After Years of Waiting & Meetings Final Plans for Dolores Park Revamp Revealed

After Years of Waiting & Meetings Final Plans for Dolores Park Revamp RevealedDolores Park Map
Waiyde Palmer
Published on March 03, 2013
Dolores Park MapIn the waning week of February the much anticipated final, final plans for the Dolores Park redesign were revealed by SF Parks and Recreation, Sup. Scott Wiener and the SF Planning Department. Work will begin late Summer/Early Fall of 2013 and continue until  completion sometime in Fall of 2014.
20 th Street/Church aka Gay Beach. Less trees, more benches.
20 th Street/Church aka Gay Beach. Less trees, more benches.
SF Arts Commission was the last piece of the puzzle to be added as they applied their stamp of artistic approval to the 3D renderings of the City's Park of the People. Community passions around Dolores Park run high-as they should-as this 13.7 acre patch of public green serves multiple purposes. Its been home to many generations of Castro and Mission people in search of moment to bask in SF sunshine, hang with pals and take a gander at the many genres of citizenry on display as they wind their way around the park.
19th Street entrance to the park with multiple wheel chair ramps.
19th Street entrance to the park with multiple wheel chair ramps.
The remodel is currently a year behind schedule. The grueling, sixteen month, redesign process with back and forth, fiery debates revolving around historic preservation, ADA access for all citizens,, more trees or less, bench placement and nearly any other issue you could imagine.
Restrooms
Another angle of restrooms and tennis court redesign.
"We could have moved faster had we not honored the community input," project manager Jake Gilchrist said. Luckily they did listen. The result of the eight month, life sucking, workshops have reached a level of public consensus that is unique to the people of the Castro and Mission neighborhoods and their specific needs.
New bathrooms next to the Bike Polo Courts
New bathrooms next to the Bike Polo Courts
Here is the seasonal estimation concocted by yours truly based on years of SF living and the current, multiple revamp of the construction time table by the powers that be. Partial park closures will be taking place during the remainder of the remodel.
The walk along the ridge of the Park.
The walk along the ridge of the Park.
  • Fall 2013: Phase 1 ([the southern half of the park from 19th to 20th streets, including the clubhouse, Gay Beach, picnicking areas, and the dog park) construction begins.
  • Early Winter. 2013: Phase 1 construction substantial completion.
  • Mid Spring 2014: Phase 2 (the northern half from 18th and 19th streets, including the tennis courts, the 'Stoners' terrace and what many call 'Hipster Hill') construction begins.
  • Fall 2014: Phase 2 substantial construction completion.
Looking down at the new Tennis Courts and Bike Polo Courts.
Looking down at the new Tennis Courts and Bike Polo Courts.
Let's hope this remodel moves smoothly and without to many hiccups. The Castro and Mission neighborhoods require green space to keep high density, City living stress in check and our little Park that can is the perfect salve for it.