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Sneak Peak at what could be
Terry Francois Blvd. & Pier 66


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  Blue Greenway Loops

Ferry Building to Ballpark Loop

We begin our adventure at a San Francisco waterfront treasure. The 1898 Ferry Building re-opened in 2003 after undergoing a lengthy renovation and retrofitting process, and is now a mustsee destination. With nearly 40 shops and three main restaurants, the Ferry Building offers a variety of eating and shopping options for residents and visitors alike. Be sure to check out the renowned Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, open year-round on Tuesdays (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and Saturdays (8 a.m. - 2 p.m.).

Head south along the Embarcadero, and don't miss the stunning views of the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island across the Bay. Check out the quirky Claes Oldenburg "Cupid's Bow" sculpture at Rincon Park. A perfect place for a picnic or to grab some grub at one of the waterfront burger joints.

Continue south to AT&T; Park, home of the San Francisco Giants from March to October. You can catch a couple of innings free of charge along the Bay Trail promenade which provides a glimpse of right field. View the many kayakers in McCovey Cove who hang out hoping to catch a homer. The Bicycle Coalition has a free bike locker on game days.


Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
Trail Surface & Conditions: Wide, flat sidewalks adjacent to bike lanes on busy streets
Points of Interest: Ferry Building, Rincon Park, Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, Red's Java House, South Beach Marina, South Beach Park, SBC Stadium, Lefty O'Doul Bridge.
Access: MUNI, BART, and Ferry service to Embarcadero. Limited parking is available at the Ferry Building and along Embarcadero. Bike rentals are available at the Bike Hut at Pier 40.


AT&T; Park to Islais Creek Loop

The Blue Greenway begins here as you cross Lefty O'Doul Bridge over Mission Creek and enter the southern waterfront, an overlooked gem of the city, with a rich maritime industrial history, warm weather, and beautiful bay views. The Blue Greenway is a work in progress - you can help to make this recreational trail a reality by advocating for the implementation of San Francisco's Southeastern Bay Trail. Journey along this working waterfront, heading south down Terry Francois Blvd. past the developing Mission Bay neighborhood and Agua Vista Park. Public restrooms are available at the Ramp Restaurant (as well as a privately maintained park and live salsa dancing on summer weekends).

Turn left on to Illinois St. Warm Water Cove Park is located on the left at the end of 24th St. Proceed south to Cesar Chavez and turn right. Take a quick left at 3rd St. and cross the bridge over Islais Creek. Islais Landing Beach and Kayak Launch is located on the right. Take a peek at the large public art structure overlooking the bay. Across the Creek you'll see the skateboarders that claim Islais Promenade as their home turf.


Distance: 5 miles round trip.
Trail Surface & Conditions: Segments with and without bike lanes; train tracks; busy streets with car and truck crossings; requires way finding.
Points of Interest: McCovey Cove Park, Pier 52 Info Kiosk, Santa Fe Railroad Ferry Peir, Bayview Boat Club, Agua Vista Park, Ramp Restaurant, Pier 70, Irish Bank Serpentine Rock, Warm Water Cove Park, Islais Promenade, Islais Landing. Suggested Side Trip - Pier 70: Turn left at 21st St. and head into Pier 70, a historic industrial site and home to San Francisco's Dry Docks. Although relatively abandoned today, the Dry Dock industry once employed 30,000 people. At the end of Pier 70, the Noonan Building houses several artist studios. They host open studios in the spring and fall.
Access: Parking and access to the trail are available along the entire length of the site. MUNI access along 3rd St. will be available Fall 2005.


