With the naming of Rachele Sullivan Park, San Francisco is thought to be the first U.S. city to name a public park after a leather community leader.

Sullivan was pivotal in establishing the city's district celebrating leather and LGBTQ culture and in creating inclusive spaces for women at its leather street fairs.

Erica Waltemade, from the SOMA West Community Benefit District, spearheaded the committee responsible for naming the new park. Her leadership was instrumental in ensuring the park's dedication reflected the values and history of the community. Waltemade praised Sullivan's extensive contributions, noting her unwavering advocacy for SOMA's diverse communities. Sullivan's efforts spanned various initiatives, including the promotion of LGBTQ and leather culture, the creation of safe and inclusive spaces for women, and the support of traditional Filipino healing practices. Waltemade emphasized that naming the park after Sullivan is a tribute to her lasting impact on the district and her dedication to fostering an inclusive and vibrant community.

A cisgender straight ally and native San Franciscan, Sullivan was a traditional Filipino healer who passed away in 2022 at the age of 54. On Thursday, July 18th, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission voted 4-0 to name the planned greenspace at Natoma and 11th Streets in her honor.

Although the SOMA park space is located outside the boundaries of the Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District, which Sullivan had advocated for in its establishment in 2018, it is just a short walk from a leather-themed public parklet that Sullivan also supported. Eagle Plaza, located on a stretch of 12th Street, celebrates the local leather scene and is named after the adjacent gay-owned bar that serves a leather and LGBTQ clientele.