Following a $14.5 million renovation, the Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground and Clubhouse reopened in February, featuring a larger play area, improved accessibility, public art, and play structures inspired by Chinese mythology.
The half-acre park, located at 830 Sacramento Street, was redesigned following input from neighborhood organizations, and multilingual outreach to local residents. “The incredible work of Chinatown stakeholders over the last decade to push this project over the finish line is a testament to the importance of this unique public playground and park for seniors and families living in cramped conditions,” said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, whose District 3 includes Chinatown. “The Committee for Better Parks and Recreation in Chinatown led robust outreach to identify culturally significant design elements and community programming needs. As we ring in the Year of the Ox, nothing makes me happier than knowing that Chinatown youth will soon be shooting hoops on a new basketball court named after a Chinese American legend, seniors will have a safe respite to practice outdoor tai chi, and children will be able to use the clubhouse as the newest Community Learning Hub.”
Originally opened in 1927 as the Chinese Playground, the park was renamed in 2006 in honor of Willie Wong, a Chinese-American college basketball star.
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