Al's Park

Unfinished History

Al's Park thrived for several decades in the right of way that was supposed to be 19th Street between Market and Corbett Streets. As of 2020, the remarkably whimsical natural oasis has been greatly diminished by the purchase and development of a large lot along the southern edge along Market Street.

Here's a shot of the property long before upper Market Street was built, and before the large retaining wall with a rainbow mural became a part of the landscape.

1905 view west toward intersection of Falcon (now Market) and Moss Alley (now 19th). Miller-Joost home at the left, Twin Peaks and Tank Hill in upper background.

Photo: OpenSFHistory.org wnp15.1723

Al’s Park is, or was, a curious ribbon of whimsy and nature rising from the mural on upper Market Street (next to the historic Joost House) and emerging on Corbett. The 1995 Thomas Bros. map has it labeled as 19th Street (multiple ghostly incarnations for 19th!) but Google’s Satellite map doesn’t show there as being any public right of way there. Enter Al’s Park from Corbett and enjoy a strange, almost 19th century-feeling slice of eccentric San Francisco land use.

That's it, between the arrows. The photos below are from a visit in 2009.

Looking down at the mural more familiarly seen while driving by on upper Market Street.

Photos: Chris Carlsson

Rainbow mural along upper Market just east of the Miller-Joost house.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

Al's Park entryway on Corbett Street.

Al's Park when the entry was at its most lush and hidden, 2009.

Nothing professional about this park!

Al Kovalick, age 95.

Photo: courtesy Kovalick family

This quirky, eccentric, remarkable oasis welcomed all, and was maintained by neighbor Al Kovalick for decades and into his 90s. In the years that followed the construction of a home at the base of the park, it became extremely overgrown with blackberry and fennel. The space that remained was still open to the public, but not inviting. The lush foliage, winding paths had largely disappeared.

A new luxury home built on the bottom of what was Al's Park. The owners have contributed generously to the redesign, planting and ongoing maintenance of Al's Park. The restoration of Al's Park has become a neighborhood-wide community effort.

Photo: Chris Carlsson, February 2020

The mural was punched through while building materials were lifted up to fill in a large part of the lower park area..

Photo: Chris Carlsson

However, in 2020, as Al neared his 100th birthday (March 17th 2021), a handful of neighbors gathered together to brainstorm how to restore Al's Park to its former splendor. The tangle of blackberry, fennel and other invasive weeds had grown to shoulder height and morning glory vines twisted their way into the tops of fruit trees, strangling their branches and in some cases, obscuring them entirely. As volunteers began to clear the jungle of weeds away, they were amazed to discover that numerous plants, trees, and funky art had survived the years of abandonment.

Al Kovalick celebrates his 100th birthday on March 17, 2021 and is presented with a Certificate of Honor by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman.

Photo: courtesy the Kovalick family

While Al looked on with a smile, the restoration of Al's Park began in full force. Monthly Saturday work parties in 2021 saw neighbors come out with work gloves and hand tools. A new cherry tree was planted on Al's 100th Birthday, and Supervisor Mandelman showed up to thank and honor Al for his years of service. Al's selfless contribution to the neighborhood has inspired others to pick up where he left off.

Sunset view of Al's Park in 2022.

Photo: Maria Chambers Hutchins

When you have a chance, wander through Al's Park again. See what original relics you can spot, and admire the new additions thanks to the Corbett Neighbors. There is something for everyone.

Thanks to Maria Chambers Hutchins and the Corbett Neighbors for the update on restoration of Al's Park.