Cayuga Park and Playground

24 years ago, when Demetrio Braceros, an immigrant from the Phillipines who had previously worked at the Arboratum accepted the position of city gardener at Cayuga Park and Playground, it was an ordinary park. Today, it is an award-winning, unique landscape. His park features the most original landscaping of any park in San Francisco, and his living art, particularly featuring expert and original topiary, blends seamlessly with the wooden sculptures with which he has filled his park.

Updated October 2009: Demi retired last year. The SF Department of Parks and Recreation, with the participation of neighborhood representatives and other City staff, is leading the effort to complete a bond-mandated upgrade to park infrastructure, including a new playground area and clubhouse, in the spirit of Demi's legacy. The majority of the sculptures will be stored during construction. Those in good condition will be treated to prevent decay and returned to the park after construction is completed. Some of those in poor condition but still viewable will be left in the park for the moment, so that visitors will still have some opportunity to experience Demi's art during the interim.