In Chan Kaajal Park facts for kids
In Chan Kaajal Park is a public park located in the Mission District of San Francisco, USA. You can find it north of 17th Street, between Folsom and Shotwell Street.
This park opened in June 2017. It was the first new park built in San Francisco in over ten years! Its creation was a big win for the local Latino and Indigenous communities in the Mission District. They had worked hard for many years to make this park happen.
The park's name, "In Chan Kaajal," was chosen by a community vote. It means "My Little Town" in the Yucatec Maya language. Sometimes, you'll see it written as "In Chan Kaajal (Mi Pueblito)," which includes its Spanish translation. This name shows the strong connection to the Mayan American community in San Francisco. Many Mayan people moved here from the Yucatan region of Mexico starting in the 1990s. They mostly settled in the northern Mission and Tenderloin areas.
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What Can You Do at In Chan Kaajal Park?
In Chan Kaajal Park has many cool features for everyone to enjoy.
Fun for All Ages
- There's a fun playground where kids can play and explore.
- Adults can use the outdoor gym equipment to stay active.
- The park also has a special community garden. This garden is designed to use less water, which is great for the environment.
- You'll find greenhouses too, where plants can grow.
- In the center of the park, there's a small stage. This stage is perfect for public performances and community events.
Remembering Mission Creek
An interesting water feature in the park helps us remember Mission Creek. This creek used to flow right through the area where the park is now. The interactive water installation lets you learn about the creek's history.
Art in the Park
Look closely at the fence around the park! You'll see beautiful drawings by artist Carmen Lomas Garza. She created pictures of a California condor and a great blue heron. These artworks were specially asked for by the San Francisco Arts Commission.
How the Park Was Built
In Chan Kaajal Park was built on what used to be a parking lot. The project cost about $5.2 million.
Planning the Park
The idea for the park started way back in 2008. City groups worked together with a local community organization called PODER. PODER stands for "People Organizing to Demand Environmental and Economic Justice." They also partnered with different neighborhood groups. Everyone worked together to plan and create the park.
New Homes Nearby
Right next to the park, there's a new building project. In 2019, construction began on 127 new homes. These homes are designed to be affordable, helping more people live in the area.
