New Outdoor Recreation Area Approved for Richmond Senior Center

The 5,000-square-foot space will feature fitness equipment, seating, and more for seniors in Golden Gate Park.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission unanimously approved the conceptual design for a new outdoor recreation area behind the Richmond Senior Center in Golden Gate Park. The $1.075 million project, funded by a 2020 bond measure, will create a 5,000-square-foot space with exercise equipment, seating, and other amenities tailored for senior citizens.

Why it matters

The new recreation area will complement the existing facilities and programs at the decades-old Richmond Senior Center, providing an expanded outdoor space for seniors to stay active, connected, and engaged in the community. The project also includes ADA-compliant pathway improvements to make the area more accessible.

The details

The new recreation area will feature five pieces of stationary exercise equipment designed to accommodate up to 20 users at once, as well as four benches, four chairs, and one picnic table. The equipment and seating will be partially shaded by a trellis, and the exercise surface will be made of a Corkeen material to support activities like dance, Tai Chi, yoga, and Zumba. Strips of low-maintenance grass and mulch will line the perimeter.

  • The planning for this project began in 2024.
  • Community meetings and surveys were held through 2025.
  • Former District 1 Supervisor Sandra Fewer initially secured $50,000 in funding from the City's General Fund to plan and design the project.
  • Current District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan later secured $1 million from the 2020 SF Health and Recovery Bond for construction.
  • Construction is anticipated to begin in August 2026, with completion targeted for November 2026.

The players

San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission

The government agency that unanimously approved the conceptual design for the new outdoor recreation area.

Sandra Fewer

The former District 1 supervisor who first suggested the project and secured initial funding.

Connie Chan

The current District 1 supervisor who secured $1 million in additional funding from a 2020 bond measure.

Daniel Montes

The communication manager for the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department.

Richmond Senior Center

The decades-old community center in Golden Gate Park that will be getting the new outdoor recreation area.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've been waiting a very long time, since (former District 1 supervisor) Sandra Fewer first suggested it and we're very excited. The Senior Center itself is decades old. There's no real room for it to be expanded inwardly. So, this outside area is going to be so exciting for us to access.”

— Anonymous Caller (San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission Meeting)

“This project will create a vibrant outdoor space at the Golden Gate Park Senior Center that will expand the programming area and make it even easier for neighborhood seniors to stay active, connected and mentally engaged.”

— Daniel Montes, Communication Manager, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (Email)

What’s next

Construction is anticipated to begin in August 2026, with completion targeted for November 2026.

The takeaway

The new outdoor recreation area at the Richmond Senior Center will provide a much-needed expansion of programming and activity space for the decades-old facility, helping local seniors stay active, engaged, and connected to their community.