Mayor Lurie Celebrates Reopening Of Tenderloin Children's Play Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today celebrated the reopening of the Tenderloin Recreation Center Children’s Play Area, marking the completion of a major improvement project that has transformed the space into a greener and more welcoming area for neighborhood children and families.

The project continues Mayor Lurie’s work to make San Francisco more affordable and welcoming for families, including by fostering vibrant public spaces accessible at no cost. Last month, the city broke ground on the Twin Peaks Promenade Project, transforming a stretch of Twin Peaks Boulevard into a pedestrian- and cyclist-first street that will support walking, biking, and recreation. The mayor has also taken steps to bring more free entertainment to some of the city’s most beloved public spaces, announcing a free concert series returning to Golden Gate Park through the summer and fall as well as free concerts and food trucks in Civic Center Plaza accelerating San Francisco’s recovery.

“When I ran for mayor, I visited this rec center in the Tenderloin and saw kids running around, playing soccer, and laughing together. That kind of energy is exactly what a neighborhood needs, and I’m proud to be here today as we bring that energy back,” said Mayor Lurie. “We’re working every day to make the Tenderloin a welcoming neighborhood for all residents, especially children and families. Our young people are our future, and we must continue investing in safe recreational spaces where they can grow, stay healthy, and build community together. Together, we'll keeping working to improve the quality of life for kids and families in the Tenderloin."

“Every child deserves a safe, joyful place to play, learn, and just be a kid, regardless of their ZIP code,” said District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood. “This renovated play area is about more than new equipment, it’s about showing our young people and families that they matter, that they are seen, and that San Francisco is committed to creating healthy, vibrant spaces where they can thrive. In the Tenderloin, where thousands of children grow up in one of the most densely populated and underserved neighborhoods in our city, investments like this are not optional; they are critical.”

The $3.38 million renovation reimagined the recreation center’s outdoor area, creating a dynamic, multi-functional space designed for nature-based play, learning, sports, and relaxation. The updated layout improves accessibility and better supports the wide range of youth programming and activities that take place at the center year-round.

The project includes a brand-new Children’s Play Area and Nature Exploration Area featuring opportunities for climbing, swinging, sliding, and imaginative play. Additionally, the soccer court was refurbished with new surfacing and relocated to the front of the outdoor space, creating more space for the nature-based play area and other amenities.

Additional upgrades include new handrails and paving upgrades to improve accessibility resurfaced basketball half-court including a bicycle/scooter track, along with new seating areas, and refurbished public artwork to create a more comfortable experience.

The renovation also significantly expanded the site’s greenery, with the planting of 16 new trees and more than 1,000 square feet of additional landscaped planting areas, helping transform the recreation center into an urban oasis in the heart of the Tenderloin.

“We know that outdoor play and access to natural elements help children learn about the world around them while supporting their growth and development,” said Sarah Madland, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager. “This reimagined play area gives Tenderloin kids more opportunities to explore, connect, and simply be kids. It’s a major investment in San Francisco’s downtown families and children, expanding welcoming spaces where they can learn, play, and grow together.”

The Tenderloin Rec Center is also expanding its operating hours and will now be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving children and families more opportunities to enjoy the improved outdoor space on weekends.

Along with the playground improvements, the project also restored two public art pieces originally installed at the site in 1995 through the San Francisco Arts Commission. Created by artist Martha Heavenston, the concrete mosaic benches—Dancing in the Sea of Milk and African King with Animal Power—were removed and restored off-site during construction. The restoration included replacing broken tiles, applying new grout, and sealing the pieces for protection. The benches have now been reinstalled near the playground entrance alongside new landscaping.

The renovation project is a partnership between Rec and Park, Wu Yee Children’s Services, KABOOM!, Mimi and Peter Haas Fund, Crankstart, Low Income Investment Fund, the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood, Tenderloin Community Benefit District, UP ON TOP, GLIDE, Cross-Cultural Family Center, Street Soccer USA, and San Francisco Arts Commission.

“Play is the heart of early childhood learning, and a playground is the neighborhood classroom,” said Mark Ryle, CEO of Wu Yee Children's Services. “By transforming this space into a vibrant, nature-filled playscape, we’re giving Tenderloin children the hands-on experiences—running, climbing, imagining—that build brains, bodies, and confidence. Just as important, we’re weaving a stronger neighborhood fabric: parents meet, cultures mingle, and everyone shares pride in a space we created together. This playground shows how supporting children’s growth and nurturing community spirit can—and must—go hand in hand.”

“Playgrounds are an iconic part of childhood where kids build confidence, connection, and memories that last a lifetime,” said Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM! “As KABOOM! celebrates 30 years of protecting childhood through play, we’re proud to partner with SFRD to bring the Tenderloin Children's Area and Nature Exploration Area to life. This project reflects the power of communities and partners working together to create joyful, welcoming spaces where kids feel valued and belong. Especially in today’s challenging environment for children, it’s more important than ever that we come together to ensure every kid has access to nature rich, inspiring places to play and grow.”

"The Tenderloin is home to over 3,500 children—making it San Francisco's densest neighborhood for youth—and they deserve spaces that reflect that,” said Kate Robinson, CEO of the Tenderloin Community Benefit District. “The reopening of the renovated Tenderloin Rec Center Children's Play Area is a transformative moment for this community, and a long-overdue investment in making our neighborhood truly welcoming for children and families of every background.”

"The Tenderloin Rec Center and Children's Playground is home to UP ON TOP's after-school and summer program, welcoming over 100 children here every day,” said UP ON TOP Executive Director Bill Fricker. “We are grateful to everyone involved with the reopening of this San Francisco landmark in a neighborhood with over 3,500 children, youth and their families.  Let's Go, Tenderloin.”

The Tenderloin Recreation Center and its outdoor area is an important gathering space for neighborhood youth and families. Prior to the renovation, the playground equipment had not been upgraded since it was originally installed in 1995. Construction on the project began in fall 2025.