Fallen Bridge is a park located at the end of 18th Street at Utah Street in NW Potrero Hill. The park, lined by lovely rock walls and abundant landscaping, offers a pétanque court and casual seating. A footbridge over US 101 connects Fallen Bridge to the Benches mini park on San Bruno Avenue at 18th Street and links the neighborhoods severed by the building of the freeway in the 1950s.

Fallen Bridge sits on state highway land. The park got its name in the late 1960’s when a freeway accident caused the collapse of the footbridge. The bridge was eventually reconstructed and the Potrero Boosters Neighborhood Association worked with then District Supervisor Robert Gonzales and Caltrans to repurpose the vacant and neglected property. But over the years the park fell into disrepair and elements of the park were removed as they failed.  In 2008, the first of four Community Challenge Grants were obtained. The grants funded the stone work, the pétanque court, a landscaped circular path under the footbridge, and improved lighting for better nighttime safety. The trash and debris, fires and graffiti were replaced with a welcome neighborhood amenity.

The GBD augments Recreation and Park Department maintenance on both sides of the park. GBD janitorial contractors pick up trash and remove graffiti in the area. Landscape gardeners manage the trumpet vine on the circular sidewalk fence. The GBD has pruned trees, upgraded the irrigation system and advocated for repairs to the bridge approach. Additionally GBD is working with Recreation and Park Department in infrastructure and irrigation improvements.

Park Steward: Jean Bogiages

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