Flashback Friday: Mountain Lake Park – Where We Risked It All (And Loved It)
Mountain Lake Park was one of my absolute favorite places to play as a kid growing up in The City. Back in the day, playground safety was more of a suggestion than a rule, and we thrived on it.
The concrete slides? Iconic. You’d grab a piece of cardboard, zoom down, and race right back up to the top until your legs gave out. And then, if you were feeling extra daring (or just had no regard for your tailbone), you’d hit the metal slide—the one with the rollers that bruised your backside on the way down. Good times.
The jungle gym was another level of chaos: all sharp corners, questionable splinters, and the kind of heights that made you feel invincible. No extra padding, no safety nets—just pure, unfiltered fun. And somehow, we made it out mostly unscathed.
But there was something else about Mountain Lake Park that added an extra thrill to our adventures: the alligator.
Yes, you read that right. We grew up believing an alligator lurked somewhere in the lake. We weren’t sure if it was a myth, a neighborhood legend, or a real-life urban jungle situation, but it made every visit a little more exciting. A few years ago, curiosity got the best of me, and I did some digging. Turns out, it wasn’t just a tall tale—there actually was an alligator, affectionately known as “Carl,” who called Mountain Lake home until being relocated in 1996. Because, you know, having a rogue reptile in the middle of San Francisco was probably not ideal.
These days, Mountain Lake Park is still as beautiful as ever, but it’s definitely gotten a glow-up. The jungle gym has been remodeled into a kid-safe play zone, and the whole area feels much more polished and, well, legal liability-proof. And thanks to the Slow Street program, Lake Street is now a pedestrian-friendly dream, making it safer for kids, parents, and anyone who enjoys a good stroll through the neighborhood (without the threat of Carl lurking nearby).
Oh, and speaking of the Lake District—I recently sold a stunning flat on 7th Avenue in the area. If you’re looking for a home near one of The City’s most gorgeous parks (and free from gator sightings), let’s chat.
Some things may have changed, but Mountain Lake Park still holds onto that nostalgic magic. Just, you know, with fewer bruises and more safety regulations.