Chesky Commits $100 Million to San Francisco Parks

The largest single-donor gift to the city will fund park projects across several neighborhoods.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy

Chesky Commits $100 Million to San Francisco Parks

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Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky has committed $100 million to San Francisco parks, the largest single-donor gift the city has received. An initial $39 million will fund five designated parks, announced at a news conference by Mayor Daniel Lurie.

Why it matters

The gift directly shapes park investment across multiple San Francisco neighborhoods at a time when the city's recreation budget is constrained. It also brings funding to parks in areas that have long waited for upgrades.

Of the $100 million pledged, $39 million is committed to five parks now, leaving $61 million without designated projects. The Recreation and Parks Department will spend the next year selecting how those remaining funds are allocated.

The players

Brian Chesky

Airbnb co-founder and chief executive who cofounded the company in SoMa after moving to San Francisco in 2007.

Daniel Lurie

Mayor of San Francisco who announced the donation at a news conference.

San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department

The city agency responsible for managing San Francisco's parks and recreation facilities and selecting projects for the remaining funds.

The details

The first wave of funding targets Rachele Sullivan Park in the South of Market neighborhood, where construction will begin, and Garfield Square Park in the Mission District, which will expand pool hours and add Sunday service. Other designated sites include India Basin Waterfront Park in Bayview-Hunters Point, Jackson Playground in Potrero Hill, and a new waterfront park along the Embarcadero.

2007: Chesky moves to San Francisco.
November 9, 2026: Mayor Lurie announces the $100 million donation.
2028: Rachele Sullivan Park's opening date moves up from 2031.
Next year: Parks department identifies projects for the remaining $61 million.

Philanthropy Landscape

The $100 million pledge stands as the largest single-donor gift the city has received, placing a founder of a local tech company among the most significant private funders of San Francisco's public parks. The gift arrives as the city works to fund parks through a combination of public budgets and private donations.

Residents near the five designated parks can expect construction and expanded hours in the coming years, including pool access at Garfield Square and a renovated Jackson Playground. The remaining $61 million will determine which other neighborhoods see upgrades.

The takeaway

Private gifts of this scale can accelerate park projects that public budgets alone might delay. Watch the parks department's coming selections to see which neighborhoods receive the remaining funds.

What happens next

The Recreation and Parks Department will spend the next year identifying projects for the remaining $61 million, with those selections expected to be announced during that period.