New amenities respond to community, add more exciting elements to already popular park
Contact: media@sfport.com
Delivering on the park’s original vision, the Port of San Francisco today announced the opening of two new child play areas and a new off-leash dog run in Crane Cove Park, adding exciting new elements to the popular waterfront park.
These newest additions complement the many features already in the park, which include a beach with bay access, lawn areas with picnic tables, benches, grills and ample space for gathering. Earlier this year, the YMCA opened its newest San Francisco facility in Crane Cove Park, which also houses Dogpatch Paddle & Kayak, a provider of kayak and paddleboard rentals and classes.
“Crane Cove Park is one of our waterfront’s success stories, and these new play areas make it even better for families looking for a place to bring their kids,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Thank you to the Port and to the community partners who helped bring this to life—this is how we keep delivering the best parks in the country.”
“We have been waiting for this, and I’m thrilled to finally celebrate the opening of two new child play areas and a dog run,” said Supervisor Shamann Walton. “We appreciate the Port’s expansion and offerings at Crane Cove Park. This is an investment in our children, our neighborhoods, and a vibrant community.”
“The Port is excited to deliver these new elements to an already amazing park,” said Michael Martin, Port of San Francisco Acting Executive Director. “Despite an unexpected setback in the funding plan, the Port was able to see through its commitment to the neighborhood’s children, families, and dog lovers. Thank you to the Port staff who carried this project to completion and helped advance the Port’s mission of increasing access and opportunity along the waterfront.”
The three new additions respond to community requests for additional play options:
- The “Rigger’s Yard” is a play area for older children in the existing planting areas at the north end of the park. The yard’s design incorporates elements that reflect the area’s maritime history.
- The “Tot Lot” is for younger children and is located is in a triangular area north of the new Dogpatch YMCA building.
- The off-leash dog run is on the east side of Crane Cove Park in what was previously an undeveloped area. It consists of a fenced-in dog run area, new fencing along the Shipyard, and paving work to create access from the park to the dog run. The off-leash dog run provides space for dog owners to let their dogs off leash and makes the remaining park safer for all users.
Crane Cove Park is a seven-acre waterfront park at 18th and Illinois streets that sits on land converted from its shipbuilding past. The play areas and dog run were planned for the park when it opened in 2020. But those elements had to be put on hold due to budget constraints at the time. Committed to fulfilling the original vision for the park, the Port engaged the nonprofit San Francisco Parks Alliance two years ago to raise funds for the play areas and dog run.
The Parks Alliance ceased operations in 2025 and fell well short of its Port funding commitment. Facing unexpected construction costs, the Port redirected funds from its Southern Waterfront Beautification Fund spending plan to cover the Crane Cove Park shortfall. The Fund is replenished over time from a portion of Port lease revenues in the area and the Port will also redeploy grant funds to deliver on its commitment to these other projects, which range from beautification to infrastructure upgrades.
“I applaud the Port’s dedication to following through on the original vision for the park,” said Orly Friedman, the founder and Head of School at Red Bridge. “In addition, Red Bridge appreciates the Port’s creativity when engaging with the community, including involving local students when selecting colors for the play structures. Our students and children all over the neighborhood will benefit for years to come.”
“As a community partner, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco is honored to celebrate this milestone and congratulate the Port of San Francisco on the opening of the new Children’s Park at Crane Cove,” said Jamie Bruning-Miles, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater San Francisco. “Together-with the Dogpatch YMCA next door, this space is becoming the vibrant community hub we all envisioned for families, youth, and neighbors across the Southeast waterfront."
About the Port of San Francisco
The Port of San Francisco manages 7.5 miles of waterfront that is home to popular destinations and attractions, historic districts, small businesses and robust maritime opportunities. The Port works to advance environmentally and financially sustainable maritime, recreational, and economic opportunities for the City, Bay Area, and California.