San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department

Money Moves

Recipient of the $100 million pledge

San Francisco's parks department is set to get the first $39 million of a $100 million gift from Airbnb chief executive Brian Chesky, the largest single donation the department has received. The money covers five projects, including a South of Market park now due in 2028 instead of 2031 and Sunday hours at the Garfield Square pool.

Updated 2 days ago

Built World

Oversaw the 2026 renovation; courts reopened Oct. 14.

The Nate Thurmond Panhandle basketball courts reopened Oct. 14 after a $100,000 renovation. Crews milled and leveled the asphalt, recoated it in Warriors blue and yellow, and installed new rims and backboards. A hand-painted 42 marks center court for Thurmond, the Hall of Famer the courts are named for.

Updated Oct 25

Built World

Owned the plaza and issued the permit; sculpture removed in October 2026

Crews cut the 45-foot nude figure into nine pieces in mid-October and trucked her to Marco Cochrane's Petaluma warehouse. The steel mesh sculpture, renamed 'I Am' from 'R-Evolution,' had stood at the foot of Market Street since April 2025.

Updated Oct 23

Built World

As of September 2026: Owner of the pavilion since 2023; leased it to Zocalo

A glass-walled cafe on Mission Creek sat empty for 22 years after the city built it as a restaurant space. On Aug. 1, 2026, Zocalo Coffee opened inside, activating a waterfront pavilion that had been vacant since completion.

Updated Sep 7