A Child’s-Eye View of Hunters Point in 2025—Through a Playground Lens

In “View from a Playground in Hunters Point, 2025,” writer Malik Washington offers a raw, reflective commentary on life in one of San Francisco’s most historically neglected Black neighborhoods. From his vantage point inside a community playground, Washington takes in more than a scenic view—he observes a community under siege by gentrification, displacement, and selective city investment. The article critiques local and national leadership for failing Black and Brown communities, especially as luxury developments rise where generational homes once stood. Yet, amid the despair, the playground becomes a symbol of resilience, where laughter from local kids provides brief moments of light. Washington’s reflection is both personal and political, reminding readers that Hunters Point is more than just real estate—it's a community rich in legacy, struggle, and survival. The piece calls for renewed urgency to preserve what’s left of this historically Black neighborhood before it’s erased entirely by systemic neglect and redevelopment.