San Francisco's coastal landscape saw a historic transformation with the grand opening of Sunset Dunes. This new park converts two miles of the former Great Highway into a 50-acre pedestrian paradise. Over this past weekend, throngs gathered to celebrate the occasion with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and an array of activities ranging from live music to skateboarding, according to a recent announcement by the SF Recreation and Parks Department.
The initiative, achieving the title of California's largest pedestrian conversion, now hosts interactive art installations, dedicated bike lanes, and even a skate park addition is in the works, Mayor Daniel Lurie said, per the SF Recreation and Park Department. Onlookers could indulge in a kaleidoscope of activities, from checking out the new pump track to enjoying performances against the ocean's backdrop. The park is not just a nod to its environmental ambitions but also a boon for local eateries and cafes, which are seeing a spike in visits from park-goers.
Sunset Dunes has averaged impressive foot traffic since its soft launch before the official debut, indicating the community's reception beyond expectations. The project's underpinnings trace back to the city's response to COVID-19, when a need for recreational space prompted temporary road closures. The recent vote by San Francisco's electorate in November 2024 underscored public support for making the park a permanent fixture.
