“Tired” is a feeling these kids probably don’t understand here at Rolph Playground. This playground is named after former San Francisco Mayor James Rolph Jr. It sits where Cesar Chavez Street and Potrero Avenue meet. This forms an angular pocket at the southeast edge of the Mission District.
Rolph Playground is more than just a park. It is a dynamic community center. It offers various activities for families and youth.
About 65 percent of Rolph Playground is covered by two baseball fields. There are also two tennis courts and a basketball court. A small recreation center is also here. You will also find a disused children’s playground. There is even a rope-like climbing construct.
When school is out, locals come to Rolph Playground. They hone their skills and have a good time. Some play basketball. Others play baseball.
The recreation center at Rolph Playground has four individual rooms. A large, general-purpose room sits in the center. It is used for general programming.
Rolph Playground offers a safe space. It encourages free artistic expression for Mission youth. Some play music. Others draft mural-like graffiti in a book under the climbing construct.
Rolph Playground also provides a picnic area. It has first-come, first-serve tables only. You cannot reserve these picnic areas.
Parking is limited to street parking only. Alcohol is not allowed at the picnic area. There are no barbecues allowed either. Jumpers are also not allowed.
The basketball courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The tennis courts are also first-come, first-serve.
James “Sunny Jim” Rolph Jr. was San Francisco’s longest-serving mayor. He held office for 19 years. During his time, he oversaw many civic accomplishments. These included building a new City Hall and establishing MUNI. He also initiated the Hetch-Hetchy water project. He constructed many new neighborhoods as well.
Rolph liked to operate things. He operated a pile driver for a MUNI project. He was the motorman for the first revenue trip through the Twin Peaks Tunnel. He even drove the last horse streetcar on Montgomery Street. Rolph operated a steam shovel during a War Memorial ground-breaking ceremony. He was also at the controls of the first N-Line streetcar through the Sunset Tunnel.
After serving as mayor, Rolph became the governor of California. He resigned as mayor to take on this role.
Rolph Playground seems removed from the gentrification. This gentrification has stricken the rest of the Mission. It is a place where the community comes together. People play, create, and connect. It is a space named after a man who liked to be in control. Here everyone can find their own way to play.