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- Merced Heights Playground Lower Lawn Terrace Renovation/
Merced Heights Playground Lower Lawn Terrace Renovation
Completed and Opened to the Public May 19, 2023!

Scope of Work
We installed a new plaza, pathway, seating, natural lawn and separate synthetic turf dog play area, plantings, and adult exercise equipment. The project included an upgraded, accessible entrance at the field level on Shields Street, as well as accessibility improvements between the lower lawn entrance and Byxbee Street side playground entrance. The site now features a tile mosaic on the wall above the plaza that recognizes specific community members who have invested a lot of time over many years, caring for the park and advocating for its renovation.
Funding
Total project budget: $ 1,670,000 , including:
- $1,329,000 Local Assistance State Grant
- $291,000 General Fund
- $50K 2012 Bond Forestry Program
The construction contract award for this project was approved by Recreation and Parks Commission on February 17, 2022 ( PDF ); Recreation and Parks Commission approved a contract amendment on October 12, 2023 ( PDF ). This construction contract award obtained and complies with all city, state, and federal regulatory approvals, including any that are specific to this project’s funding sources.

Planning , 2019
Design , 2021
Construction contract awarded , February 6, 2019
Construction begins , Early 2022
Open to the Public , May 19, 2023
Get Out and Play!
Thanks for supporting park improvements in your San Francisco parks! To stay informed and involved, we encourage you to subscribe to Rec and Park eNews . If you would like to receive updates about all our active capital improvement projects, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to “Rec Park Improvements | All Project Updates,” or pick-and-choose your subscriptions by project name.
You can also explore Rec and Park volunteer opportunities – We have park needs in every corner of the city and volunteer opportunities that are as diverse as your interests, skills, and abilities. Have fun in your parks, and get out and play!
Project Updates
Embarcadero Park Renovation | Project update, September 2026
We’re excited to share another step forward for the Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation project. On September 17th, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission unanimously approved the naming and donor recognition plan for the…
Read on at sfrecpark.orgRec and Park Commission Gives Final Approval to Embarcadero Park, Art Agnos Plaza Names
Future five-acre waterfront park expected to break ground later this year.
Read on at sfrecpark.orgEmbarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation | REMINDER: Tree Removals begin Monday, Sept. 14
Tree removals will begin on or after September 14, 2026. Once tree work begins, it is expected to last five weeks. Sections of the park and connected pathways will be closed intermittently. Expect construction noise, temporary sidewalk closures, and…
Read on at sfrecpark.orgDocuments and Materials
Commission Materials
- Rec and Park Commission, staff report, March 3, 2021 (PDF)
- Rec and Park Commission, staff report, Merced Heights Playground Renovation – Construction Contract Award, February 6, 2019 (PDF)
Community Meeting Materials
- Herz Playground Community Meeting #2, February 2021 (PDF)
- Herz Playground Community Meeting #1, November 2019 (PDF)
Additional Project Documents
- Merced Heights Playground Lower Lawn Terrace - Concept Design, March 3, 2021 (PDF)