Larsen Playground

Larsen Playground is a centerpiece of the Parkside District, born from the generosity of a Danish immigrant named Carl Larsen. In 1926, Larsen donated this land to the city, fulfilling his long-held vision for a public space where residents could enjoy the outdoors. Before this area was fully developed, Larsen was well known in San Francisco as a successful entrepreneur and the proprietor of the historic Tivoli Café. A bronze bust of Carl Larsen, sculpted by the celebrated artist Melvin Earl Cummings, stands at the corner of Nineteenth Avenue and Ulloa Street to commemorate his gift. The park has evolved significantly since it first opened under the guidance of city gardener John McLaren. While its original features included unique outdoor card rooms for men and women, the space eventually became legendary for something quite different. From 1959 through 1993, the playground hosted a series of three decommissioned Navy jet planes that served as massive, life-sized climbing toys for generations of local children. These jets were iconic landmarks visible to anyone driving along Nineteenth Avenue. The final jet to occupy the space was an F-8 Crusader, which sat flush against the grass and was affectionately known as the Shark in the Park due to the distinctive teeth painted on its nose. While the original aircraft were eventually removed due to concerns over lead-based paint and safety standards, the community never forgot their significance as an imaginative hub for local youth. When the playground was renovated in 2015, residents successfully campaigned to include a sculpted replica of the F-8 Crusader, ensuring the park remains a tribute to its aviation-themed history.