SAN FRANCISCO’S NEWEST playground makeover is a $3.38 million joyride with play areas for different age groups, toddler swings, a spring-mounted see-saw, play towers with multiple slides, a climbing wall, steel drums and flower chimes for outdoor musical play.

The renovated Herz Playground in McLaren Park is the 10th playground to be modernized through a public-private partnership, Let’sPlaySF! 

The playground officially opened Aug. 24 with a ribbon cutting that included the family of Dr. Francis Joseph Herz, a former parks commissioner for whom it was named in 1965.

San Francisco city officials and community members cut the ribbon celebrating the opening of the renovated Herz Playground in McLaren Park on Aug. 24, 2023. (San Francisco Recreation and Park Department via Bay City News)

“Great parks and playgrounds are essential for communities to thrive,” Mayor London Breed said in a press release. “I’m thrilled that our kids in Visitacion Valley and Sunnydale now have a beautiful place where they can have fun and enjoy their community.”

The playground’s overhaul was accompanied by park renovations including new concrete walkways, new paths, benches, picnic tables and upgraded bathroom. 

Let’sPlaySF! is a collaboration between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and the San Francisco Parks Alliance that combines public funds with philanthropic donations.