By Janelle Wong

So much has been written about the iconic two-mile stretch of land along Ocean Beach in the Outer Sunset, now known as Sunset Dunes park. Throughout the past few years, media coverage has endlessly fixated on traffic volume metrics, safety statistics and granular debates about commute times. Yet, amid the noise of endless technical debates, something fundamental and crucial is missing from the conversation: the immense, transformational and long-term benefit of building a lasting community within Sunset Dunes Park compared to the fleeting, short-term convenience of turning it back into a coastal highway for car traffic.

Sunset Dunes exists today as a vibrant public asset thanks to the passage of Proposition K in 2024. Today, the park’s future hangs in the balance once again with Proposition G, which is on the November ballot and proposes allowing cars back onto the Upper Great Highway during weekdays while restricting access on weekends. We have all heard the familiar arguments from both sides – the passionate pro-park advocates and those favoring the “compromise” – but the true, enduring value of Sunset Dunes lies in keeping it permanently car-free, establishing a world-class urban coastal haven and bringing communities together for future generations. 

Having lived in the Sunset District for more than two decades, raised a family here and built our life, my connection to this neighborhood is deeply personal. I love its rich diversity, hard working families, public parks and vibrant small businesses that give our district its soul. My husband and I originally chose this area because it offered affordable housing and excellent transit access. Keeping Sunset Dunes intact gives San Francisco an extraordinary destination that showcases why our part of the City is so remarkable – seamlessly blending urban density, robust transit connectivity and direct access to magnificent natural coastlines.

Sunset Dunes is far more than a recreational area; it is a welcoming coastal sanctuary where residents and visitors can grab a coffee or eat lunch from local cafes and sit peacefully by the ocean waves. It offers a shared, democratic space where neighbors gather, children learn to ride bicycles and strangers exchange friendly greetings. Beyond human connection, nature is actively thriving here – marked by the celebrated return of the threatened Snowy Plover and the restoration of native dune flora. Without constant car exhaust and roaring engines, the surrounding neighborhood has grown noticeably quieter, cleaner and healthier for everyone.

What we gain from preserving this park far outweighs anything lost by re-routing traffic to existing arterial roads. Most importantly, Sunset Dunes fosters genuine, lasting community bonds. Originating from the Latin word for “shared” or “public,” community is an essential ingredient for people’s well-being, proven to reduce stress, reduce loneliness and urban anxiety. Gathering in expansive natural settings deepens these positive psychological effects as well. Furthermore, keeping this park active generates tangible economic momentum for Outer Sunset small businesses along Judah, Noriega and Taraval streets, turning weekend visitors and local strollers into loyal patrons for merchants who are the anchors for our local economy.

Moreover, Sunset Dunes is completely free, equitable and accessible to everyone regardless of socio-economic background or car ownership. People from across San Francisco can easily take Muni lines directly to the coast to walk, jog, bike, skate or push a stroller along the ocean in clean, ocean air. Rather than prioritizing fast car transit through a residential coastline, Sunset Dunes represents a forward-looking, climate-resilient vision that unites our City around high-quality, sustainable public space.

Sunset Dunes is far more than just a repurposed road – it is a vital sanctuary for our local community, our small business ecosystem and our shared coastal environment. Keeping this space permanently open and car-free ensures that current residents and future generations can continue to connect, unwind, and enjoy the majestic beauty of Ocean Beach. Voting “no” on Proposition G will preserve Sunset Dunes and is an investment in a healthier, safer, more prosperous and more connected San Francisco.

Janelle Wong is a dedicated nonprofit professional, freelance writer and long-time Sunset resident in San Francisco. With a deep passion for community development and storytelling, Janelle balances a fulfilling career in the social impact sector with a vibrant creative practice as a freelance writer and student in local adult art classes. As a working mother raising two teenage sons in the City, Janelle brings a grounded, real-world perspective to her life and work. She is an avid advocate for San Francisco, frequently engaging in community discussions around sustainable transportation, dense housing and public schools. Whether she is exploring the local culinary scene or finding the best places to bike across the City, Janelle is constantly inspired by the culture and connection of her neighborhood.