special area plans - san francisco recreation and park...

Special Area Plans

Stow Lake

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Special Area Plans

• The Conservatory of Flowers and Conser-vatory Valley is the most significant andrecognizable area of Golden Gate Park. Aspecial area plan will plan for the preserva-tion and restoration of the Conservatory andits ancillary structures.

Special Area PlansMost of Golden Gate Park will continue tofunction in its current design. Some areas in thepark will have land use changes or significantrehabilitation that requires a redesign of thesespaces. The Master Plan has identified severalareas that will have design changes, some minor,some more substantial. Special area plans havebeen developed for these areas to provideconcept plans for the improvements. Theconcept plans were developed within the contextof the park's historic design framework.

Special area plans for priority areas are con-tained on the following pages. Other specialarea plans will be completed in the future andbecome amendments to this master plan.

Future Special Area Plans• A separate planning process is underway to

develop a plan for Strybing Arboretumand Botanical Gardens and the CountyFair Building .

• The Panhandle was originally designed as awinding access road to Golden Gate Parkthat was protected from the winds. TheAvenue, as the roadway was known, is nowgone, but its path can still be traced byexamining the layout of the older trees.Today the Panhandle serves and open spaceand neighborhood park. A future specialarea plan will examine its design, uses, andlandscape.

Music Concourse

West end and entries

Richmond Sunset Treatment Plant site

Bison paddock

JFK Dr./Kezar Dr. entry

9th Ave./Lincoln Way entry

Haight St./Stanyan St. entry

7th Ave./Fulton St. entry(railway shelter)

Arboretum/County Fair Building

Panhandle(to be developed later)

Conservatory(to be developed later)

De Laveaga Dell and theAIDS Memorial Grove

GOLDEN GATE PARK MASTER PLAN

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Existing elements for restoration include thestatues and monuments, paths and stairways,benches, lighting, flower, turf and shrub areas,replacement of trees, and more appropriate trashreceptacles. When restoration is completed,adequate maintenance will be necessary to keepthe area in good appearance. To maintain theMusic Concourse properly, it is recommendedthat an additional gardener position be assignedto the area.

An opportunity exists to improve the foodconcession in the concourse area that would bean amenity to park visitors and provide anenhanced revenue-generating concession.Improving the variety of food offered in anattractive setting may be successful in this hightraffic area that is frequented by both residentsand tourists. The proposed plan involves closingthe road area behind the bandstand and creatinga landscaped plaza with cafe seating and im-proved food and beverage service from a newstructure or from carts (north/west end of theplaza). The food carts can be serviced from acommissary located in a portion of the band-stand annex. The plaza would also be availableas a staging area for events (south/east end of theplaza.

A small park information kiosk is proposedbetween the tea garden and the Asian ArtMuseum. It could be operated and staffed by apark association or conservancy, and provide avisible presence for the organization.

Another proposed improvement is the consolida-tion of the gardener's section headquarters

(Section 2), maintenance containers, and theparking attendant station into a single structurein the bus parking area. The existing sectionheadquarters is located in the bandstand annex,space that would serve better as a commissaryfor the food concession and/or dressing room forperformances. There are two existing storagecontainers and a parking attendant station in thebus parking lot. Consolidating these structuresshould be accomplished with a permanentreplacement structure consisting of approxi-mately 1,000 square feet, or by moving theexisting structures together and adding anarchitectural screen.

Secure, monitored bicycle parking is proposed tobe added in the bus parking area and become apart of the concession contract. The bicycleparking could be placed in a fenced area withaccess controlled by the parking lot attendant.

Music ConcourseNote: The Music Concourse Special Area Planhas been deferred pending actions to be taken bythe Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority.

The Music Concourse is a civic space withinGolden Gate Park that provides a setting forcultural institutions and events. The MusicConcourse was created for the Mid-Winter Fairof 1894. The layout, several monuments, thedeYoung Museum, and the role of concourse asa cultural center are remnants of the fair’slegacy.

Several element in the Music concourse haverecently undergone renovation. The SpreckelsTemple of Music, damaged during the LomaPrieta earthquake in 1989, was rededicated in1994 after a complete seismic reconstruction.The four fountains in the concourse, which wereturned off during the recent drought and fell intodisuse, have been restored.

