Washington Square
San Francisco
Washington Square is a park of about one hectare in the North Beach neighborhood. It is one of San Francisco's first three parks and the open-air living room of the Italian neighborhood.
One of the city's first parks
In 1847 this land was chosen as a public square, together with two other blocks. The name honors George Washington, the first president of the United States. In the 1800s people celebrated the Fourth of July here. The streets around the park are Stockton, Filbert, Columbus and Union Street.
The Italian neighborhood
Many families from Italy came to North Beach, many from Genoa and its coast. Lots of men were fishermen and went out to sea every morning. The park hosted the neighborhood's festivals and processions.
A lawn for playing
In 1957 the landscape architect Lawrence Halprin designed the new park; Douglas Baylis finished the work in 1958. In the middle there is a big open lawn. Curving paths with trees and benches run all around it.
The white church
On the north side of the park stands a big white church with two towers, finished in 1924. It is dear to Italian families and to many families from Chinatown. Its towers can be seen from far away, above the park's trees.
