We all love Golden Gate Park and Dolores Park, but did you know San Francisco has over 220 parks and open spaces? Curbed SF wants to bring fame and glory to some of the smaller, lesser-known parks, and we're doing so with our series Park Life. Each week we'll spotlight a different San Francisco park or open space, and bring you all the details you need to plan a visit.
If you've ever passed by Fay Park in Russian Hill and thought it was just someone's private backyard, that's exactly what it used to be. In 1998, the Berrigan family donated the yard designed in 1957 by landscape starchitect Thomas Church to the city as a public park.
Where it's located: In Russian Hill, at the corner of Leavenworth and Chestnut Streets (it's only open 10am-4pm daily).
What it features: The park was designed as a formal garden, so it has stairs and ramps that connect different levels within the garden, lots of ornamental trees and flowers, two gazebos, and benches overlooking the level below. The garden light fixture was once a street lamp in Copenhagen.
How to get there: The 30, 41, 45, and 47 buses all get within a few blocks, but you'll have to walk a little bit. Same with the Powell-Hyde cable car.
Dogs allowed?: The park is owned by the Recreation and Park Department, so dogs are allowed on leash. But there's not a ton of space to romp around, so it probably won't be your dog's favorite.
Don't Miss: In 2005, renovations improved public access and restored elements of Church's garden design.
All photos courtesy of The Cultural Landscape Foundation.
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