Over two sunny Saturdays in April, something pretty magical happened at FACES Bayview. From plastic to plantastic, the space was transformed—swapping out plastic and rubber for a vibrant, natural play area powered by community spirit, creativity, and helping hands.
In collaboration with Rebuilding Together San Francisco, a fantastic crew of more than 65 volunteers showed up ready to make a difference.
Volunteers added natural log features for climbing, balancing, and imaginative play, along with a cozy “nest” space where kids can gather, relax, and enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation.
More than 200 native plants—generously donated from surplus stock at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy’s Marin Headlands Nursery—now fill the yard with texture, color, and fresh scents. These plants don’t just look beautiful—they support biodiversity and invite pollinators, bringing a little wild magic into the space.
Volunteers built four brand-new picnic tables and refreshed ten others—perfect for snacks and crafts. The playhouse got a bright makeover, an older structure from 2021 was spruced up, and the sandbox was filled with fresh, clean sand.
FACES has long been a cornerstone in the Bayview community, supporting families through early childhood education and after-school programs. The Bayview center serves 78 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and up to 90 children in its afterschool programs. This refreshed outdoor space means even more opportunities for kids to explore, imagine, and just be kids.
Spending time in nature during early childhood isn’t just fun—it’s essential. Natural play environments help children build creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills. They encourage movement, reduce stress, and spark curiosity about the world around them. Spaces like this give kids the chance to connect with nature early on, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
A huge shoutout to the incredible volunteers who made it all happen, including teams from Swinerton, Munden Fry Landscape Associates, Skanska, Fifth Space, Feldman Architecture, CK Construction, and Clark Construction. You brought the energy and made a real difference.
These transformations were made possible through the Connecting Children with Nature program, created by the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) with funding from the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood (DEC), and in collaboration with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and San Francisco Children & Nature. The program brings together public and private partners, community volunteers, and in-kind donations of natural materials—including logs and stumps from Golden Gate Park and the Presidio—to create inspiring outdoor spaces for children.
Thank you again to Rebuilding Together San Francisco and everyone who helped make this space brighter, greener, and full of possibility—and to the FACES team for inspiring the next generation of kids to grow up in nature.