Oceanfront Great Highway park set to open in April
San Francisco's long-awaited oceanfront park on the city's west side is set to open in April.
Why it matters: With the anticipated opening date of April 12, it will become what the city claims will be "the largest pedestrianization project" in California's history.
The latest: The new 43-acre park will be completely car-free and encompass a two-mile stretch of The Great Highway from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard.
Murals, sculptures, recreation areas, vista points, outdoor fitness equipment and a skate space, among other amenities, are to be added.
What they're saying:"This park belongs to the people of San Francisco," Phil Ginsburg, general manager of the city's recreation and park department, said in a recent statement. "We can't wait to celebrate this historic moment."
By the numbers: San Francisco received a $1 million grant from the California State Coastal Conservancy Board last year to help convert the highway into a park, while $600,000 in city funds have been budgeted for the next fiscal year in maintenance and operation costs, according to recreation and park department spokesperson Daniel Montes.
Catch up quick: The city's announcement comes just months after voters in November passed Proposition K, which asked San Franciscans to decide whether to permanently ban cars along an upper portion of the highway and turn it into a waterfront park.
Friction point: Voters in the Sunset and Richmond districts largely opposed the measure due to concerns over traffic and longer commutes, in sharp contrast to the approval it gained from voters on the city's east side.
Context: Though the four-lane road has long been an essential transportation artery, proponents of the closure said longstanding erosion issues would only worsen if the roadway remained open to vehicles.
The intrigue: The controversial ballot measure's passage sparked a recall campaign against District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio, who represents much of the area where the Great Highway is located, after he supported the closure and proposed to put the measure on the ballot.
The campaign, which officially launched last month, has until May to secure the 10,000 or so signatures required to initiate a recall election.
What's next: The road will be permanently closed to cars starting March 14. Residents have until March 16 to submit name ideas for the new park.
A final name will be selected by April 2, ahead of a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the park's official opening.
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