City’s 1st plaza, in Chinatown, could be ready for makeover

One of the oldest places in San Francisco is about to undergo a thorough examination of what it could be in the future. Chinatown’s Portsmouth Square, located on the site of the city’s first public square, will undergo a master planning process to consider what those changes might be.

A design team will survey park visitors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday for clues about what the community wants to see the park become. City officials envision the space at 745 Kearny St. as a modern take on traditional Chinese architecture. The interviews will be conducted in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and the City Planning Department awarded the design contract to SWA/MEI Architects. The project includes reimagining every part of the park, including the plaza, play areas and buildings, landscaping and adjacent streetscape, and the pedestrian bridge across Kearny Street. The parking garage beneath the park is not included in the project.

“Portsmouth Square is Chinatown’s living

room, and I’m delighted to see them partnering with Rec and Park to prioritize equity, access and cultural preservation throughout this design process,” said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, whose district includes Chinatown.

The last improvements were completed in 2015, when Rec and Park renovated the restrooms with $2 million from the city’s 2008 Clean and Safe Parks Bond. There is no timeline yet for any possible renovations to the park.

“Families in densely populated neighborhoods such as Chinatown need open spaces where they can congregate with one another, take part in community activities and stretch out their legs and exercise,” Mayor Ed Lee said in a news release.

Portsmouth Square was the site of San Francisco’s first City Hall and California’s first public school. It was also a staging ground after the 1906 earthquake and fire. There are two children’s play areas, a clubhouse and a number of historical markers. Lizzie Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ljohnson@ sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LizzieJohnsonnn