India Basin Loop (Islais Landing to the Shipyard)


Leaving Islais Landing, head East along Cargo Way to the Bay. At the end of Cargo Way you'll reach a restored wetland, Heron's Head Park (see next section). The park includes a completed portion of the Bay Trail along the coast around the PG&E; Power Plant. Or take a right at Jennings St. and left at Hunter's Point Blvd. You'll find India Basin Shoreline Park with public art, barbeque pits, picnic tables, and a fabulous playground. Veer left onto Innes Ave. and continue south. The building at 900 Innes is the historic Shipwrights Building that was home to early San Francisco shipbuilding, including the construction of Jack London's boat, the Alma. At the end of Fitch St. on your left is India Basin Open Space, a restored wetland and natural area maintained by the Recreation and Park Department where you'll find a walking trail and benches along the waterfront. You'll encounter the entrance to the Hunters Point Shipyard at the end of Innes. Access to the Shipyard is restricted but is home to the Hunters Point Art Studios, one of the largest art communities in the U.S. with open studios held in the Spring and Fall.


Distance: 6 miles round trip.
Trail Surface and Conditions: No bike lanes along Cargo Way but the street is quite wide and plenty of room for cyclists. Once you get to Heron's Head Park the Bay Trail is hard-packed sand, and is not paved to the Indian Basin Shoreline Park. The trail is narrow and the winds can get quite strong along the shore, so watch your balance! Segments with and without bike lanes around India Basin.
Suggested Side Trip - Amador St. Loop to Pier 94 Wetlands: From Cargo Way, take left on Amador St. This trip is recommended for weekends only due to heavy truck traffi c. Continue past the various industrial buildings to Pier 94's Wetland Preserve maintained by the Port Authority and the Audubon Society. Enjoy stunning views of the Bay, Oakland, and a look for numerous bird species.
Access: Parking and access to the trail are available along the entire length of the site. MUNI access along 3rd St. will be available Fall, 2005.


Heron's Head Hike

Named for its shape when viewed from the air, Heron's Head Park provides a wonderfully remote hiking experience enjoyed by area residents and urban explorers. Begin in the parking area at the end of Cargo Way in the Hunters Point neighborhood. Follow the gravel pathway to the eastern side along the edge of an emerging shorebird habitat. This hike provides a fi rsthand view of a wetland restoration project being orchestrated by non-profit group, Literacy for Environmental Justice and their team of youth park stewards. Interpretive signs tell the story of the flora and fauna that have reclaimed the area.

Distance: 1.5 miles round trip.
Trail Surface & Conditions: Gravel trails.
Points of Interest: NorCal Recycling Plant, Hunters Point Power Plant, India Basin Shoreline Park.
Access: Trail access begins at the end of Cargo Way near Jennings St.


Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

This area of the Bay Trail is currently isolated from the waterfront trail due to the ongoing clean-up and future construction of the Shipyard. The Blue Greenway team is advocating for a continuous trail to be developed that will create a unified bike trail along the Southern waterfront.

This former landfill in a remote corner of San Francisco is the site of California's first urban state park with expansive lawns, picnic areas, a fishing pier, and breathtaking views. Begin at the eastern park entrance and follow the paved trail around the perimeter of the park. Shorebirds gather along the windy stretch of shoreline to feed in the mudflats. Venture out to Candlestick Point for views east across the Bay and south to San Bruno Mountain. A gravel path wraps around the southern edge of the park and ends near Highway 101. This is a popular destination for windsurfers and anglers. Keep an eye out for news of the Yosemite Slough Restoration Project currently underway which will extend the park trail system.


Distance: 2 miles round trip.
Trail Surface & Conditions: Paved and gravel trails.
Points of Interest: Candlestick Point, Monster Park Stadium, Red Brick- Beach.
Access: Parking is available at the eastern park entrance located off Hunters Point Expressway across from Monster Park.


Neighborhood Parks Council wishes to thank the San Francisco Foundation, the
Evelyn & Walter Haas Jr. Fund and the Hellman Family Foundation for their
generous support of the Blue Greenway.
415-621-3260 • 451 Hayes Street, 2nd Floor, SF, CA 94102
© 2003-2007, All Rights Reserved to The Neighborhood Parks Council