San Francisco approves Transbay Block 3 Park design and new MOU for improvements

The San Francisco City Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the Transbay Block 3 Park and Streetscape Improvements Project. The meeting focused on the progress of the park's design, funding, and community engagement efforts.

The session began with a presentation on the park's design, highlighting the installation of security cameras as requested by the Recreation and Parks Department (RecPark). Illustrative renderings showcased various features of the park, including a central habitat, a children's play area, and a sculptural pelican play structure. The design emphasizes flexible spaces for community engagement, surrounded by a lush perimeter of trees.

The meeting also addressed the San Francisco Arts Commission's involvement in the project. The park design has received phase 1 and phase 2 approvals, with plans for a permanent public art piece funded by 2% of the final construction costs. The selected artist, Mark Bo Sasaki, was approved by the Arts Commission, and the artwork aims to reflect the park's natural and historical context while being durable against vandalism.

A key agenda item was the proposed amendment to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the San Francisco Public Works, RecPark, and the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII). The amendment expands the scope of work to include streetscape improvements and additional design services, increasing the budget by nearly $3.8 million to a total of approximately $7.66 million. This adjustment is intended to enhance coordination among various city projects and improve overall efficiency.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the park naming process, which involves community outreach led by the Eastcut Community Benefit District. The process includes generating name ideas, community voting, and engagement with local Native American tribes to honor the historical significance of the site.

Overall, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts among city agencies to ensure the successful development of the Transbay Block 3 Park, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2023 and the park expected to open by the end of 2025.