New Park at Linden Avenue & Pine Avenue

Linden Park

Project Overview

The park at Linden Avenue & Pine Avenue will provide a brand new public space for South City residents to gather, connect, and play. The future park’s design will be determined based on what we hear from the community. The design process will consider temporary, partial or full closure of Pine Avenue to create a connected park space.

Site History

The site's previous use as an automotive repair shop included underground oil and gas tanks. After that closed, the tanks and surrounding contaminated soil were hauled off site and groundwater was routinely tested until the County confirmed it met low-risk requirements. To confirm it was safe to use a park, an environmental consultant was hired to collect soil samples between the surface and 10 feet below grade. No petroleum hydrocarbons were detected and lead concentrations were below environmental screening levels for residential use. Based on the State’s Low-Threat Underground Storage Tank Case Closure Policy, the soil meets the criteria for direct contact and outdoor air exposure and the site can be used as a park.

  • 1940s to early 2000s - Volonte Automotive was a repair shop at 616 Linden Avenue from the 1940s to early 2000s
  • 1993 - Gasoline and waste oil underground storage tanks were removed in 1993, and an environmental case was opened and overseen by San Mateo County Groundwater Protection Program
  • 1993 to 2001- 440 cubic yards of contaminated soil were removed from the property and groundwater samples were collected routinely
  • 2001 - San Mateo County closed the case under Regional Water Board guidance for low risk fuel sites in 2001 as it was deemed safe for public use
  • 2023 - Soil testing in June 2023 confirmed it is safe to use the property for a park (based on State policy for former gasoline stations)

Project Fact Sheets (English/Spanish)(PDF, 608KB)

State of California Clean Up Action Report

Environmental Summary Report 616 and 700 Linden Avenue - 2024(PDF, 3MB)
Reporte Ambiental Resumido 616 y 700 Linden Avenue - 2024(PDF, 3MB)

 

Final Concept Design

Linden Park Final Concept Design

Final Concept Narrative(PDF, 94KB)

 

Get the Facts About Linden Park

 

Project Budget

The total project budget for design and construction is $5.5 million.

Proposed Schedule

 

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities 

  • City Council - Preferred Concept Presentation - 5/14/2025 
    Presentation on the preferred concept design, including feedback from recent engagement activities along with an overall project update.

 

Project Updates

Parks and Recreation Commission - 3/18/25

Parks and Recreation Commission – Preferred Concept Presentation

City staff and the design team presented the preferred concept design, including feedback from recent engagement activities along with an overall project update.

Preferred Concept Presentation(PDF, 3MB)

Open House Event 3 - 3/1/25

City staff and the design team hosted an Open House at 700 Linden Ave. the morning of Saturday, March 1 where attendees were walked through the concept design and project timeline. Input was gathered to inform themes and style for public art in the park. The meeting was well attended by neighbors and local merchants.
General Feedback:
  • Visitors and nearby business owners are excited to have a new community space in the neighborhood. 
  • Overall happiness for the kids to have a new playground in walking distance.  
  • Looking forward to improved facilities such as the restroom and more seating opportunities.  
  • Questions & concerns relate to soil quality, traffic and park operations (parking enforcement, safety, security).

Open House 3 Boards(PDF, 17MB)

Linden Park Open House 3 kiosk  Linden Park Open House 3 sign tent

Linden Park Open House 3 man talking Linden Park Open House 3 two people looking at board

Linden Park Open House 3 people looking at boards

Design Alternatives Phase Summary

Thank you to all who participated in the Open House + Listening Session, Pop-Up Event, Merchants' Round Table and provided feedback through the survey during the Design Alternatives Phase for the new park at Linden and Pine. A summary of these engagement activities and feedback gathered is available below. The next phase of engagement and design will kick off in early 2025.

Design Alternatives Summary(PDF, 8MB)

City Council Project Update - 10/23/24

At the October 23rd SSF City Council meeting, City staff and the design team presented an update on the community engagement and design process so far for the new park at Linden and Pine Avenues. The slideshow began with background on the project, including development decisions and environmental cleanup. Next, the project team shared an overview of community design events, the emerging vision and priorities, and the initial feedback on two alternative designs that were shared with the community in August and September. Several citizens voiced questions related to soil remediation and traffic, while others voiced supportive comments and excitement about the coming park. City staff and the design consultants answered Councilmembers' questions, and the Council expressed support to move on to the next phase of the project--moving towards a final, preferred concept to implement.

