We all love 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.
The Joe DiMaggio Playground, named for the San Francisco Seals (and the Yankees) legend that spent his childhood playing there, is located in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood in the northeastern corner of the city. The park itself has become dilapidated over the years, but with the North Beach/Joe DiMaggio Playground Master Plan in effect, improvements have begun and will continue over the next one to two years. Where it's located: At 651 Lombard Street, just off Columbus in North Beach.
What it features: A large open plaza makes up the majority of the park, with features like a basketball court, foursquare areas and a wall for solo tennis. Adjacent to the plaza you will find 2 tennis courts, a renovated playground, 2 bocce ball courts, and the North Beach Branch Library. The North Beach indoor pool is located on site, but costs a small fee for entry.
How to Get There: If the cable car is your thing, hop on the Powell/Mason line to Lombard Street. If you are more of a bus person the 8/8x, 39 and 30 lines will all get you very close. For those who drive street parking is available but tough in the neighborhood, especially on weekends.
Dogs Allowed?: Yes, but off-leash is a no-no.
Don't miss: With a large plaza and a name like Joe DiMaggio gracing the sign this park is begging for a game of old-fashioned stick ball. If that's too involved try the public bocce ball courts for a more relaxing game experience. Don't know how to play? Click here for the rules.
·Joe DiMaggio Playground and North Beach Pool [ParkScan]
·North Beach / Joe DiMaggio Playground – Master Plan [SF Rec & Parks]
·New Library Making Progress in North Beach [Curbed SF]
·How to Play Bocce [Playaboule]
·Pre-Yankees [Joe DiMaggio.com]