When Frederick Law Olmsted designed New York City's Central Park, he set a new standard. For a city aspiring to greatness, beautiful park space became a requirement. San Francisco actually consulted with Olmsted regarding the development of a west coast version of Central Park. Even though Olmsted rejected the future site of Golden Gate Park and a different firm developed it, Golden Gate Park is spectacular. Additionally, San Francisco has many smaller neighborhood parks scattered throughout the city, which add to the livability and desirability of the city.
Similar in creativity to The Highline, New York City's elevated park, Salesforce Park is situated atop the Transbay Transit Center and the city streets below. It is a 5.4-acre greenspace, a living roof that provides a calm beautiful space above the hustle and bustle below. Visitors have the option of taking elevators, escalators or even a gondola up to the park. All options are free. The gondola is certainly fun, but so is the 4-story escalator beneath a towering oculus. Do both.
Within the park, a walking trail takes you through a bamboo grove, as well as 600 trees from around the world that share the Bay Area's Mediterranean-like climate. There is even a small grove of young Californian Redwood Trees. Lawns and benches provide places to sit, the amphitheater provides concert / performance space, and there are open gathering places for group activities.
Just for fun, along the northern edge of the walking path there is a line of water geyser fountains that are activated by sensors every time a bus passes through the transit center. The geysers spurt water following the speed and motion of the unseen buses below.
The park towers above street level and skyscrapers tower above the park, creating a stunning backdrop. This park is yet another example of San Francisco beautifully meeting a long-held requirement for greatness.
Take a walk with Birkenstock.
