There's a park renaissance happening in the City and if you require proof, look no further than India Basin Waterfront Park.
A ton of money has been well spent to turn what was a scrappy industrial waterfront site into a destination. Here, you'll find artfully landscaped (and maintained) paths that loop down towards the water. Along the waterfront, an enormous, clean, concrete platform is stenciled with art and filled with Adirondack chairs and tables. This space can be reserved and given the sunny weather that can often be found here, it should be. A dock extends out into the bay with more seating. A plethora of well-maintained public restrooms have been added to the site along with, on the upper level, a small museum in the old shipbuilder's house as well as a weekend dining pop-up in the "Food Pavilion", featuring a new chef each month.
A big (closed on my visit) building on the site is the place where they teach kids to build boats then get them on the water. Swimming lessons are also provided for community members and the little museum lends life jackets for the asking.
Within the next couple of years the park here will expand exponentially (the plans can be seen in the museum). They'll include a full-size basketball court, walking paths, a ramp that ends at a clean beach and a whole lot more.
But what's here now should be enough to get you there. I wished only that I'd come with a book or a game as those tables and chairs were a perfect place in which to let a sunny afternoon pass. Because I'd brought neither, I settled for a big bowl of Chicken and Sausage Gumbo ($20), prepared by that week's chef. I enjoyed it at the tables up top, then sat around enjoying the big swinging seats they've installed, with gorgeous water views.
This newish, continually improving park is worth experiencing. This waterfront will be reclaimed and what's there now provides an excellent taste of what's to come.
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