History
of John McLaren and his park
 

 

"Our people need this breathing space"

This area was once home to small bands of Ohlone and Miwok peoples. Around a century ago, small “truck farms” provided food for restaurants and markets, from root crops to fruit to eggs and chickens. San Francisco’s burgeoning population in the early 1920’s sent development further to the southern edge of the City, and the Excelsior, Portola, Visitacion Valley, and other districts replaced the open farmland and scattered homesteads. At one point, there were plans drawn up to make the entire area a suburban housing development.

Ranching in McLaren Park area, 1920s

Source: San Francisco Public Library
San Francisco History Collection.

 

 

In response, a popular movement developed to reserve some local parkland aside for recreation, restoration, and the general enjoyment of future generations.  The campaign’s slogan was “Our People Need This Breathing Space.” The hard-fought measure failed by a few hundred votes, but the Board of Supervisors decided to acquire land piecemeal for the park. The park was dedicated in 1927 by John McLaren himself, who wished that it would be a place of “unspoiled alpine joy in the City”.  Boy Scouts planted trees, and WPA crews built trails, installed picnic areas, and added the first basic infrastructure.

There were quite a few disputes over the various land acquisitions for the new park.  The historical record includes letters from land owners to the mayor and vice-versa in curt tones concerning the unfairness or necessity of it all. Some of this land was in legal limbo for decades as lawsuits and political wrangling slowly unfolded, until the park was finally consolidated into what we have today.

A video from Friends of McLaren Park


 

 

McLaren Park is one of the largest urban parks in San Francisco, but remains largely undiscovered by residents. Franco Mancini shows the history and highlights of the park. Grapefruit Ed provides the music during Jerry Day at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater.

Originally broadcast as part of "City In Focus" on SFGTV. Produced by Greg Burk, video by Rich Bartlebaugh.

Poster from 1927 campaign
to establish McLaren and other parks

1928 Bond Poster
Source: San Francisco Public Library
San Francisco History Collection.

McLaren Park area looking east, 1920s

Source: San Francisco Public Library
San Francisco History Collection.

McLaren Park area looking west, 1920s

Source: San Francisco Public Library
San Francisco History Collection.

Aerial view of McLaren Park , 1958

Source: San Francisco Public Library
San Francisco History Collection.

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