On October 22, the newly constructed Bayfront Park, spanning 5.4 acres between the Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center and the Bay, officially opened its doors. This park features expansive lawns, a waterfront trail, multiple plazas, and an abundance of trees and native plants aimed at combating climate change and rising sea levels. Notably, a significant amount of recycled steel from the old Bay Bridge has been repurposed for constructing shading structures and various site amenities.
Located at the intersection of 16th Street and Terry A. Francois Boulevard near Mission Bay, the park is part of a larger redevelopment plan and transforms a previously underutilized marine industrial area. In addition to many native species, the park includes coastal shrubs commonly found along the Bay and bioswales designed to manage stormwater runoff. The park’s elevation has been intentionally raised to protect against sea-level rise and coastal tides.
The project integrates seamlessly with neighboring open spaces, including Agua Vista Park and the completed sections of Bayfront Park to the north, enhancing accessibility to these areas. Emphasizing its maritime heritage, the park showcases substantial elements crafted from recycled Bay Bridge steel.
Bayfront Park is part of the South Mission Bay Redevelopment Plan approved in 1998. Since then, Mission Bay has evolved into a vibrant community home to prominent institutions such as UCSF Medical Center and the Warriors’ Chase Center. Over 6,200 housing units have been added to the area, including more than 1,600 affordable homes, alongside approximately 6 million square feet of commercial and retail space, as well as over 40 acres of parks and open areas for residents and visitors alike. The park was developed in collaboration between the Mission Bay Development Group and the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure, with maintenance managed by the Port of San Francisco. Future plans include the addition of restaurant spaces or concession areas within the park.
Mayor London Breed expressed delight at witnessing the transformation of the area from barren land to a cherished park for residents and tourists. With the opening of Bayfront Park, Mission Bay is set to flourish as a neighborhood that boasts open spaces, new residential units, and world-class medical and sports facilities.
Brandon Schneider, President and COO of the Golden State Warriors, commented that the opening of Bayfront Park will significantly enhance the experience for visitors at Chase Center and Thrive City. The Warriors aim to make the San Francisco and Mission Bay communities vibrant, and Schneider is pleased to see how the park contributes to that overarching vision. Since the Chase Center opened, over 400 events have occurred, attracting nearly 5 million fans and generating $4.2 billion in economic impact for San Francisco, which the Warriors take great pride in. They look forward to collaborating with the city and local organizations to provide more services.
City Councilmember Matt Dorsey noted that Bayfront Park creates a lively space, fostering community connections and providing a picturesque backdrop for businesses near Chase Center and Thrive City.
Elaine Forbes, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco, highlighted that the park elegantly incorporates elements of the local maritime industry while being designed to withstand future sea-level rise.
