The park is eligible for listing in the California Register of Historic Resources for its role as an important cultural space for the Chinatown community and for its association with important events and early development of San Francisco. Portsmouth Square has also served as both a formal and informal public square and gathering space for San Franciscans since the settlement of Yerba Buena was first platted circa Portsmouth Square has served the Chinatown community for more than a century.
The park, located above the Portsmouth Square parking garage, will receive a complete renovation with funding from the Health and Recovery Bond. The design is the result of a robust community engagement and participatory design process, is reflective of the significance of the neighborhood, and addresses programmatic challenges unique to Chinatown.
The renovated park will include the following community-identified priorities:. The project will be largely funded through developer impact fees and the Health and Recovery bond. The current identified funding sources include:.
Portsmouth Square has served as a backdrop to some of the most important moments in city and state history, including:. The existing terraced site includes:. Project Objectives. The Recreation and Park Department has identified the following objectives for this project:.
Align Park Renovation with Community Input. Maximize Park Cohesiveness and Usability. Create a Safe and Secure Park and Streetscape.
