Esprit Park Expected to Reopen in September

Esprit Park is scheduled to reopen in September, roughly eight months after the completion date identified in the original renovation plans. 

According to San Francisco Recreation and Parks (RPD), rain accounted for some of the delay. There were also unanticipated remediation needs. RPD had to remove and replace three trees – a beech, poplar, and sycamore – that weren’t in good condition, and make adjustments to minimize disrupting tree roots. 

“This includes modifying the alignment of the new irrigation and domestic water lines as well as the layout of piers for the two boardwalk decking areas. No substantive design updates have been made since the concept design approval,” said Daniel Montes, San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department spokesperson. 

The project remains within its $8.5 million budget. The University of California, San Francisco contributed $5 million, with $3.5 million provided from Eastern Neighborhoods Infrastructure Impact Fees. 

As of last month, RPD had almost finished the irrigation system and was doing final grading. Most new trees had been delivered. The park’s granite and concrete walls were built. RPD had mounted adult exercise equipment and was installing pathways. It was also putting in new electrical wiring and lighting, completing raised boardwalk decking, planting vegetation, and laying sod. 

The new landscape requires 90 days of “plant establishment maintenance,” during which RPD weeds, water, and replaces florae that doesn’t take hold. Next up is placement of picnic tables, benches, and signs.

The two-acre park includes a designated off-leash dog play area in the north meadow and a dog-free south meadow. Dogs must be leashed in other areas.

“Our teams are working hard to address any issues that come up during construction and ensure smooth communication for future projects. We’ve given construction updates this spring to neighborhood groups, including the Dogpatch Neighborhood Association, the Potrero Boosters, and the Dogpatch & NW Potrero Hill Green Benefit District. We’re also posting updates to the project page of the Rec and Park website monthly,” said Tamara Aparton, San Francisco Recreation and Parks deputy director of communications and public affairs.

Donovan Lacy, Dogpatch Neighborhood Association vice president, said he and other community members are tired of the park closure and endless discussions of delaying factors.

“We just want to see the park reopened so that we can finally all start to enjoy the renovated park, which is such a vital green public space in our community,” said Lacy. “There is still a significant amount of work that needs to be done before the park can be reopened. We have seen some good progress over the last several weeks…focusing our attention on its completion and the positive impact that will have on Dogpatch and the surrounding neighborhoods.” 

Emma Shlaes, a DNA board member and 22nd Street resident, said she’d like to better understand the reasons for the delays. 

“I walk by often and rarely see anyone working there, though I have noticed changes in the past couple months. There isn’t clear information posted. This is coming from someone who is fairly involved in the neighborhood,” said Shlaes. 

Richard Romero, an Indiana Street resident, Green Benefits District board member, and the View’s marketing manager, said he’s trying to be patient.

“I’m hoping they don’t run into any more delays. The renovation is going to be great. (It) will add more value to an already great neighborhood,” said Romero.

Romero, who has two grandchildren in the area, would like more play areas for children, particularly those between the ages of five and 12. 

“The Woods Yard Park is really for toddlers. There was a suggestion that the children could play on the adult exercise equipment in Esprit Park. I don’t think that’s ideal. That’s designated exercise equipment. I have grandchildren who want to be able to play on kids’ playground equipment,” said Romero.