From the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department:

Playful, Creative New Art Debuts Along JFK Promenade

Installations enhance JFK Promenade, add to the vibrant 34-mile Big Art Loop

New public art installations are bringing fresh creativity and playful energy to the JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience interactive works along one of the park’s most popular destinations, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today.  

The latest addition, “Where’s the Ball,” features 10 large-scale sculptures made of galvanized steel that replicate jacks, the nostalgic children’s toy. The sculptures are placed on the lawn along the Promenade at Nancy Pelosi Drive. 

Created by Bay Area artist collective Misfit Toys, “Where’s the Ball” complements the beloved “Remember When” installation—also known as LOVE Blocks—helping amplify the spirit of curiosity, creativity, and joy that has made the Promenade a favorite gathering place for families, walkers, and parkgoers. Like LOVE Blocks, the jacks sculptures are securely anchored so children and adults can safely interact with them.

Two additional installations have recently debuted along JFK Promenade as well. “Wordplay,” created by Bay Area artist Reuben Rude, features two large-scale sculptures crafted from recycled wood that spell the words SMiLE and KiND. Visitors are invited to step into the missing letter “I” to complete each word, creating a playful photo opportunity that encourages connection, positivity, and shared moments in the park.  

“Wordplay” and “Where’s the Ball” were made possible through a partnership between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, Illuminate, Big Art Loop, and Building 180.

“Fun and creative public installations add to the beauty of our parks—sparking thoughtful moments that inspire connection and joy,” said SF Rec and Park Interim General Manager Sarah Madland. “As we continue to refresh the JFK Promenade with vibrant public art through our partnership with Illuminate, Building 180, and Big Art Loop, we’re ensuring that Golden Gate Park remains a premier destination in the city—where art, live music, and relaxation go hand in hand.” 

“In Golden Gate Park, where millions of parkgoers pass through each year, the gift of an artist’s talent meets the gift of the world’s attention. We’re deeply grateful to Misfit Toys and Reuben Rude for the artistry they’ve lavished here,” said Illuminate Founder and CEO Ben Davis. “At Illuminate, we have three simple rules: be beautiful, carry the spirit of love, and make people smile. These works do all three.” 

“Play is at the heart of creativity. When artists create work that children can interact with—touching, exploring, and imagining—they help turn public space into a place of joy and discovery,” said Shannon Riley, Building 180 founder and CEO. “Supporting artists to bring that spirit of love, play, and creation into our parks is how we nurture both our communities and the next generation of creative thinkers.” 

“Big Art Loop is about creating moments of discovery and connection across San Francisco,” said Aliza Marks, CEO of Big Art Loop. “‘Where’s the Ball’ brings a spirit of play to the JFK Promenade and highlights the work of a local artist whose installation invites visitors to engage with the park—and with each other—in a fresh and joyful way.”

Together, these installations continue to expand the park’s growing collection of public art and strengthen the Promenade’s role as a lively destination along San Francisco’s 34-mile Big Art Loop, a walkable and bikeable trail around the City that transforms public spaces into an open-air gallery.