCSF for the funding, to Rec Park staff for their patience as neighbors have considered options for the park, and to the community for helping shape the future of Esprit,” said Dogpatch and NW Potrero Hill Green Benefit District Executive Director Julie Christensen.
According to the commission report, construction is proposed to run from July 2022 to April 2023 with the opening of the park taking place around July 2023.
Esprit Park’s New Features
● +100% increase in ADA compliant pathways
● +90% increase in protected planting areas
● +50-70% increase places to sit
● +68% increase in table seating
● +25% increase in workout/exercise stations
● 2 drinking fountains with bottle filler & pet bowl
● Off-leash dog play area in the North
● Dog free/Family Meadow in the South
Esprit Park was originally created as a privately-owned park in the early 1980s by the Esprit Corporation, which had its headquarters on Minnesota St. and given to the City in 2001 as a result of strong community advocacy. A 2005 renovation included landscaping, irrigation and drainage improvements.
Read more about the new Esprit Park Renovation Project.
