Did a Spanish explorer’s ghost haunt Mountain Lake Park Playground Plaque? On this very spot, in March 1776, Juan Bautista de Anza camped beside the shimmering waters of Mountain Lake. He wasn’t here for a picnic. Anza, a seasoned explorer, was on a mission to establish a presidio and mission in what would become San Francisco. A plaque at Mountain Lake Park Playground commemorates this pivotal moment. Imagine Anza surveying the landscape. He saw fresh water, firewood, and grazing land. But something was missing: timber for building. This lack of essential resources prompted him to move on, shaping the early history of San Francisco. Let’s step back to 1957. The Daughters of the American Colonists dedicated the plaque, honoring Anza’s contribution to the city’s birth. But there’s more to this story than meets the eye. Mountain Lake has a vibrant history, filled with both natural wonders and curious incidents. Did you know it’s one of the few natural freshwater lakes in San Francisco? Over the years, it has shrunk due to various factors, including fill from the MacArthur Tunnel construction and the building of Park Presidio Boulevard. The lake has also seen its share of unusual inhabitants. In 1996, a three-foot alligator, nicknamed “Golden Gator,” was discovered lurking in its waters, sparking a media frenzy and a humorous hunt. Then there was Myrtle, the flightless whooper swan, known for her traffic-stopping antics and snack-stealing escapades. Today, Mountain Lake Park offers a tranquil escape. The playground, tennis courts, and open meadow invite visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. So, as you stand before the Mountain Lake Park Playground Plaque, remember. You’re not just at a playground. You’re standing on a site that witnessed the beginnings of a great city, a curious alligator, a mischievous swan, and a Spanish explorer’s dream.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to