McLaren Park

San Francisco’s McLaren Park, near to the Visitacion Valley, is its third largest park. The park, which is named after John McLaren, famously known as the “grandfather of Golden Gate Park”, has had notorious reputations for its unsafe and criminal-prone activities taking place inside the premises. But later municipal investments, increased staffing and on-site Ranger station have led to better facilities and a safer environment.

The park succeeds in administering recreational hubs for all kinds of activities- six playgrounds, five picnic areas, tennis and basketball courts, soccer field, baseball diamond, swimming pool, a golf course, a community club-house, a dog-specific play area and an amphitheatre- Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre. McLaren Park is abode to long-stretching trails, isolated hideaways, and scenic reservoir, lake and marsh which offer angelic views of the East Bay and San Bruno mountains. The most enjoyable experience of the park remains picnicking and barbequing with its seventy-five picnic tables and several barbeque grills. The picnicking and hiking experience becomes pleasant with the presence of natural vegetation and wildlife- Red Shouldered Hawk, American Coot, Fox Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Anna’s Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, Purple Finch, and Lazuli Bunting.