Francisco Park Tour

September 24, 2025

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3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Explore Francisco Park, a 4.5-acre public open space transformed from the historic Francisco Reservoir into a model of innovative, sustainable design. Set atop a steep site with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, the park blends natural features, daylight, and quiet respite into one of the city’s densest neighborhoods.

Led by Richard Parker, co-founder of 450 Architects, with Elizabeth Matz of BFS Landscape Architects and Cody Anderson of Sherwood Design Engineers, this insider’s tour will share the complex process of converting a long-vacant site into a vibrant public amenity. Attendees will learn about the park’s NetZero water goals, its 500,000-gallon stormwater harvesting system, accessible design strategies, and the community-led collaboration with neighborhood associations, funders, nonprofits, and city agencies that brought the project to life.

This tour is approved for 2 Learning Units:

  • Describe the NetZero Water goals with the assistance of a 500,000 gallon storm water harvesting system used for on-site irrigation and toilet flushing
  • Explain the importance of integrated accessible design to facilitate accommodative public space for the community to thrive.
  • Illustrate how complex public and private collaboration is made possible with effective leadership and strong partnerships.
  • Explore how a historic reservoir is reimagined through interpretive signage and educational integration.
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Speakers

Richard Parker

Richard co-founded 450 architects based on the belief that architecture should be a tool for positive social and environmental change. His values are expressed through dedicated advocacy for green building practices and through his hands-on leadership in collaborative neighborhood design workshops. He is deeply committed to community service and education, dedicating his time to mentoring youth and volunteering for non-profit organizations focused on sustainability, urban agriculture, and local empowerment. By sharing his expertise and serving on advisory boards, Richard consistently works to advance environmental stewardship and create a more just and sustainable future.

Elizabeth Matz

As a lead designer and project manager at BFS Landscape Architects, Beth guides projects from concept to finished construction and provides creative and sustainable solutions at all phases within a project’s development. Her passion for creating identity in public places through detail and materials drives her research and site experience. Elizabeth’s project experience encompasses master planning, park design, healthcare and educational facilities, and multifamily and housing development.

Cody Anderson

Cody Anderson credits his fascination with water moving through dramatic landscapes to his childhood years spent exploring the rivers, canyons, and forests in and around Yosemite. An unconventional path through music and education to civil engineering allowed Cody to grow his abilities to observe, assess, and communicate in ways that make him a valuable member of any team. Years spent honing core civil engineering design skills on a broad range of project types prepared Cody to lead civil and multidisciplinary teams on public and private projects including campuses, custom residences, wineries, and resorts. Through his experience on a range of unique projects requiring complex problem solving, close collaboration with design partners, and a keen eye for detail, Cody has developed a working style that helps create success for all project stakeholders.