“Is it possible to miss something obvious?” asks a local as she strolls by. Most people driving along Bridgeway in Sausalito miss Tiffany Park. The fabulous views of the Bridgeway Promenade draw your eye towards the Bay and San Francisco. But tucked along the side of the road at the base of the hill is Tiffany Park. It is a great shady spot to sit and enjoy the view.
Tiffany Park is more than just a roadside rest stop. It is a slice of Sausalito history and art. The park honors William Zobel Tiffany. He served as Sausalito City Clerk from 1913 to 1939.
The park’s story began in 1942. The initial plan was a beach on the east side of Bridgeway. However, those plans were never completed. It wasn’t until 1963 that Tiffany Park was dedicated. It was placed on the west side of Bridgeway.
William Tiffany distinguished himself in 1911. He ordered city crews to spare a cypress tree. It was slated for removal to make room for auto travel. The women who demanded his action formed the Sausalito Woman’s Club. They named the sole survivor the Founder’s Tree.
Tiffany Park itself is a narrow flagstoned space. It runs alongside Bridgeway for about 60 feet. Some landscaping and a couple of benches spread across a low terrace. There is no lawn area. Dog-walkers keep the open ground clean.
In the 1980s, Tiffany Park gained an artistic feature. Esteemed artist Tim Collins was commissioned to create a water and light art installation. The artwork is enigmatically labeled “Gravity is a law in the material world, Levitation is a law in the spiritual world.” It looks like a tiny stone cottage tucked into the hillside.
Installed in 1993, the artwork needed periodic restoration. In 2015, the Sausalito Woman’s Club funded renovation of the light and water features. They also replaced dilapidated landscaping. The city is planning to repair the lighting fixture inside the tiny structure.
Sausalito Beautiful’s Green Thumbs team also contributes to the park’s upkeep. This team of citizen volunteers makes improvements to Sausalito’s public green spaces. They weed, trim, plant, and mulch.
Tiffany Park is easily overlooked. Yet it offers a shady spot and fabulous views. It is a testament to community dedication. So next time you’re on Bridgeway, take a moment to discover Tiffany Park. It is a small space with a big story. It is a reminder that beauty and history can be found in the most unexpected places.