Named for the graceful park at its center, the McKinley Square neighborhood is one of 22 founding neighborhoods dating back to the late 1870s. The historical list includes Union Square, Frankin Square, Jackson Square, Golden Gate Park and 17 other San Francisco locations.
McKinley Square is located in San Francisco's District 10 known as Potrero Hill.
McKinley Square Park
McKinley Square Park Foundation
Community Partners with SF Recreation & Parks, SF Parks Alliance, Bayview Police Station, Department of Public Works and Mayor's Office
Welcome to McKinley Square
The main entrance to one of San Francisco's oldest parks is located at 20th and Vermont Streets.
The main staircase leads visitors up to (2) designated park areas (DPAs) which include the children's play areas to the right and the turf DPAs which are located straight ahead.
The turf or grassy DPAs were recently renovated in late 2009 at the cost of 40K according to Recreation and Parks. It was the 4th turf renovation in just 10 years.
The turf DPA is designated as a common space providing for safe enjoyment for all visitors, families and friends. The area is enjoyed by all and includes park activities like picnics, children's play space and exercise. This DPA requires that dogs are leashed at all times for everyone's enjoyment.
Southwest View from McKinley
Western Hillside, walking paths and off-leash dog play areas
McKinley Square -Always the Best Weather!
"This tiny gem of a park is almost always swathed in sunshine" according to SFGate and is famous for San Francisco's best weather. Perched atop Potrero Hill, it offers dizzying views of Twin Peaks, Mount Davidson and even the Golden Gate Bridge.
80% of our park is legally designated for off-leash dog play and open spaces. This provides over 4 acres of open space for everyone. There are 3 main entrances to these DPA areas.
We have one entrance located along the 800 block of Vermont St. This entrance also provides a dedicated ADA ramp and handicap parking space along the 800 block of Vermont St. just south of the main entrance at 20th.
Another entrance to this DPA is located at 20th St. and San Bruno Ave. This entrance is known as the western hillside paths and official "off leash" dog play area. There is plenty of parking and this entrance. The area is level at sidewalk grade for park visitors and families.
Finally, we have an additional hidden staircase located at the southern edge of our park located along the 900 block of Vermont Street at 21st. This "curvy" stretch of Vermont Street is also known historically as the "Crookedest" street in San Francisco. It beats Lombard by an additional curve.
Historically, this area of McKinley Square and Vermont Street has been known as "Twisty Hill" dating back to 1856. More recently this are at the base of Vermont Street is known as the "enclave".
All of the western hillside areas have recently been upgraded thanks to Recreation and Parks, local volunteers and park partnerships like the Arc of San Francisco. See our community update section for more on this topic.
The park is open from 6:00am to 10:00pm everyday.
"This tiny gem of a park is almost always swathed in sunshine" according to SFGate and is famous for San Francisco's best weather. Perched atop Potrero Hill, it offers dizzying views of Twin Peaks, Mount Davidson and even the Golden Gate Bridge.
Looking north, you can gaze down at bustling downtown. A beautiful park cresting Potrero Hill, which means you can alternately play in the playground there or just stand and take in the surrounding cityscape.
A patch of green grass just outside the playground is nice for families to picnic, kick around a ball or playing tag.
Clinging to the rugged downward slope the off-leash dog area, fenced off from Highway 101 and accessible at San Bruno Ave. at 20th Street.
A well-used children's playground, a grassy picnic area and a lovingly tended community garden lush with flowers and vegetables complete the picture.
Please send us an email with your comments and request for more information.
