New park unveiled in former Mission parking lot

A new park has opened at 17th and Folsom streets in San Francisco’s Mission District on the site of a former parking lot, the city’s Recreation and Park Department announced.

Named “In Chan Kaajal,” this is the first park in the Mission acquired and built by the department in more than a decade and construction of the park cost $5.2 million, according to park officials.

Mayor Lee said in a statement:

“Where we once had a parking lot, we now have a public space that will be the centerpiece of this neighborhood. What makes this special is that this is a park for the community, designed by the community.”

More than 350 neighborhood residents and dozens of community organizations were involved over many years in design sessions, open houses, street stall displays and public hearings with regard to the park, park officials said.

The park’s name means “My Little Town” in Mayan, honoring Mayan-speaking immigrants from the Yucatan region of Mexico who have made their homes in San Francisco over the last two decades, according to park officials.