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.
Located in the heart of SoMa sits one of the city's newest recreation areas, Victoria Manalo Draves Park. Opened in 2006, the park is named after Vicki Manalo Draves, the first Filipino-American to compete in the Olympics. The Olympian took home two gold medals in the 1948 games, for springboard and platform diving. Draves passed away in 2010, but not before she witnessed San Francisco open the two-acre park in her honor. Where it's located: The park runs between Folsom and Harrison streets on the block located between 6th and 7th. Two alleyways make up its actual perimeter, Sherman and Columbia Square.
What it features: Inside the fenced park you will find a large children's playground, a grassy field for running or playing with your dog, a softball field, a basketball court, a community garden and picnic areas.
How to get here: This one is buses all the way, with the following lines getting you close to the park: 12, 47, 27, 8x, 8A/Bx, 14x, 19, 47.
Dogs allowed?: Yes, but keep 'em on a leash.
Don't miss: A chance to relax in a SoMa area not known for its greenery. This area of the city is still relatively industrial and there are not a lot of parks around. While new construction is rapidly adding a lot of residential buildings to the area, which will lead to private open space, there are not a lot of plans for parks. Take advantage of a good one now.
·Victoria Manalo Draves, Olympic Champion Diver, Dies at 85 [NY Times]
·Victoria Manalo Draves Park [SF Rec and Parks]
·Victoria Manalo Draves Park [Park Scan]
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