South San Francisco Breaks Ground on Greener Future for Old Town
Published on May 11, 2026
Community-shaped project will bring new open space, trees, public art, and family friendly amenities to the heart of Linden Avenue
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 8, 2026 - The City of South San Francisco officially broke ground on the future park at Linden Avenue and Pine Avenue and Cultural Plaza this morning, marking a major milestone in bringing much needed park and open space to the Old Town neighborhood.
City leaders were joined by community members and project partners, including Congressman Kevin Mullin and State Parks District Superintendent Chris Spohrer, to celebrate the start of construction at 616 and 700 Linden Avenue. The project is supported by $3.2 million in State funding and an additional $830,000 from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.
“For years, these parcels were planned for housing, but the community made it clear that Old Town also needs places to gather, play, and connect,” said Mayor Mark Addiego. “This new park reflects that vision by creating a welcoming space for children, families, and seniors to enjoy the outdoors together, while also bringing more activity and foot traffic to Old Town’s local businesses, restaurants, bakeries, and markets.”
The future park and cultural plaza were shaped through multiple community engagement events, where residents helped prioritize amenities and refine the design. Once complete, the park will feature playgrounds for children of different ages, accessible fitness equipment, open lawn areas, flexible plaza space for community events and performances, landscaping improvements, more than 30 new trees, and public art elements designed with community input.
“This park is more than just open space; it’s an investment in the health and well-being of the people who make up the Old Town neighborhood,” said Councilmember Eddie Flores of District 5 which includes Old Town. “By adding more trees, landscaping, and open space in the heart of Old Town, we’re helping create a greener, more walkable neighborhood that supports cleaner air, encourages people to spend time outside, and improves quality of life for the families who live here.”
The project will also include 17 parking spaces to support both park users and nearby businesses along Linden Avenue.
A unique feature of the park will be its community-inspired public art. Later this year, residents will have the opportunity to work alongside artist J Muzacz to help construct mosaic elements that will be incorporated throughout the plaza and play areas.
“This project is a great example of what can happen when local, state, and federal partners work together to invest in community spaces,” said Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15). “Families in South San Francisco deserve safe and welcoming places to gather, and I’m proud to support a project that will strengthen quality of life, support local businesses, and create lasting community connections in Old Town.”
City officials also shared that additional community engagement efforts for future improvements to Cypress and Pine Park are expected to begin soon, continuing the City’s investment in Old Town neighborhood amenities and quality of life.
Construction on the park at Linden Avenue and Pine Avenue will continue over the coming months, with the park anticipated to open early next year. Residents can follow the project’s progress at the City’s park projects webpage.
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About the City of South San Francisco
The City of South San Francisco proudly remains The Industrial City, a reflection of its steel mill and ship building past, redefined to reflect the innovative, entrepreneurial, and industrious spirit which has made South San Francisco the Biotech Capital of the World, with nearly 250 active biotech companies and growing. A vibrant community of 66,185 residents with a daytime population of 90,000 workers and visitors, South San Francisco enjoys a high quality of life with an extensive public parks system, active library and learning programming, and a dynamic, engaged community making South San Francisco a great place to live, learn, work, and play.
