Original Condition

Planned Completed Project

Nestled on the edge of Lincoln Park, the California Street Steps at 32nd Avenue, date from the early 1900's and are an elegant reminder of San Francisco’s earlier days.  They are a gateway from the surrounding urban neighborhood to the open space of Lincoln Park, Lincoln Park Playground, the golf course, Legion of Honor and Land’s End walk.  They provide a beautiful view and a few benches from which to admire the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco’s downtown skyline and East Bay hills. 

Decades of neglect have resulted in cracked steps, damaged concrete and a wasted landscape that attract nighttime loitering, frequent graffiti and dumping of unwanted items.

The goal of Friends of Lincoln Park is to stop the spiraling decay of this beautiful site by transforming the location with repair of the existing structure, the addition of art tiles, and community attention. The project is planned to occur in phases to allow for fundraising.  Phase 1: top bench wall; Phase 2: midway benches and pillars; Phase 3: stairs.

Friends of Lincoln Park is led by Anna Yatroussis and Meg Autry and has gathered many supporters from various neighborhood organizations and members of the community.  The idea for the California Street Steps Tiling project, came as Ms. Yatroussis, a lifetime resident, walked her children to school via the steps everyday and was struck by the deplorable state of what was once a beautiful respite.  Both have worked tirelessly shepherding this project through grant processing and neighborhood committees. 

Friends of Lincoln Park  was also a critical participant in the renovation of the Lincoln Park Playground, which re-opened in June 2010. The group garnered community support and government attention to fix the once "F" rated, but well used playground. Friends of Lincoln Park acted as a community liaison throughout the process and contributed significantly to the design decisions.