Presidio Tunnel Tops transforms former highway infrastructure into a new civic landscape, reconnecting the historic Main Post of the Presidio to the San Francisco Bay. The project overcomes a long-standing physical and visual barrier created by transportation infrastructure, opening the Presidio to broader public access. Following decades of planning and the removal of an elevated viaduct, cut-and-cover tunnels enabled the creation of new parkland at this critical threshold between city, nature, and waterfront. The design integrates key community amenities—including a transit center, visitor center, campfire circle, youth campus, and play environments—within a landscape shaped by the site’s natural and cultural history. Circulation and landforms are carefully choreographed to frame views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay while maintaining universal accessibility across a 40-foot grade change. Two primary pathways organize the site. The East Esplanade links the Main Post to overlooks along the bay, while the Cliff Walk connects the park to Crissy Field and the Marsh. Together, they create a sequence of spaces for gathering, rest, and exploration, supported by seating and wind-sheltered landforms. Outpost Meadow expands the park’s capacity for community use, with accessible picnic areas, flexible lawns, and amenities that support families and intergenerational activity. Rooted in ecological renewal and material reuse, the park features LEED Gold–certified buildings and landscapes that incorporate reclaimed Monterey cypress and predominantly native plantings. Extensive public engagement helped shape the park’s design and programming. By reclaiming more than six hectares of infrastructure, Presidio Tunnel Tops sets a precedent for sustainable, inclusive urban park design.
