Everyone loves Golden Gate Park and Dolores Park, but did you know San Francisco has over 220 parks and open spaces? Curbed SF wants to bring fame and glory to some of the smaller, lesser-known parks, and we're doing so with our series Park Life. Each week we'll spotlight a different San Francisco park or open space, and bring you all the details you need to plan a visit.
[Photos via Patricia Chang]
Located just north of the 280 and Alemany Boulevard lies St. Mary's Park and Recreation Center in Bernal Heights. The park was built on 13 acres donated by the city's Roman Catholic archdiocese in the 1930s and constructed through the nation's Works Progress Administration adjacent to the St. Mary's Park microhood. Where it's located: In Bernal Heights, with its official entrance at Murray Street and Justin Drive. It can be accessed from numerous points, including a pedestrian bridge across Alemany.
What it features: The versatile park offers large lawns, a baseball diamond, hiking and picnic areas, a large playground, basketball courts, tennis courts, jogging paths and a full-service recreation center with programs for people of all ages.
How to get there: Bus lines are the way to go, with both the 23 and 14x getting you within a couple of blocks.
Dogs Allowed?: Dogs are allowed, and there's even a dog park located on the lowest tier of the park. Be sure to use a leash when around others.
Don't miss: A community BBQ. Being located adjacent to a small established community like St. Mary's Park has its benefits, one of which are the BBQ's held regularly. For a schedule of events at the park click here.
·St. Mary's Park [New York Times]
·St. Mary's Rec Center [San Francisco Parks and Rec]
·St. Mary's Park & Recreation Center [SFGate]