Other elements are still in need of restoration.Several of the concourse’s distinctive pollardedtrees have been lost due to their age. Theexisting food concessions, with trucks andtrailers parked in strategic locations, havedetracted from the aesthetic qualities of theconcourse.

The proposed plan for the Music Concourseaddresses restoration of existing elements andredesigning of others. Restoration of the MusicConcourse should be planned and implementedas a cooperative effort between the Recreationand Park Department, the Asian and deYoungmuseums, and the Academy of Sciences.

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Special Area Plans

Music ConcourseNorth 0 100 200 400

Scale in feet

Restore reflecting pond

Park information kiosk

Close roadway and createlandscaped plaza with cafeseating and food service carts

Bandstand Annex: • rehab. restrooms • food concession commissary • dressing room for performances

Monitored bicycle parking

Buses only

Restoration of monumentsand statues

Replant flower beds

New benches forbandstand events

Relandscape traffic islands

Other improvements: • replanting of trees • new lighting • improved accessibility • new trash receptacles • evaluate structural stability of tunnels and rehabilitate where necessary

M L K D R I V E

Consolidate section headquarters,maintenance storage sheds, andparking attendant station intosingle structure

Bus parkingarea

Restoration of fountains

Repair stairs and pathswhere needed

Academyof Sciences

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Note: The Music Concourse Special Area Planhas been deferred pending actions to be taken bythe Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority.


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Music Concourse Cafe PlazaNorth 0 50 100 200

Scale in feet

Proposed Information Kiosk - 75 sq. ft. - limited retail

Japanese Tea Garden Entrance

Food Kiosk (or carts) - 400 sq. ft.

Cafe seating area

Plaza - special paving - trees - maintain emergency/service access

Bandstand

Bandstand Annex - restrooms - dressing room(s) - food prep/commissary ?

Bus Parking Area

Widen opening (remove 1 redwood)

New Structure(replaces existing storage containers,attendant hut, and maintenance office inannex) - lot attendant office (1), 10'x12' - souvenirs (2) - maintenance headquarters (3), 12'x20' - maintenance storage (4), 32'x20' - monitored bicycle parking (5)

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Note: The Music Concourse SpecialArea Plan has been deferred pendingactions to be taken by the Golden GatePark Concourse Authority.

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Special Area Plans

West End PlanOld Railroad Trail. The old railroad trail cutsacross the western end of the park and passesthrough the dense growth of shrubs between theGreat Highway and the soccer fields. Many ofthe undesirable activities occur along this trail,and park users avoid the area. This plan calls forimproving the visibility and security of the trailby opening the corridor along the trail andcreating a series of linear turf meadows. Themeadows will attract more users and the turfareas will increase the presence of gardeners andother employees. With increased activities atthe Beach Chalet, at both windmills, and in thegeneral area, the trail will see much greater usewhich will discourage the undesirable activities.

Western Windbreak. The vegetation in thewestern edge of the park serves the vital role ofacting as a windbreak, making the rest of thepark more suitable for activities and able tosupport a wider variety of trees and shrubs. Thewestern windbreak is being reforested, and willeventually replace some of the dense shrub areaswith forest trees.

Murphy’s Windmill and Millwright’s House.The historic south windmill was built in 1906 topump well water to other areas of the park. Ithas fallen into disrepair, its sails have beenremoved and the structure is deteriorating. Thisplan calls for its restoration similar to that of thenorth windmill. Both windmills are highlyvisible features of the west end and their condi-tion reflects on the condition of the park. Themillwright’s house, adjacent to the south wind-mill, dates from 1909 and is currently used as acaretaker's residence. The building requires

structural and accessibility improvements tomake it usable for a new park use. Funding forrenovation and a new permanent use should besought due to the structure's historic significanceand relationship to the windmill. A preservationalternative may include a west end pavilion aspart of the area improvements (approved for2,500 sf)

West End Pavilion. A site near the windmillhas been identified as the location for a newpavilion structure with visitor services for thisarea of the park. The structure would includespace for public meetings, a kitchen, restrooms,a food concession, and a skate/bike rental orother concession.

Western Park Entries. The two major entriesin the western end, at the Great Highway and atLincoln Way, have received new entry signs andlandscape treatment with funding from the 1992Golden Gate Park Infrastructure Bond. Theappearance of the pedestrian entry from theGreat Highway will be improved and willprovide a better connection between the GreatHighway and the soccer fields.

