Soft Park - Levi's Plaza, Oakland Travel Guide

Soft Park, located within Levi's Plaza at 1200 Battery St, San Francisco, is a unique urban oasis designed by renowned landscape architect Lawrence Halprin. Created in the early 1980s, the park is part of a larger corporate campus for Levi Strauss & Co., intended to blend work and leisure. Halprin drew inspiration from the Sierra Nevada Mountains, particularly Yosemite National Park, incorporating natural elements into the urban landscape.The Soft Park distinguishes itself with its pastoral setting, featuring open lawns, grassy knolls, and a meandering artificial stream. The intentional lack of straight lines encourages visitors to wander and contemplate, offering a tranquil escape from the city. Waterfalls cascade into the stream, adding to the soothing ambiance. The park's design allows visitors to engage with the space fully or peripherally, whether strolling along the paths, sitting on benches, or relaxing on the grass.Levi's Plaza comprises two distinct parks: the Soft Park and the Hard Park. The Hard Park, a paved plaza adjacent to the Levi Strauss & Co. headquarters, features a dramatic waterfall and serves as a gathering place for employee events and lunch breaks. The Soft Park, in contrast, offers a more natural and secluded environment. Together, these parks create a balanced and engaging space for both employees and the public. Levi's Plaza is easily accessible and open to the public, inviting visitors to take a break from the busy streets and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.