UN Plaza  / San Francisco

The UN Plaza in San Francisco has a notable history as a site for public events and community involvement. Recently, however, this downtown area has encountered difficulties, including an increase in crime, drug-related problems, and general safety concerns, especially near City Hall. To address these issues and rejuvenate the location in anticipation of the APEC conference, City officials proposed the development of a street-style skate park near the Plaza’s BART entrance, led by Verde Design. This project involved constructing a podium that required the removal of brick pavers while maintaining accessibility for non-skaters. The design also seeks to optimize the space for skaters, which presented a unique planning challenge. Due to the pressing timeline, we collaborated with consultants, including Zach Wormhoudt and Riz Gache Design, to aid in the skate park’s design. To improve safety for BART station users below, decorative panels were installed along the existing railing to prevent skateboards from causing any accidents.

The design of the skate park was influenced by local skating elements found throughout the City, leading to a swift coordination with consultants and the creation of a construction document package within two months following the initial site visit. Adjustments to the design were made in real time, incorporating feedback from local skate groups to refine the layout. Additionally, the City aimed to enhance the Plaza’s active recreation offerings by including an adjacent exercise space equipped with outdoor fitness equipment and a designated area for workout classes. Construction commenced in October and was completed within a month in downtown San Francisco. As highlighted during the well-attended ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Mayor, the rapid completion of this City project within a single calendar year is a remarkable achievement. The project has since revitalized the area and is celebrated as a significant contribution to the rejuvenation of UN Plaza and the City itself.