Glen Park
Episode 13:
November 13, 2024
If you’ve ever wondered why people call Glen Park, "Little Switzerland," it only takes one walk through the dramatic landscape to see why. We sat down with Hilary Schiraldi, president of the Glen Park Association, to talk about the hidden "unimproved" dirt lanes and the canyon, which, believe it or not, has actual rock climbing spots and the largest above-ground creek in San Francisco. It’s one of those rare spots that feels like a total step back in time.
We go deep into the days of the city's first dynamite factory and a 19th-century zoo that featured everything from baboons to hot air balloonists. But the real legacy comes from the "Gum Tree Girls," the local women who successfully fought off a planned freeway in the '70s. It’s a wild thought, but without them, the canyon we all use today simply wouldn't exist.
Beyond the lore, we look at the practical side of living in this "bowl" of the city. We talk through the current real estate market, the microclimate quirks, and where you actually go to grab a world-class pastry or a solid sandwich. Whether you’re hunting for secret pathways and murals or just looking for a village-like sanctuary in the middle of SF, this chat captures exactly what makes Glen Park such a special place to call home.
Today on The Bay Insider, Amanda Martin and Ying He continue their neighborhood guide series where they talk about the history, lifestyle, and real estate of the Glen Park neighborhood in San Francisco.
History
Glen Canyon Parks and Rec Center
Parks and Arts
Trail from Walter Haas to Billy Goat Hill
Burnside Stairs - finally moving forward!
Josue Rojas
Events
Glen Park Art Walk Sundown Cinema
Businesses
Bird & Beckett - Eric Whittington
Guest:
Hilary Schiraldi - President of Glen Park Association, Business and Social Sciences Librarian at UC Berkeley, 15 year resident of Glen Park. And - Fun Fact, Hilary is also known as The Power Lifting Librarian and she can deadlift 300lbs!
Visit the Glen Park Association website at www.glenparkassociation.org
Restaurants/Cafe
Higher Grounds - Manhal Jweinat
Cheese Boutique - Rick and Nada Malouf
Bars
Health
Transportation
Schools
Glen Park Montessori Glen Park Elementary
Fairmount Elementary (Dolores Huerta)