Cityside Park integrates bioswales and diverse native landscaping for ecological restoration

The San Francisco City Council meeting held on July 9, 2025, focused on the ongoing development and maintenance strategies for Cityside Park, particularly its innovative stormwater treatment bioswales and diverse landscaping features.

The meeting began with a detailed overview of the park's design, which includes four bioswales aimed at treating stormwater from the surrounding neighborhood. These bioswales are integrated into distinct ecological sections of the park: coastal terrace, coastal strand, and coastal scrub. Each section is designed to reflect the native character of the Bay Area, promoting biodiversity and ecological health.

Key discussions highlighted the unique characteristics of each section. The coastal terrace, located along the riprap, features salt-tolerant plants that can withstand seasonal dryness. The coastal strand is designed to mimic a natural coastal garden, allowing plants to grow in a more wild and naturalistic manner. The coastal scrub surrounds the bioswales, providing essential understory support and enhancing the park's ecological integrity.

Maintenance strategies were a significant focus, emphasizing the importance of regular pruning, invasive species removal, and seasonal watering to support plant establishment. The council noted that the initial establishment period for these areas is crucial, as the plant communities will evolve and become more visually appealing over time.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the selection of wind-tolerant tree species for the park, which will be monitored by arborists to ensure their health and stability in the exposed coastal environment. Regular canopy pruning will be essential, particularly for eucalyptus and island oak trees scattered throughout the park.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to creating a biodiverse and ecologically focused landscape at Cityside Park. The council plans to continue monitoring the park's development and maintenance to ensure it becomes a cherished community asset.