Presidio Trust Launches Outpost Meadow Public Space
Nearly three years after the grand debut of the Presidio Tunnel Tops—a transformative parkland that reclaimed urban space atop the Presidio Parkway tunnels—the Presidio Trust has unveiled its latest addition: the Outpost Meadow picnic area. On July 17, civic leaders, park officials, and community members gathered to cut the ceremonial ribbon on this lush, family-oriented expansion, reinforcing the Presidio’s role as one of San Francisco’s premier destinations for outdoor recreation, nature appreciation, and community connection.
The Outpost Meadow occupies 1.5 acres adjacent to the beloved Outpost playground and the Field Station discovery lab, areas that have already captivated millions of visitors since the Tunnel Tops first opened in July 2022. This new addition is more than just extra green space—it is a thoughtfully designed, environmentally integrated, and socially inclusive venue intended to serve the evolving needs of the public.
Designed with Purpose, Built for People
Field Operations—the renowned landscape architecture firm behind New York City’s celebrated High Line—led the design of Outpost Meadow. Their approach took cues from the original community-led planning process for Presidio Tunnel Tops, which solicited input from thousands of residents across the Bay Area. The result is a space that merges aesthetic beauty with functionality, weaving in amenities that support diverse user groups, from families and school groups to tourists, bicyclists, and locals looking for a scenic lunch spot.
At the heart of the new meadow is a spacious, sun-drenched lawn encircled by native gardens, shaded seating, and inviting walkways. Up to 240 people can now gather at new wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, which were arranged with universal design principles in mind. Some tables come equipped with BBQ grills, and most are nestled under wooden shade structures that offer protection from the midday sun. All tables are currently available on a first-come, first-served basis, but a reservation system for a portion of the tables will launch in fall 2025, based on community input.
Additionally, the Outpost Meadow is within a short walk of the Presidio Pop Up food trucks, making it a convenient and family-friendly lunch destination. Scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands in the distance further enhance the meadow’s appeal, offering a quintessential San Francisco park experience.
Responding to Demand, Expanding Joy
Since opening in 2022, the Presidio Tunnel Tops has attracted more than five million visits, far surpassing early projections. Its popularity as a gathering place for residents and tourists alike underscores the growing demand for inclusive, well-maintained urban parks that offer more than passive green space. Families in particular have found the area invaluable, with its hands-on discovery lab, natural playground, and youth programming initiatives.
Jean Fraser, CEO of the Presidio Trust, emphasized the significance of this expansion:
“The public loves Presidio Tunnel Tops, and they’ve told us they want more,” Fraser said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “So, we’re giving them more—more picnic tables, more bike parking, more BBQ grills, more shade, and more room for parents to relax while kids explore the Outpost playground. Outpost Meadow is about increasing the joy of being outdoors in the Presidio.”
The expansion is part of the Trust’s broader mission to create welcoming outdoor environments that are physically, culturally, and economically accessible to all. Guided by principles of equity, sustainability, and community collaboration, the Outpost Meadow enhances the park’s ability to host educational events, picnics, seasonal festivals, and casual drop-in visits.
Funded by Nature, Supported by the Community
Outpost Meadow was made possible in part by a grant from the California Natural Resources Agency, through its “Outdoors for All” initiative—an ambitious program aimed at expanding nature access to underserved urban populations. This financial support not only funded construction but also emphasized the broader goals of environmental education, health, and inclusivity.
Gloria Sandoval, Deputy Secretary for Access at the California Natural Resources Agency, highlighted the meadow’s role in supporting the state’s environmental justice agenda:
“Ensuring that more Californians can experience the benefits that nature provides is critical to building a healthier California. Outpost Meadow provides meaningful access for urban residents across the Bay Area—exactly the vision the ‘Outdoors for All’ funding was meant to support. And having the iconic Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop is a beautiful bonus.”
Designed for Resilience and Biodiversity
In keeping with the ecological mission of the Presidio Trust, the new meadow goes far beyond recreational amenities. It has been carefully designed to strengthen the area’s environmental resilience, promote biodiversity, and restore native habitats once abundant in this region.
The landscaping includes more than 23,000 native plants, the majority of which were cultivated at the Presidio Nursery, a volunteer-powered greenhouse dedicated to restoring the park’s natural heritage. These native species—many of them drought-tolerant—provide critical habitat for pollinators, birds, and other local wildlife. An additional 4,000 ornamental plants enhance the site’s visual texture while also supporting sustainable water use.
Crucially, the Outpost Meadow’s surfaces are permeable, allowing rainwater to filter into the ground rather than running off into nearby streets and eventually into the San Francisco Bay. This helps reduce urban flooding, recharge groundwater, and keep pollutants out of the delicate marine ecosystem.
Seamless Integration with the Presidio’s Transit and Amenities
Accessibility was a top priority in the planning of Outpost Meadow. Located along Mason Street, the site is easy to reach via multiple public transit options. The Muni 30 provides direct access, while the Muni 43 and the free Presidio GO Shuttle serve the nearby Presidio Transit Center. Cyclists are welcome, with ample bike parking available and nearby Bay Wheels Bike Share stations offering further convenience.
Visitors to the meadow can also explore nearby amenities, including the Presidio Visitor Center, scenic overlooks, and the Tunnel Tops’ accessible walking paths. Restrooms and drinking fountains are conveniently located, and the surrounding areas are equipped with wayfinding signage, making navigation simple for first-time visitors and returning parkgoers alike.
A Living Example of Park Innovation
With the addition of Outpost Meadow, the Presidio Tunnel Tops continues to serve as a national model for what inclusive, sustainable urban park design can look like in the 21st century. It combines natural beauty with human-centered design, ecological awareness with public joy, and strategic infrastructure with spontaneous community interaction.
As San Francisco continues to adapt to growing urban pressures—from housing density to climate resilience—the Presidio and its evolving landscape offer a beacon of what is possible when public agencies, designers, and communities work together. The Outpost Meadow not only fills a need for additional open space but also deepens the emotional and cultural ties between people and the land.
