The Rebirth of Cayuga Playground

Cayuga and Naglee Avenues
Outer Mission

The 3.89 acre, 63 year old, Cayuga Playground closed December 2011 for a badly needed $8.4 million renovation.

About $7.3 million of the renovation was paid for by the 2008 voter-approved parks bond, $711,000 from a state urban greening grant and $1.36 million from BART’s Earthquake Safety Program Impact Compensation.

The playground’s old clubhouse had fallen into disrepair before the renovation, vandalism had increased and the baseball field was usable for only about three months of the year because of irrigation problems from the creek that runs beneath the park. On one occasion, a lawnmower got stuck and had to be pulled out of the swampy field.

I couldn’t be happier to see that the Recreation and Parks Department, led by project manager Marvin Lee, did the right thing in making Demetrio Braceros’ sculptures the raison d’être for the park.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) provided the architectural and landscape design, engineering and construction management services for the renovation of playground and construction of the new clubhouse on behalf of Recreation and Parks Department.

DPW also collaborated with surrounding community members and the Recreation and Parks department to vacate and transfer a part of Cayuga Avenue to increase Cayuga Park by 8,400 square feet.

There are several dirt paths that one can wander to find the more hidden sculptures.

And spots where only nimble children can climb

As you enter the gate you first notice a pool and a drainage system lined in stone.  One must assume that there is considerable design within the new park for the water problems that beset it for years.

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A fountain area that I am sure is just lovely during the rainy season, the stone, gravel, slate combination is really beautiful in person.

The Clubhouse has a green roof , a multipurpose room with surround sound and a sculpture garden that houses even more of Demetrio Braceros’ sculptures.

Fun Seating areas throughout the park.

The park incorporates a very large green open space as well as a tennis court and basketball court.

What also makes this park special is the unique plant materials.  There are many species of plant not normally found in public parks.  The bring color and differing texture that adds a lot to the special feel one gets at the park.