According to sfist.com, SF’s newest park, Bayfront Park, opened on Tuesday next to the Chase Center, incorporating unique elements from the old Bay Bridge. This $32 million park features benches and sculptures made from rusty steel beams salvaged from the disassembled eastern span of the bridge, which was taken down starting in 2014.

Designed by Surfacedesign Inc., the park spans 5.5 acres in a waterfront area that was once a loading dock for Bethlehem Steel. The design team handpicked steel pieces from the bridge during its demolition, adding a rugged charm to the park.

Mayor London Breed highlighted the significance of the park, stating, “With the opening of Bayfront Park, we have reached another exciting milestone in our efforts to create a Mission Bay that is a thriving neighborhood with great open spaces.” While the park's funding came primarily from the Mission Bay Development Group, the Port of San Francisco owns the land.

Future plans for Bayfront Park include a restaurant or concession area. The park also features eco-friendly bioretention systems to manage stormwater and is elevated 14.5 feet above sea level to address rising sea levels.

Bayfront Park joins the newly opened China Basin Park and the recently inaugurated India Basin Waterfront Park, enhancing the vibrant Mission Bay area.

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Source: sfist.com