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
