BKF Team Members James Dallosta, Erik Moreno, and Jason Wong attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of China Basin Park at the Mission Rock Development in San Francisco. The Mission Rock Development has been transforming the area across from Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, into a mixed-use community accommodating outdoor events, community gatherings, cyclists, innovative workplaces, life sciences, and housing with social amenities. Over 15 years in the making, the project officially opened to the public on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
The grand opening was attended by San Francisco Mayor London Breed, dignitaries, and civic representatives, as well as the daughter of Willie McCovey, former first baseman for the San Francisco Giants, whose statue now stands at the park. China Basin Park marks the successful outcome of a complex land-use deal between the Port, the San Francisco Giants, and the real estate firm Tishman Speyer.
Because China Basin Park encompasses the Bay Trail and extends to McCovey Cove, sustainable design and construction have been cornerstone elements of its planning and development since inception. BKF’s Erik Moreno led the design of the China Basin Park Stormwater Garden, which features an elevated boardwalk over a garden of native plant life. Rooted in sustainable stormwater management, the China Basin Park Stormwater Garden provides stormwater treatment for over 10 acres of the Mission Rock project.
Cleansing of stormwater runoff commences as treatment flows are dispersed across the surface of the Stormwater Garden, which then infiltrates through native plantings and bio-treatment soils that naturally filter runoff before release to the San Francisco Bay. This prominent water feature and complements the beachfront across from the pedestrian and bike trail snaking through the park and enhances the building housing Visa’s future headquarters. James Dallosta summarized the design of the Stormwater Garden, stating:
“The Stormwater Garden represents a holistic approach to resiliency. It reflects China Basin Park’s vision to draw inspiration from its diverse past to create sustainable infrastructure for the future.”
BKF is thrilled to be part of this dynamic, multi-phase project that supports the San Francisco community and visitors alike with sustainable and environmentally conscious growth. This transformative project serves as an example of what future communities aspire to achieve.