On Oct. 19, the India Basin Waterfront Park opened, revealing 10 converted acres of land for recreation and community programming, transformed from a former industrial site. The $200 million project was funded by a group of donors, including the John Pritzker Family Fund and Crankstart.

The park’s price tag largely came from the need for extensive environmental remediation on the former site, complex permitting processes involving multiple agencies and the high cost of waterfront development in San Francisco. Engineers also had to work around sensitive ecological areas that host fish migration and bird nesting.

The India Basin Waterfront Park is the result of years of community-led planning under the Equitable Development Plan (EDP). The EDP is a plan to meet the needs of underserved communities through policies and programs that reduce disparities while fostering spaces that are healthy and vibrant.
Volunteer Alana McGillis feels that the park provides new opportunities for community members.
“We’re doing free community rowing. You can come out and get on a boat with an instructor, and we’ll teach you how to row,” McGillis said.

She was excited about the opportunity for Bayview-Hunters Point residents to take advantage of their local waterways.
“It’s really incredible to see people who live right around the corner [in Bayview-Hunter Point] finally getting to enjoy the waterfront,” McGillis said.
For Elsa Johnson, a senior on the track team, the India Basin Waterfront Park offers more than a scenic escape.

“The [India Basin Waterfront Park] running trail is really nice because you can go through [the park] even if you’re not visiting the park. It’s very big, which is good because there is a lot to do [in the park,]” Johnson said.
She views the park as more than just a recreational space, but an ideal setting for her track teammates to bond, train and connect in a meaningful way.
“I’d definitely recommend [the park.] It would be a great bonding activity [for the track team,]” Johnson said.
While the track was the largest draw to the park, she felt that the breathtaking views of the bay enhanced her experience, leaving a lasting impression and adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
“[The views] added a lot to the vibe. [It] felt like a summer boardwalk, which made the experience even more fun,” Johnson said.

According to San Francisco Recreation & Parks, phase three of the India Basin Waterfront Park construction will begin in the spring of 2025 and will focus on renovating the existing India Basin Shoreline Park. The third phase will also focus on developing communal and recreational areas in the space and easing steep slopes to allow for better access to the park while also creating additional opportunities for the local habitat.