Watch the Council Meeting Project Update Video

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Morelos Hall - 9/29/24

On Sunday, September 29th, a representative from the design team presented the park concepts of the Sociedad Mutualista Mexicana de Morelos, also known as Morelos Hall. The meeting was a regular monthly meeting and approximately 25 people attended. The presenter informed visitors in Spanish about the two alternative park concepts and described the differences between each design. Participants asked questions about each concept and offered suggestions on how to adjust the designs. Participants were also encouraged to fill out a survey after the event.

Centennial Way Park South Grand Opening - 9/29/24

On Sunday, September 29th, South San Francisco staff and the design team attended the Centennial Way Park South Grand Opening from 10 am-12 pm. Approximately 20 people visited the tent. The design team informed participants about the two alternative park concepts, answered questions, recorded comments, and shared the online survey with passersby. Several informed participants took the survey on their mobile devices and the provided iPads.

Linden Park Engagement at Centennial Park Linden Park Engagement at Centennial Park

Linden Park Engagement at Centennial Park

Merchants' Round Table - 9/27/24

On Friday, September 27th, South San Francisco staff, including the Fire Marshal, and the design team hosted a second Merchants’ Round Table event. Five local business owners attended the event held in Amoura’s restaurant across the street from the park area. The participating business owners sat down with City Staff and the design team to discuss concerns, including traffic circulation, emergency access, and parking strategies.

Linden Park Engagement at Merchants Round Table Linden Park Engagement at Merchants Round Table

Linden Park Engagement at Merchants Round Table

Concert in the Park - 9/21/24

On Saturday, September 21, South San Francisco staff and the design team attended the Concert at the Park at Orange Memorial Park from 11 am-3 pm. Approximately 40 people visited the tent. The design team provided an overview of the two alternative park concepts, answered questions, recorded comments, and provided the online survey to interested participants. The bilingual survey was provided to participants on iPads or paper. Staff also handed out South San Francisco Parks and Recreation refrigerator magnets to attendees.

Linden Park Engagement at Concert in the Park Linden Park Engagement at Concert in the Park  

South San Francisco Youth Commission - 9/9/24

On Monday, September 9, South San Francisco staff presented an update of the park project to the Youth Commission. Printed copies of the survey and links to the online survey were provided to the Commission.

Open House Event 2 - 8/24/24

On Saturday, August 24th, South San Francisco staff and the design team hosted an Open House from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at the future park site (700 Linden Ave). Approximately60 peoplevisited the event tents, where staff gave an overview of the concepts, answered questions, and recorded comments. Participants were also encouraged to take a bilingual online survey either on their own phones or on the ipads provided with staff assistance.

Two people looking at posterboardsPeople at table under tent

People in front of posterboards under tentGroup of people giving feedback

Two people looking at posterboardsThree people looking at a tablet

three people sitting at a table

Movie in the Park - Pop-Up Event - 8/16/24

On Friday, August 16th, City staff and the design team hosted a Pop-Up station at South San Francisco's Movie Night in the Park, held at Martin Elementary School from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. About 25 people evaluated the two design concepts, providing valuable feedback to help guide the final design.

People standing talking outsideGroup of people looking at posters on fence

People looking at paper on tableChildren looking at posters on fence

National Night Out Tabling Event - 8/6/24

On Tuesday, August 6th, South San Francisco staff and the design team hosted a table at National Night Out at the Paradise Valley Recreation Center. About 20 participants stopped by to review community input from the project's Visioning Phase and learn about upcoming public events to weigh in on two design alternatives. Firefighters, police officers, and waste management staff were among the attendees, and shared their ideas on several possible street configurations.

Two people stand and look at posterboardsMan and three officers look at posterboards

Man talking to people in front of poster displaysTwo people listening to person speak in front of posterboards

Visioning Phase Summary - 7/24/24

Thank you to all who participated in the Open House + Listening Session, Pop-Up Event, Merchants' Round Table and provided feedback during the Visioning Phase for the new park at Linden and Pine.  A summary of these engagement activities and feedback gathered is available below.  The next phase of engagement and design will kick off in early August and run through September.

Visioning Phase Summary(PDF, 6MB)

Merchants' Round Table - 5/30/24

May 30th, 2024, Thursday  |  2:00 – 3:00pm  |  Amoura Restaurant, 713 Linden Ave., SSF

City staff and the design team held a focus group session with the neighboring business owners at Amoura’s restaurant, across the street from the new park. The discussion centered on business-specific topics such as parking, loading, safety, activation and customer experience. The group also looked at examples showing how other parks have supported surrounding businesses, including drawing in more daily customers and providing outdoor seating options. The design team will integrate what was learned into the upcoming park concepts to create a win-win for both neighbors and businesses.

