1. Must have parking.
2. Dog-friendly.
3. Updated play area.
4. A nicely maintained grass (not weeds / dirt) lawn
Of course just because a park doesn't meet one or two of my preferences doesn't mean we're never gonna set foot there ever again. It's become fun to explore and try out different places, and perhaps fall in love with one so much that you can make it a weekly habit.
Such is the case with Cayuga Park, a neighborhood park just minutes away from our home. I first noticed this park from up above a few years ago. No, really. The Bart runs right above it and if you're one of those passengers (like me) that claims a window seat each time, then you've probably seen it. I've always wondered what that park was but ever since we moved and no longer needed to take Bart pass Balboa Park station, I forgot about it...until recently.
We went there about a week ago when I saw it again from the train and decided we had to check it out. It's hidden from the main road and the only sign of urban environment you get from inside the park is the sound of a train passing every 5-10 minutes. As described by the SF Rec and Park website: "Cayuga Park is a local favorite of Outer Mission and Cayuga Terrace residents. Tucked away amidst housing, the I-280 freeway, and BART tracks, it is considered to be one of San Francisco’s hidden gems. Perhaps best known for its sculpture gardens, unique trails, and bustling basketball court, the park also offers visitors a clubhouse, children’s playground, tennis court, ball diamond, and multipurpose, turf area." The park has recently been renovated to add modern updates to its old-charm environment. Perhaps the most fascinating thing about the park, however, are the art sculptures done by it's retired and longtime Filipino gardener, Demetrios Braceros. His sculptures have transformed this park into, well, a work of art.
Often times, we drive out of the city and into the suburbs to enjoy their neighborhood parks but in this case, people not living in the city, should make it a point to come visit Cayuga Park. It surely will not disappoint.
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| main entrance |
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| walking trails within the park |
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| playground |
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| sculptures lining the path |
A few notes:
1. Been here 3x already and during those times, parking wasn't an issue. Weekdays, park at the neigborhoods, weekends park along Alemany and take the pathway down.
2. At the entrance it says dogs aren't allowed, yet inside the park it says that all dogs must be on leash. Confusing, yes. But a lot of owners are seen walking their dogs inside (with and without leashes) so its safe to say that dogs are allowed for now.
3. Restrooms are updated - MAJOR PLUS
4. Clubhouse is still not opened to public but starting November, they'll be able to take reservations for events. I already have it as the "front-runner" for Aubrey's 3rd bday venue :)
