Reimagining The Great Highway: A Park for the People

Picture yourself at the edge of San Francisco, where the mighty ocean’s roar blends with the joyful sounds of children and the lively conversations of the community.  The proposal to transform The Great Highway into a permanent oceanfront park is not just an idea – it’s a vision for a brighter, more connected future for our City.

Consider the success of the Presidio Tunnel Tops. This inspiring transformation of Doyle Drive into a vibrant, community-focused space showcases what we can achieve with imagination and collaboration. In its first year alone, it attracted more than 1.8 million visitors, revitalizing the area and creating a cherished community hub. Similarly, the enhancements at China Beach are making this natural sanctuary even more accessible and enjoyable for families. These successes illustrate the potential of reimagining our public spaces along our coastlines.

Transforming the Great Highway into a park offers countless benefits. It will create new recreational spaces, promote physical activity and create opportunities for community connections. Imagine pathways leading to the beach, creative playgrounds and peaceful spots for relaxation. These features will provide a welcoming environment for all, promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle.

The environmental benefits of this transformation are significant. Converting the highway into green spaces with plants and natural features will help mitigate urban heat islands, support local biodiversity, and improve air quality. The sand that often blows onto the roadway, making it unreliable for car traffic, can be integrated into the park’s landscape. This sand also plays a vital role in stormwater management by filtering and infiltrating water, reducing surface runoff, and mitigating flooding, which ultimately improves water quality in nearby areas. 

I understand the concerns about traffic disruptions. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has developed a solid plan to divert traffic to Sunset Boulevard and smooth flow along Lincoln and Sloat, ensuring consistent commute times. Supervisor Joel Engardio and SFMTA have shown dedication to efficiently routing North-South traffic through the Sunset, without reliance on the Great Highway. (For more details, see this press release). With the inevitable closure of Sloat, I will personally advocate for both vehicle traffic improvements and public transit advancements so that our neighbors in the Central and Outer Richmond can move easily to and from the district.

San Francisco’s reputation has faced challenges recently, but projects like this can significantly uplift our City’s spirit and image. Enhancing and celebrating spaces that highlight our natural beauty is crucial for our city’s best interests. These projects not only improve our urban environment but also invigorate our community spirit and pride. They remind us of San Francisco’s inherent beauty and our collective responsibility to preserve and celebrate it.

Envision the Great Highway Park as a lasting testament to our commitment to sustainability and community. This park will provide a space for future generations to connect with nature, celebrate our City’s beauty, and develop a sense of belonging. Supporting this measure means leaving a legacy that makes San Francisco a leader in urban sustainability and environmental stewardship.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making this project possible – from dedicated community members to our tireless city officials. Your passion and commitment have brought us to this pivotal moment.

I urge you to support the November ballot measure to convert the Great Highway into a permanent oceanfront park. Together, we can create a landmark space that enriches our community, honors our natural environment, and serves as a model for cities worldwide. As a candidate for District 1 supervisor, I am committed to championing this initiative and working tirelessly to build a vibrant and sustainable community.

Let’s come together to make this vision a reality. Our future generations will thank us.

Jen Nossokoff is a candidate for supervisor in District 1 in November of 2024. Her focus is on community safety, transportation and health equity. To learn more visit www.Jen2024.vote. 

Disclosure: This piece was written by Jen with the use of generative AI and a writing tool in compliance with the guidelines set by the City and County of San Francisco.