Richmond Sunset Treatment Plant Site. Thesite of the sewage treatment plant will be clearedof the existing buildings and structures and itwill be available for redevelopment as parkland.See the special area plan for this site for planrecommendations.

The western edge of Golden Gate Park haslacked activity centers to draw people to use it.With the exception of the Queen WilhelminaGarden and the soccer fields, most of the westend is little visited and is not an inviting area.Undesirable uses such as camping and sexualactivity have filled the void, aided by densegrowing shrubs. The goal of this area plan is toincrease legitimate activities and transform thispart of the park. Rehabilitation activities willinclude the following:

Beach Chalet. The major improvement will bethe restoration of the Beach Chalet as a westernpark visitor center, with a cafe and environmen-tal retail area upstairs. The Beach Chalet willbecome a destination for park visitors, attractedin part by the spectacular WPA-era murals onthe first floor. (rehabilitation has been approved)

Western Park Frontage. The western parkfrontage along the Great Highway has been longneglected. The important role as the first line ofthe park’s windbreak has taken priority overlandscape design in this area. With completionof sewer construction and the redesign of theGreat Highway and its landscaped path, thepark’s western frontage is in need of attention.The relocated edge of the Great Highway hasdefined a new edge for the park. Asphalt areaswithin the curb will be removed, leaving ex-panded landscape areas that will allow newlandscape treatments at the two western entries.The existing Great Highway multi-use trail,which runs from Lincoln Way to the zoo, will beextended along the park frontage to FultonStreet.


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West End Plan

Beach Chalet• western park visitor center• display of murals• historical and nature exhibits• cafe and environmental retail area upstairs• provide better connection to soccer fields• garden behind Beach Chalet

Old Railroad Trail• open corridor adjacent to trail creating linear meadows for improved visibility and security• new landscaping, turf and irrigation

Pedestrian entry• improve appearance of entry treatment• provide better connection between soccer fields and Great Highway

Western park frontage• new multi-use trail• removal of excess asphalt• new landscaping

Murphy's Windmill• exterior renovation• new landscape setting• open landscape entry to trail• maintain well and pump behind windmill

Park entry treatment• entry signs• new landscaping

Picnic Area

Additional soccer field• see Richmond Sunset treatment plant site area plan

Park entry treatment• entry signs• new landscaping

Dutch Windmill

Western windbreak• continue reforestation

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North 0 150 300 600

Scale in feet

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Millwright's House• pursue a preservation alternative for a new park-related use

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Special Area Plans

West End Pavilion Concept

Gol den Gate Park

Meeting space for100 people1,200 sf

Restrooms300 sf

Food & BeverageConcession300 sf

Kitchenandoffice300 sf

Skate/bike rentalor other concession300 sf

Scale: 1" = 20'

Roof Plan

Elevation

Floor Plan

A structure of 2,500 sfhas been approved


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Strybing Arboretum and Botanical GardensSan Francisco’s Strybing Arboretum and Botani-cal Gardens has one of the most important plantcollections in the United States, growing plantsfrom six continents outdoors in San Francisco’sunique microclimate. In 1994, the StrybingArboretum Society, with the approval of the SanFrancisco Recreation and Park Commission,commissioned a new master plan for the gardens.The objective of this planning effort was toincrease public access to the richness of thisscientific and cultural institution by:

• Providing a distinctive visual identity for thebotanical gardens within Golden Gate Park.Many San Franciscans are unaware of thegardens’ existence.

• Creating new educational opportunities tointerest children and adults in the world ofplants and to awaken in the public an aware-ness of the importance of conserving ourenvironment.

Major components of the plan are as follows:

Orientation/Exhibition Center and Renova-tion of County Fair Building. The County FairBuilding at 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way will berenovated to provide an orientation center tointroduce visitors to the gardens’ collections andeducational programs, and to provide generalpark information. It will also house a horticul-tural bookstore, a cafe, and an enhanced publicrental facility. The redesigned facility will beattractive and visually harmonious with itsgarden setting.

Redesign of Garden Entrances and Creationof New Western Entrance. The main entranceplaza and gate will be redesigned to provide amore vibrant and attractive entrance to thegardens. The Friend Entrance will be renovatedto provide a garden overlook and improveaccessibility. A new entrance will be creatednear the 19th Avenue end of the gardens topermit easy access from the west.

