Joe DiMaggio Playground Park — Attraction in San Francisco

I love this place. The play ground and basket ball. I swim in Texas and de used to swim in the pool here.

I got into the Cool pool with the slow swimmers. There is a lot of people swimming and it is not what I am used to. So maybe my review is lacking

We swam in a circle in an extra wide lane. That meant having to look up about 2 or 3 times while swimming to make sure to not bump into others.

Most people are Olympic Swimmers here and flouncing through the water doing the butterfly and breast stroke. They are professionals and it seems little focused on an old lady just getting some exercise by swimming laps. It is too much need to interact with all the other swimmers. I am spoiled maybe and prefer to just swim and not dodge duck and negotiate my next lap. Dare you take a brake between laps and disrupt the circle.

The showers have a sign posted to only take a 2 minutes shower. There is no dry spot or place to set shampoo or towel except the floor. No dry spot and military style showers. For sure I am spoiled that I at least have a hook to hand a bag for my care products. Which is a comb, shampoo and conditioner. There is no soap in the shower at all. It is meant to just rinse and run

There is a salad spinner to tinge the water from your suit which is rare and super useful.

There is no towel service. You must bring a deep hinged pad lock and the receiving parts of the locker are think and bulkier than most. Do t plan to actually shower here. Be ready for Wilde professional swimmers who dominate the lanes.

When I looked at the schedule posted it showed the pool is open for lap swim at a certain time. I came 15 early to dress, shower off and get in. I tried the door and could see people swimming. It was locked. I thought maybe I didn’t push enough so I tried the door a second time. Then just stepped back and another person came to wait for the door. He told me it doesn’t open until the exact time even though it is midday.

A woman came in her towel and wet and angrily stated it is their lunch time and they need lunch too ya know.

I tried to explain I didn’t know and thought the door would be open prior to swim time. I apologized but it felt creepy.

So to the employees take your lunch but maybe post that the doors are looked during lunch and post your lunch time so people have a clue. None of the sort was in the schedule posted. It is a simple thing to do to communicate your needs which the public is sure to understand.

The facility is great and the people who work there are lovely. I however will be swimming in the...

North Beach Playground History

I've lived in North Beach for over two decades. Back then, the playground's official name was "North Beach Playground," and it was a bit behind on maintenance. Then, when the great Joe DiMaggio passed away, the city decided to rename it. The story goes that the Hall of Famer's estate did not take kindly to the fact that his name was associated with a rundown playground. So in 2005, the city completed a $7.5 million renovation and significantly improved the facilities.

The park is a great place for all in the neighborhood. Families can bring their kids and take advantage of the kids' playground. There are tennis, basketball, and Bocce courts, a public pool, and a multi-use community building with table tennis tables available for all.

Many people might not know that Joe DiMaggio grew up in North Beach and played baseball in the very same area where the playground now stands. His legacy and connection to the community made the renaming and renovation even more meaningful. The park is a recreational space and a tribute to the iconic baseball legend who became a local hero.

The playground is also home to some interesting public art pieces, including murals depicting scenes from DiMaggio’s life and career. This adds a unique cultural and historical layer to the park, making it a place for physical activities and a spot for reflection and appreciation of local history.

Moreover, the playground is beautifully integrated into the North Beach community, surrounded by charming cafes, bakeries, and historic landmarks. It's a place where you can feel the vibrant spirit of the neighborhood, whether you're taking a stroll or engaging in a friendly game of Bocce.

The Joe DiMaggio Playground is truly a gem in the heart of North Beach, blending history, culture, and recreation in a way that enriches the lives of all who visit. Whether you're a local or just passing through, it's definitely worth a visit to experience its unique charm and...

a review from @amom2kidsandapark

Located right along the cable car line, this fun play area with rec opportunities is a perfect addition to a SF day plus it’s walking distance from Fisherman’s Warf. Along with the shiny play structure and fun playground elements, this park has a full and two half basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, four square, bocce ball courts, an indoor swimming pool, and a library. The play area is completely gated in inside the already gated in park (double security for the runners 😅). There is a huge climbing dome with sideless bottomless slide, a climbing merry-go-round, a spinning cup, bucket swings, a swinging meets teeter-totter (so much fun!), and a mosaic fish sculpture that you can climb in and on. The play structure is on a higher level of the play area and is accessible by a ramp or amphitheater-style steps has two slides (a spiral and a double), steps, ladders, a sliding pole, a bridge, activities, a small and climbing wall. The double slide is long and goes from the structure through the amphitheater-style steps to the lower level of the playground. Nearly all of the flooring at this park is astroturf. There are bathrooms....