03/12/2023
🌁 On the east side of Russian Hill, Vallejo Street abruptly dead-ends in a swath of green. This welcome interruption is Ina Coolbrith Park, enticing the intrepid city explorer to scale its stairs and terraced pathways, with promises of rewards at the top.
🌉 Perched on the steep incline between Taylor and Mason streets, locals know this park offers some of the best views in the city, but you have to work for them.
🌺 Ina Coolbrith (1841-1928) was an American poet and a prominent figure in the early San Francisco literary scene. In 1915, she was named California’s first poet laureate. She associated with the likes of Bret Harte, Mark Twain, John Muir and Joaquin Miller and was a mentor to Jack London and Isadora Duncan.
🌺 Recognizing March as “Women’s History Month,” this park is one of more than 11 parks and playgrounds in San Francisco named after women.
While strolling through the park, consider these words from our celebrated local poet, an excerpt from her poem San Francisco: April 18, 1906:
I saw thy barren hills against the skies,
I saw them topped with minaret and spire;
Wall upon wall thy myriad mansions rise,
Fair City of my love and desire.
📸 Taken at Coolbrith Park, San Francisco