Creation of Conservation Garden Promenadeand Redesign of Demonstration Gardens. Anarc of gardens, each representing one of theworld’s continents and illustrating plant conser-vation issues, will curve between the main andFriend gates. This promenade is intended toserve as a visitor’s “table of contents” toStrybing’s extensive collections. The outmodedDemonstration Gardens will be completelyredesigned.

Relocation of Strybing Nursery Complex.The current nursery facility is dilapidated and inthe coldest spot in the park. It will be relocatedand its area will become part of the Californianative plant collection. The new nursery will belocated in a more favorable growing area to thewest. This project received environmentalreview (9.437R, Sept. 10, 1990) and included aneducation center.

Relocation of Public Education Facility/NewChildren’s Garden. The education classroomapproved for the proposed nursery complex willbe relocated to the main entrance esplanade andwill provide a dedicated space for all publiceducation programs. The education building

will open onto gardens which will providehands-on gardening experience for children andadults. The building will be approximately2,500 square feet and include public restroomsand support areas.

Increase Stack Space at the Helen CrockerRussell Library. An underground expansion ofthe library for stack space (approx. 1,500 sq. ft.)is proposed underneath the existing courtyard.An elevator within the existing library is in-cluded in the plan for access to the proposedlower level and to the library's existing mezza-nine.

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Special Area Plans

Strybing Arboretum andBotanical GardensNorth 0 250 500 1000

Scale in feet

New main gate and renovate plaza

Renovate County Fair Building

New Golden Gate Parkgateway and bus stop plaza

Consolidate/reorganize parking forsmaller paved area, renovate gates, andrestore gardens where paving is removed

Education facility (relocated fromapproved nursery complex)

New education garden

Relocate revised demonstration gardens

Renovate Thomas Churchpavilion and garden

New path/promenade betweenFriend Gate and main gate

New six continent conservation garden

Renovate fountain circle

New rock garden and water feature

Improve pedestrian crossing

Renovate Friend Gate

Improve accessible parking and drop-off curb

General Improvements

• Continue reforestation of canopy and windbreak trees• Renovate pathways for accessibility• Improve collection identification

Renovate well and reservoiras water resource exhibit

Relocate existing nursery and expandCalifornia native plants garden

Site of relocated nursery complex

Realign and repair perimeter security fencing

New arboretum plantings

Expand California native plantingsinto California bio-region exhibit

Replace and intensifyperimeter screen planting

New pond andcoastal plant exhibit

New west gate

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Richmond Sunset Treatment Plant SiteBuilt in 1937, the Richmond Sunset sewagetreatment plant occupies a 4.4-acre site in thesouthwest corner of the park. The plant wasdeactivated in 1994. All buildings and struc-tures on the site will be demolished in the nearfuture. How to use the site has been the subjectof much discussion during the master planprocess. The potential uses must be recreationalor recreation serving and judged for theirappropriateness to the site and the park.

The recommended plan proposes expansion ofthe existing uses surrounding the site. Oneadditional soccer/multipurpose sports field, apicnic area, reforestation areas, and a parkingarea are proposed. A portion of the site mayalso be used for log storage (if needed, to berelocated from behind the bison paddock). Thesouth windmill is proposed for restoration, witha new garden setting that would make it appro-priate for wedding and other event rentals.

Among the alternatives considered for the sitebut not included in the recommended plan wereadditional forest and meadow areas, relocatingthe Urban Forestry Center to the site (restoringthe existing center to parkland), and a dunerestoration area. The site was also under consid-eration by the Department of Public Works asthe location for a tertiary water treatment plant(the Recreation and Park Department requiredthat the facility be completely underground witha recreational use on top).

Opportunities for generating revenue at this sitewere also examined. Several ideas for recre-ation-related commercial activities were studied,

but were determined to have low potential togenerate revenue for the park, and potentialnegative impacts on the park. The conceptsstudied included a rental facility for picnics andweddings, an ice skating rink, a family entertain-ment center (miniature golf, batting cages,arcades, etc.), a destination restaurant, a recre-ational vehicle park, and a soccer complex(including food concession, pro shop, andtraining center). Of these options, the familyentertainment center and the recreational vehiclepark had the highest potential to generaterevenue ($125,000 and $100,000 per year,respectively), but raised serious questions as toappropriateness in Golden Gate Park. There wasalso an idea for a multi-use pavilion that couldinclude food concession, other concessions suchas skate and bike rentals, restrooms, and tableseating area. The structure would serve thesoccer fields, the proposed picnic areas, and therestored south windmill, and would be availablefor rental for weddings and parties. The multi-use pavilion could be considered for implemen-tation in the future as use in the western parkgrows.

