Didn’t silver magnate James Graham Fair once donate this land? It became Holly Park. This park is one of San Francisco’s oldest. Holly Park is located in Bernal Heights. It offers amazing city views. Also, you can see the San Francisco Bay.
Holly Park’s story began in 1862. Fair gave the city 7.5 acres. He paid $375,000 for it. Back then, the area was undeveloped. Residents had little access to the park.
In 1894, the Holly Park Improvement Club stepped in. They convinced the city to build Holly Park Avenue. It’s now Holly Park Circle. This gave the neighborhood easy access. They finally had a park to call their own.
But it wasn’t until 1926 that Holly Park saw major improvements. Small trees and shrubs were replaced. Landscaping was added. Basketball and tennis courts were built. A playground was created. Towering eucalyptus trees were planted. Decades passed without further upgrades. Parts of Holly Park fell into disrepair. By 1991, the playground was fenced off. It was considered hazardous.
In the early 2000s, Eugenie Marek took action. She walked around the neighborhood each morning. She noticed the park’s poor condition. In March 2000, voters allocated funds for open space. Eugenie organized Friends of Holly Park. They proposed park upgrades. The proposal got over 200 signatures. The city approved it in 2002. Renovations finished two years later. Holly Park reopened.
Today, locals love Holly Park. It is a short walk from Cortland Avenue’s shops. It’s a great place to enjoy the views. The playground is popular with kids. The Chronicle rated it one of San Francisco’s best in 2006.
Holly Park has a baseball diamond. There is also a tennis court and a basketball court. Picnic and BBQ areas are available. The playground is upgraded. You can find Holly Park on Holly Park Circle. It sits south of Cortland Avenue.
The park has a 360-degree view. Kids play on the baseball diamond. They also enjoy the basketball courts and jungle gym. There are open grass areas. You’ll find a BBQ pit and shady picnic spots. Neighbors walk their dogs around the circle. They play tennis on well-maintained courts.
Holly Park is one of San Francisco’s oldest parks. It was established in 1870. The Holly Park Improvement Club pushed the city to pave a circle around the park. It opened in 1874. Residents could use Holly Park instead of going to Golden Gate Park.
The Friends of Holly Park revitalized the park in 2002. The park is safe and peaceful. It is a little sister to Bernal Hill. You can reach Holly Park from Bocana Street. It is also accessible from Highland Avenue, Appleton Avenue and Murray Street. Buses like the #24, #67, #23, and #14 go there.
Holly Park stands as a testament to community effort. The “Friends of Holly Park” transformed the park. There were open-space improvements. Thoughtful landscaping was added. The playground is gated and sectioned by age. Maintained paths allow strolling and jogging. There are tennis and basketball courts. A kid-friendly baseball diamond is also available.
Holly Park is welcoming. There are gated picnic and BBQ areas. These are popular for celebrations and gatherings. Dogs are welcome.
Holly Park’s history, views, and community make it special. It is a space for everyone to enjoy.