Linden Park Merchants' Roundtable flyer

Visioning Pop-Up - 5/1/24

Visioning Pop-Up | 700 Linden Ave | Wednesday, May 1, 2024

On Saturday, April 13, 2024, the City of South San Francisco sponsored an Open House & Listening Session to create the vision for a new park at the intersection of Linden Ave. and Pine Ave. The event was held in the parking lot at 616 Linden Ave., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants had the opportunity to describe their current and past activities at the site and comment on potential preferences for the new park. Along with speaking directly with City and design representatives, participants used various methods to share their ideas and priorities. Preliminary results show a preference for community gathering and play spaces.

Missed it? Join us at the next public Visioning Event - Wednesday, May 1st from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. - at the new park location, 700 Linden Ave.

Next Steps:  After the public Visioning events, several design alternatives will be developed and shared with the public for additional input in June and July. Your feedback will help guide the final concept plan for the new park. Sign up to receive project updates to be notified of the next events for input.

Open House - 4/13/24

Linden Park Open House flyer English

Linden Park Open House flyer Spanish

 

Additional Information

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FAQs

What is the design process? 

The three key phases to community engagement during the design phase are: 

Phase 1: Visioning: April - May 2024
Phase 2: Alternatives: August - October 2024
Phase 3: Final Concept: February - March 2025

How can people share ideas and inform the design? 

Engagement activities will include Open Houses, Pop-Up Events, Stakeholder Interviews, Focus Group Meetings, and Surveys. Be sure to sign up for the mailing list to receive notices about future outreach opportunities. 

How can I stay informed about the design? 

The project webpage will include latest designs, upcoming engagement opportunities, and past meeting materials. Be sure to sign up for the mailing list to receive notices about future outreach opportunities. 

How can I learn about engagement opportunities? 

Sign up to receive updates about the project at our newsletter subscribe page.  

How are you reaching out to the community? 

Regular email newsletters, direct mailers, hand delivered flyers, social media, park kiosk posters, word of mouth with community members. 

Is the site contaminated?

Gasoline and waste oil underground storage tanks were removed in 1993, and an environmental case was opened and overseen by San Mateo County Groundwater Protection Program.  Between 1993 and 2001, 440 cubic yards of contaminated soil were removed from the property and groundwater samples were collected routinely. Extensive soil testing was completed in June 2023 and again in February 2024. In accordance with state and county health department policy for former gasoline station sites, testing confirmed the site is safe for use as a park. 

Lead soil was identified in a small portion of the 616 Linden Ave parcel.  While deemed safe for use as a park with the soil capped on-site, the project will voluntarily remove the soil as part of the park construction project.

Prior to park construction, a Site Management Plan (SMP) will be prepared and submitted to San Mateo County Groundwater Protection Program (GPP) for review. This Plan will describe recommended steps necessary to ensure safety of workers, residents, and park users during construction. It will also describe procedures that will be followed if petroleum hydrocarbon impacted soils are encountered during construction, although this is not expected. Further, any soils planned for off-haul to a landfill will be tested and disposed of accordingly.

The City plans to voluntarily remove the lead-impacted soil located within the buried concrete structure at 616 Linden Avenue that was identified during the Phase II Environmental Site Assessment. This work will be proposed in the SMP described above and submitted to the San Mateo County Groundwater Protection Program for review.

Environmental Summary Report 616 and 700 Linden Avenue - 2024(PDF, 3MB)
Reporte Ambiental Resumido 616 y 700 Linden Avenue - 2024(PDF, 3MB)

When was information about soil conditions shared publicly? 

Stakeholder interviews were conducted in January and February 2024 as part of Phase 0 outreach. During these stakeholder interviews the project team presented overall site conditions, which included history of the 616 Linden as an automotive shop and identified key issues as soil remediation and utilities relocation.

Phase 0 Presentation(PDF, 5MB)

Additional information related to soil conditions were posted on the City’s website in April 2024. At the October 23, 2024 City Council meeting, City staff and the design team presented information on the site history and environmental cleanup. A recording of this council meeting is available here.

Where can I access information about the 616 Linden / Volante Automotive Clean-Up Case?

Information about the Volonte Automotive underground storage tank removal case (T0608100720) is available on GeoTracker operated by the State Water Resources Control Board.

https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/profile_report?global_id=T0608100720

Public inquiries and responses from the State Water Resources Control Board and San Mateo County Environmental Health are available on GeoTracker as well and includes, but not limited to the following:

Will there be on-site parking?

