San Francisco Launches Cityside Park on Treasure Island, A New Bayfront Era Begins

A New Chapter for Treasure Island

For years, residents of San Francisco have gazed across the bay at the ongoing construction on Treasure Island. However, for many, that was as close as they ever got to experiencing its transformation. On Saturday, the city unveiled a brand-new park and extended an invitation for everyone to come and witness the latest chapter in this ever-evolving piece of San Francisco history.

Since its creation, Treasure Island has experienced constant change, much like the city itself. On Saturday morning, with strong winds blowing from the bay, Rose Low, who lives nearby on Yerba Buena Island, described the new Cityside Park as just another shift in a city that is continually reborn.

"The view is just spectacular," she said, looking out over the Bay. "This is the perfect place to have put it, because it's not obstructed by anything. You have a clear view. You get to see the whole city. You get to see the Golden Gate. You've got the wind that we love! It's the perfect place!"

Although the opening day began with gray skies, the history of Treasure Island started in black and white, with newsreels from 1939. In one scratchy, monochrome film, the narrator declares, "In historic San Francisco Bay is an inspiring tribute to the achievements of our time!" The film celebrates the Golden Gate International Exposition on man-made Treasure Island, calling it a dream come true.

The entire island was built using fill dirt to host the 1939 San Francisco World's Fair. At the time, it was considered a marvel, and Morton Beebe, now 91, recalls being in awe when he visited as a young child.

"I remember it as a kid, about the age of six. I was here on Treasure Island with my family," he said. "And I can remember coming down the drive here and looking over here at this incredible Treasure Island. It was a beautiful thing. So I remember in '38 and '39 walking about this area, and it's wonderful to come back and see it back alive again."

After the fair ended, World War II began, and the U.S. Navy took over the land as a planning base for the Pacific Theatre. Eventually, the base closed, and the island sat unused for decades, without a clear purpose.

Today, the vision for Treasure Island includes more than just housing. The goal is to build an entirely new community on the island, with the park serving as the first step. The park features picnic tables, barbecues, a large lawn area with chairs and giant pillows for relaxation, and weekly "Off The Grid" food trucks running along its length.

"It's a little bit of a reward, a thank you for the residents who have been early adopters here, so that they get to see the amenities really taking shape," said Chris Meany, who helps lead the Treasure Island Development Authority. "But it's also a welcome to the rest of San Francisco to say Treasure Island is one of the most beautiful parts of the City of San Francisco, and come on out and be with us."

"Today, we are opening a park that captures the spirit of San Francisco," said Mayor Daniel Lurie on Saturday. "A park where you can see our incredible skyline and get the best view of the greatest city in the world."

With that, he cut the ribbon on the latest version of Treasure Island, signaling a vision for what it may become in the future. The six-acre park is just the beginning, with plans to expand it by another 18 acres and extend the entire length of the west side of the island.

Beebe, who remembers the island's past, reflected on all the changes. "You know, it's served so many purposes over the years," he said. "Now, it's a delight to see it become such a gorgeous, peaceful place."