Presidio Tunnel Tops Park

San Francisco, CA

Honor Award: Parks & Recreational Fields

SUBMITTED BY

Mark Pagano, d.d. Pagano Inc.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

• Presidio Tunnel Tops Park transforms 14 acres above the Presidio Parkway tunnels into a major public landscape within
San Francisco’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• Reconnects the Presidio Main Post to Crissy Field, creating a cohesive visitor experience
• Features overlooks, meadows, picnic areas, play spaces, and native habitat restoration
• Design reflects the site’s cultural legacy while addressing challenging coastal conditions
• Constraints include persistent fog, saline winds, and sandy soils requiring climate-adapted planting
• Focus on sustaining native, resilient plant communities
• Overseen by the Presidio Trust, requiring a highly sustainable and environmentally responsible approach
• Irrigation design met rigorous federal and Trust standards for long-term performance and water efficiency

ROLE OF THE IRRIGATION CONSULTANT

• Developed irrigation master plan in coordination with landscape and civil teams
• Prepared construction documents, including hydraulics, zoning, and compliance requirements
• Coordinated with structural engineers to integrate systems above tunnels and within shallow soils
• Designed multi-zone systems for diverse planting types (native, ornamental, turf)
• Specified equipment and standards for long-term reliability and maintainability
• Conducted site observations and led system commissioning and performance testing
• Coordinated with the Presidio Trust and agencies to ensure compliance

SPECIAL FACTORS

• Phased installation aligned with soil placement and planting to meet complex construction sequencing
• Designed for harsh coastal conditions, including high winds and saline air
• Integrated water capture and reuse system at the Outpost Playground for irrigation
• Reduced potable water use while supporting National Park Service sustainability goals
• System doubles as an educational feature on water conservation
• Budget constraints emphasized simplicity, durability, and long-term performance