The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which oversees all surface transportation in the city, including the Municipal Railway (Muni), will join Supervisor Malia Cohen (District 10), the San Francisco Park Alliance, and members of the Dogpatch community at 11am on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at the SFMTA’s Woods Maintenance Facility on 22nd Street between Minnesota and Indiana streets for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Dogpatch’s brand new playground.
“This playground is a valuable asset to the families of the Dogpatch neighborhood and District,” said Supervisor Malia Cohen. “It seems as if it were only yesterday when this project was conceptualized and I am proud to have been a part of this incredible process. I want to thank the parents and volunteers and SFMTA for their vision and commitment in making this project a reality.”
Beginning in May, construction crews worked diligently during weekday business hours to transform a once underutilized 900 square foot sand lot into the neighborhood’s newest gem complete with soft, foam surface tiles, wood seating benches, and a large colorful play structure with a slide and standing swing. Three months to the day of the groundbreaking ceremony, Woods Yard Mini-Park is officially open.
"We're excited that our dream of creating more recreational space has become a reality,” said Lesley Grossblatt, co-chair of the Dogpatch Playground Working Group which was tasked with raising the $125,000 for construction. “We're so grateful for SFMTA's support and willingness to innovate in our community and to bring new life to under-utilized community spaces in Dogpatch."
With the park in full operation, the SFMTA, under the terms of a gift agreement, will provide routine maintenance to the park area with costs to be capped at $15,000 per fiscal year. Any additional funds for repairs, replacements, and upgrades will be provided by the San Francisco Park Alliance and the Dogpatch Playground Working Group.
“We recognize and congratulate the dedicated individuals who spent their time and energy working together to make this dream a reality,” said Ed Reiskin, SFMTA Director of Transportation. “The SFMTA is proud to have played a part and we hope San Francisco children and families enjoy this great new space.”
Going forward the park will be opened to the general public and will have no set hours of operation.