In the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown is an amazing park and playground. Willie “Woo Woo” Wong playground is a two-story park with features for all ages: climbing structures inspired by Chinese mythology, traditional playground areas for tots and bigger kids, giant metal slide, sports courts, community center, and more. The park was named for the Chinese-American University of San Francisco basketball star Willie Wong, who received his nickname when the crowd cheered “Woo! Woo!” every time he scored.
Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Park and Playground Features
Location: 830 Sacramento Street, San Francisco
Hours: Open daily 6 am – 9 pm
Unique Features: The park has two stories: the lower level is the playground and the upper level is the court area for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and weightlifting. The playground features a tot lot area with slides, merry-go-round, stairs, and drums. A big kid play structure includes a (very) tall tower and covered slide. Between the playgrounds are two wooden structures for climbing on or through. There’s also a large metal slide, rock climbing hill, and community center.
Swings: No
Fenced in? There’s a fence around the entire lower-level playground, but gates are kept open. The stairs between the levels are not closed off.
Surfaces: The playground area has a cushy rubber mat surface and artificial turf. The upper-level courts are cement.
Bathroom: Yes. Open to the public and may be used by non-park goers.
Lunch tables & seating:Â Some benches.
Parking: Parking is difficult! There is paid street parking and garage parking, but expect to walk from your parking spot. Consider using public transit; a trolley stop is a couple of blocks away at California and Grant.
Shade: Little natural shade; however, the surrounding buildings and two-story design may offer shade during various times of the day.
Covid-19 Safety Measures: Plan to wear masks.
Pros: The playground and courts appeal to a variety of ages and interests. Chinese mythology-inspired features are special and unlike other playgrounds in the Bay Area. Community-centric murals are plentiful. The site was renovated in 2021, so everything is new and in good condition.
Cons: Playground features aren’t ideal for non-mobile babies. The multi-level design may make supervision difficult. No (real) grassy field.
Tot Playground
The tot playground is located in the back of the lower level. My kids enjoyed climbing up the stairs and racing down the double-slide. A seated merry-go-round was also a favorite; it boggled my mind on how my kids did not get dizzy after going around and around, again and again. A few small hills make running or rolling around a little more exciting. The cushy artificial turf helped soften a few falls.
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Big Kid Playground
Bigger kids will enjoy the wooden tower structure. A series of wood and rope ladders brings you to a covered slide. This part of the park was too intimidating for my 5-year old. I think it would be great for kids 8+.
Metal Slide & Climbing Hill
Nearby is the metal slide. It had an old-school vibe but is much safer because there’s no chance of falling off the side. The wide slide is built into the hill, which also features rock climbing holds. My kids both loved this area, especially my toddler. We visited in the evening so the slide wasn’t hot to the touch; but, keep this in mind if you visit on a sunny day.
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Climbing Structures
The climbing structures were a highlight. Designed to look like a water dragon and a phoenix, kids can climb on, over, or through the pieces. They are made of wood and can be slippery in certain areas. I liked how the structures were a representation of the surrounding community’s traditions.
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Multi-Game Sport Courts
The upper level of the park is dedicated to sports and fitness. There’s a full-sized basketball court, a multi-sport netted court, and weightlifting equipment. During our visit, this area was used by teens, young adults, and seniors. The smooth surface may also be fun for scootering or bike riding. This level of the park also offers great views of the surrounding buildings.
The Bottom Line on Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground
This park and playground is an oasis in bustling Chinatown. Its community-centric design and unique features make it a great option for mixed ages. Don’t miss out on eating dim sum or grabbing boba tea from a neighborhood restaurant. Getting here may not be easy, but it’s worth a stop on your next visit to the city. I’ll bet your family will have so much fun you’ll be cheering “Woo! Woo!”—we did!
