United Nations Plaza in San Francisco recently reopened after a comprehensive renovation, offering fresh recreational facilities and activities for both locals and tourists in the Civic Center neighborhood, and just 0.3 miles from NEMA. San Francisco's United Nations Plaza, located adjacent to Market Street, is the gateway to City Hall, and at night offers one of the best views of the Civic Center Plaza. Named after the United Nations (UN), whose charter was created in San Francisco, UN Plaza is another city park which displays San Francisco history and culture. UN Plaza has recently debuted with fresh amenities including a street skating plaza, fitness court, and activities for all ages.
San Francisco Recreation and Parks, in partnership with the Civic Center Community Benefit District, Urban Alchemy, San Francisco Public Library, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco Parks Alliance and recreation providers, is transforming United Nations Plaza and the surrounding Civic Center area by activating these public spaces with an array of recreational offerings and amenities.
Mayor London N. Breed and the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department introduced the renovated UN Plaza with its amenities that include an inventive street skating plaza, a fitness court studio, and various activities appealing to all age groups per the City and County of San Francisco news report. The revamped UN Plaza stands as a demonstration of how city spaces can be revamped in a way that fosters a sense of community and promotes healthy activities for everybody.
Hoodline reports, “At the heart of the new UN Plaza is its 13,000-square-foot street skating plaza. It's the first of its kind in the United States. The design was a collaborative effort between local professional skateboarders and skate park advocates, with the plaza featuring elements reminiscent of emblematic skate spots around the city, some of which no longer exist. The skateable pyramid at the center of the plaza is an ode to Paris's Place de la République, showcasing San Francisco's commitment to creating unique, multi-use spaces that are welcoming to both pedestrians and skateboarders.” Designed by skaters, for skaters, this new area includes plenty of ramps, platforms, and edges for skaters to enjoy.
Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department unveiled and opened the skate park. “UN Plaza is at the heart of our Civic Center. I’m thrilled to see how we are bringing new life to this public space,” Breed said. The new Fitness Court Music Studio is a free, open-air wellness center, featuring the Fitness Court 7-minute full body workout system on one side and a second athletic floor for group classes on the opposite side. Created for adults aged 14 and over and with all abilities in mind, Fitness Court workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users also may download the free Fitness Court App which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the world’s best outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience. Rae Studios is currently providing free fitness classes at the Fitness Court.
A variety of game tables invites park visitors to sit down for a friendly chess match; try their hand, or rather, feet, at teqball; or pick up a paddle for a more traditional game of ping pong. All game amenities and equipment are free to use. Breed also said, “This is how UN Plaza should be used for the community for the people who enjoy rec and parks systems.” UN Plaza, Fulton Plaza, and Civic Center Plaza, will host activities seven days a week, including Zumba, dance, yoga, and roller-skating classes.
Other activities and amenities include the Heart of the City Farmers Market at Fulton Plaza, Artisan Gift Gallery at Fulton Plaza, Dog Play Area at U.N. Plaza Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, drop-in soccer at Civic Center Plaza, food court at Civic Center Plaza, coinciding with the Heart of the City Farmers Market and Open Roller Skate at Fulton Plaza. Check out the calendar for a schedule of offerings.
"Great cities consist of great public spaces. The new programming and features at UN Plaza offer something for everyone, and that's by design. Vibrant spaces are made up of all different kinds of people pursuing all kinds of healthy fun," said San Francisco Recreation and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg, acknowledging the wider community impact of the transformed UN Plaza.
Photo Credit: San Francisco Recreation and Park Deportment on Facebook
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