With the understanding that the available land area of the two lots is very limited, the project team responded to the community concerns about the loss of parking at 616 Linden by incorporating 17 spaces into the park concept design.

Will Pine Ave. be closed as part of this project? 

Circulation options were explored, some of which include closing Pine Ave to through traffic. All options took into consideration circulation for emergency vehicles, trash pick up, and neighborhood egress.

Traffic analysis of the proposed Linden Park circulation alternatives showed that all alternatives would be feasible to implement. Analysis of the existing roadway volumes and intersection operations during weekday peak hours showed that the roadways and intersections surrounding the park are operating well below capacity and therefore could accommodate additional traffic that would be diverted from Pine Avenue and no significant operational issues are anticipated for the Pine Avenue closure alternatives.

Staff engaged South San Francisco Fire and Public Works/Engineering Departments to review the Pine Avenue alternatives. Fire noted emergency response times would not be impacted by any of the alternatives. Fire also noted both Aspen Avenue and California Avenue provide adequate response routes in the alternatives where Pine Avenue is either partially or entirely closed.  Additionally, both Cypress Avenue and Airport Boulevards support access and are preferable when evaluated as evacuation routes based on their network capacity when compared with Linden Avenue. Engineering noted no anticipated impacts to operation and services. Staff also engaged South San Francisco Scavengers who reviewed the alternatives and found that with either full closure or the alley bypass they would be able to adequately maintain service to residents along Pine Avenue.    

Has the park design project been reviewed per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)?

Once a concept design for the park is approved by City Council, the City will determine and conduct the appropriate level of CEQA analysis, which will disclose any potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures. The CEQA review will likely take place in the early part of 2025.

Will there be a restroom facility at the park?

This park is classified as a "neighborhood park," which typically does not include a restroom. However, we recognize the community’s strong interest in having one. While the current budget does not include the cost of a restroom, the concept design includes space for a future facility. The project team is actively exploring additional funding options to incorporate a restroom into the initial construction. Discussions on this topic will continue, as well as discussions with City Council at future Council Meetings on funding strategies.

Will there be space for food trucks? 

The concept design includes space within the park for pop-up vendors during events. Food truck could be accommodated near the park, but outside of the park footprint.

How will the park be maintained?

The City is committed to providing regular maintenance of the park space, including plantings, irrigation, lighting and general cleaning. 

Will the Pine & Cypress Lot be redeveloped as part of this project? 

The funding in-hand is dedicated to the new Park at Linden and Pine project. The City is exploring the use of CBDG funding to make ADA accessibility upgrades, which would make the park eligible for more grant funding opportunities. It is important to stress that the City is committed to pursuing park improvements at Cypress and Pine Park.

How is the project funded?

The project is funded through a combination of State Grants, Park Impact Fees and developer contributions.

If not developed as a Park, what other uses are possible for 616 and 700 Linden Avenue?

Both 616 and 700 Linden Avenue were owned by the former South San Francisco Redevelopment Agency (RDA). In 2012, all redevelopment agencies in California were dissolved and the Successor Agency to the RDA prepared a plan for State approval to govern the use and/or disposition of all former RDA properties. This plan, known as a Long-Range Property Management Plan (LRPMP), was approved by the State in 2015. In accordance with the LRPMP, 616 and 700 Linden were conveyed to the City. The LRPMP notes that the highest and best use of these properties is for high density housing; however, the LRPMP does not require the City to sell the properties for housing or any other purpose. 

If City Council opted to sell the properties rather than develop them as parks, the City would have to follow the process required by the Surplus Land Act, as amended by the State Legislature in 2019. As part of the process, the City must provide notice to specified entities regarding the availability of the property. If a housing development entity notifies the City of its desire to acquire the property for low and moderate-income housing, the City must engage in good-faith negotiations with the entity to convey the property for that purpose. The developer must make at least 25% of the units available at an affordable cost to lower-income households. If the City and developer are not able to agree on price and terms after good-faith negotiations, the City may sell the property without following the Act. However, if 10 or more residential units are developed on the property, not less than 15% of the total number of residential units must be sold or rented to lower income households. There has been developer interest in constructing housing on the sites, but the City has prioritized using them for a park for the neighborhood.

Has the City issued a permit to close or redirect Pine Avenue?

Once a concept design for the park is approved by City Council and as the project design advances, all required permits will be obtained before construction begins. Additional traffic and circulations studies will be performed as necessary to obtain street closure permits, if applicable.

Contact

For additional questions or information that is not listed here, please email parkprojects@ssf.net and a staff member will respond to you.

Location

Linden Ave & Pine Ave,  94080  View Map