The Great Highway in San Francisco has recently been the center of a major debate, with many advocating for the beachfront road to be close to cars and become a full-time park. Voters passed the controversial proposition in November, but the park’s future remained uncertain.
Now, the Coastal Commission has voted to grant permit approval for the project, marking a critical step forward for the new park. “The Commission’s approval marks a major milestone in reimagining this iconic stretch of coastline as a safe, inclusive space for recreation and connection to nature,” said Recreation and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg in a recent statement. “This pivotal moment brings us closer to creating a park that reflects our community’s vision for a sustainable and accessible future.”
The new park will be on a 2-mile stretch of the Great Highway, which is typically closed to traffic on weekends, allowing pedestrians and bikers to enjoy the waterfront road. Currently, many San Franciscans regularly enjoy the 17-acre recreational area on weekends, with the sandy road filled with people enjoying the views.
While many San Franciscans jumped at the possibility of closing the road for good, residents in the Sunset worry that closing the road will lead to increased traffic in their neighborhood. In response, the city and state have implemented some changes, including repaving roads and adding new signals to make the transition easier for drivers and residents in the area.
The Great Highway Project applies to the stretch of road between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard. The new park is intended not only to add to community enjoyment but also to help make Ocean Beach ready for climate change as sea levels rise. The California State Coastal Conservancy Board gave a $1 million grant to help address climate concerns with the Great Highway to make it a long-term park. Organizers expect the park to open in early 2025, with more details to come.