Helen Diller Civic Center Playground — Attraction in San Francisco

There are two playgrounds here. Both have interesting play structures and kids of all ages seem to enjoy what's available. Each is enclosed, but the fences do not comply with state law (California Health and Safety Code, Section 115725). Referencing the playground-related standards set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials, the code requires that "[f]ences surrounding a playground must completely enclose the play space and measure at least 48" high, and the latches of access gates should measure at least 48" high. To prevent children from passing through the fence, the vertical members of the fence should be spaced 4" apart or less." These fences have diamond-shaped openings that measure approximately 18 inches by 42 inches. Children routinely climb through the openings and escape.

Since the day after the playgrounds opened, I have attempted to have the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department correct this problem. They have steadfastly refused to fix it - indeed, they have not even responded to multiple email inquiries, let alone take care of the problem. In mid July 2018 (five months after the playgrounds opened), I spoke at the Recreation and Park Commission's monthly meeting. The commission and Phil Ginsburg, General Manger of the Recreation and Parks Department, have failed to follow up on the matter.

The only response I have received from a party involved in the playgrounds' construction came from Alejandra Chiesa at the Trust for Public Land, the organization that administered the grant from the Diller Family Trust. Ms. Chiesa condescendingly dismissed my concern and shows an utter lack of interest in the state-mandated requirements for children's playground fences. Ms. Chiesa insists the design was community driven and therefore (apparently) flawless. She also told me that guardians are supposed to watch their kids. The design was deliberate. When a child escapes, she just blames the guardian who is obviously a bad mother or father or grandparent or nanny or neighbor or older sibling or friend.

Ms. Chiesa's position is wrong, and it is unacceptable to me that aesthetics subjugated children's safety, regardless of state law. Although Ms. Chiesa and the others involved in the playground design are proud of themselves for their achievement ("a community-driven process"), not a single parent I have spoken to thinks the fences are of any value. Although there was some public input on the playgrounds, it is unfathomable to me that anyone with small children (or a conscience) would deliberately design a fence around a playground that is merely a "suggestion."

Obviously there are incompetent people behind the playground's development, and they are obstinately refusing to correct the mistake. It is inexcusable that they are hiding behind the ruse of public input to justify their poor fence design. Each playground has play structures with large openings that are meant to entice kids to explore (egg-like huts with various sized holes in the south playground; a pipe tunnel in the north playground). The large openings in the fences offer very young children the same invitation - and many of them take advantage of that invitation.

It is interesting to me that the fence has giant holes, but the gates (the only part one is supposed to go through) consist of a solid panel. You can't get through the gates without opening them, but the designers saw no reason to surround the playground with "an impenetrable barrier." They were content with a "visual edge."

To be sure, I am happy that the playgrounds are there. I see many happy children enjoying them throughout the day. But I still don’t think their happiness should be suddenly cut short by fear, trauma or injury simply because some “city beautiful” types are pleased with their...

Not your typical playground. Kids were hesitant to climb the ropes at first but seemed to have a blast once they got the hang of it. The southern spiral rope structure is much harder to climb than the more kid friendly one to the north. Can't tell you if my Baby looks good in blue but the rope structures in this playground surely do. The "Pole Forest" and the interactive floor light display certainly makes it shine and stand out from most...

It's very nice to bring children here. It's close to City Hall, the San Francisco Public Library, the Asian Art Museum, and the courthouse, as well as many other places. It's enclosed, so there is little chance of your little ones escaping when you blink. Only adults who are accompanied by children are allowed in any playground in San Francisco, which helps put one's...