Demolition of the facility and structures hasbeen approved as part of construction of theOceanside treatment plant project. The site willbe used for construction staging activities duringpark infrastructure reconstruction to minimizeimpacts on other park areas.

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Special Area Plans

Richmond Sunset Treatment Plant Site

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North 0 100 200 400

Scale in feet

ML K

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Existing soccer fieldshifted 60' east

Reforestation area1.3 acres

New soccer andmultipurpose field

New picnic area

Maintain existing welland pump

Restore windmill

Reforestation area.9 acres

Log storage area.(75 acre) orreforestation area

Parking area30 - 40 spaces

L I N C O L N W A Y

Demolition of allexisting buildingsand structures ontreatment plant site

Millwright's house:pursue a preservationalternative for a newpark-related use


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Bison PaddockThe bison have been an attraction in GoldenGate Park since 1891, and they have been intheir present site since 1900. The herd wasestablished when San Francisco became the firstcity in the western United States to begin acaptive breeding program to prevent extinctionof the American Bison (Philadelphia, Chicago,Cincinnati, New York, and Washington, D.C.had previously established captive breedingprograms).

The paddock has been in need of renovation forsome time. The fencing is in need of reconstruc-tion to improve safety and security. The land-scape is degraded within and around the pad-dock. The configuration of the paddock and itsfacilities could be enhanced to improve care andmanagement of the bison. Maintenance of thebison paddock has unique requirements and willrequire coordination between park and zoo staff.The proposed improvements to the bison pad-dock have the following goals:

• to provide for efficient care and manage-ment of the herd including feeding, quaran-tine, isolation, shipping, receiving, andbreeding

• to provide double fencing for safety andsecurity of visitors and the bison, and meetsapplicable codes and regulations

• to improve viewing and interpretive oppor-tunities for visitors

• to restore the landscape within and aroundthe paddock to be consistent with the parklandscape.

Proposed Improvements

• Replacement fencing will be installed asneeded around the paddock. The inner fencingwill consist of an electrical wire fence in primeviewing areas, and in areas where the interiorfencing will be adjustable to rotate grazingareas. Separate holding, quarantine, andfeeding areas will be established with newfencing.

• A replacement barn is proposed to facilitatefeeding. It will be centrally located to servethe quarantine, holding, and feeding areas.Improved access corridors from outside andfrom within the paddock will facilitate herdingof bison when necessary.

• Visitor viewing opportunities will be improvedwith accessible overlooks and a viewing areaadjacent to the feeding area and barn. Interpre-tive panels will provide information about thebison, their ecological role, and their history inGolden Gate Park.

• Within the paddock, the landscape will berenovated with an improved irrigation systemthat will support meadow vegetation. Clustersof trees will provide shelter and shade for thebison, and erosion control on slopes. The treeclusters and irrigation fixtures will be protectedfrom direct contact with the bison. Bouldersand rubbing logs will be grouped with the treesto enrich the bison's' environment.

• Around the paddock, trees and shrubs will beplanted to provide a windbreak and visualscreen.

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Special Area Plans

Feeding area

Quarantine area

Replacement central barn

Holding area

Access road

Interpretive and viewing area

Inner fence (movable electric wire fence)

New outer fence

Accessible viewing areas

Shade trees, boulders, and rubbing logs

Bison Paddock ImprovementsNorth 0 100 200 400

Scale in feet

Erosion control planting and boulders on slopes

J F K

Additional trees for windbreak and visual screening

Log storage area tobe relocated andarea to beincorporated intoBison Paddock


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De Laveaga Dell and the AIDS Memorial GroveThe de Laveaga Dell is the site of the formerDeer Glen where deer and elk were kept in thisfenced ravine. In 1898 a gift was received fromthe estate of Jose Vicente de Laveaga to fundimprovement of the area. A fern dell with acascading stream and rockery was created andplanted with ferns, rhododendrons, camellias,irises and other plants.

In recent decades the dell suffered from a lack ofmaintenance and became overgrown and ne-glected. In 1992 a plan was approved forrestoration of the historic features of the deLaveaga Dell and the creation of an AIDSmemorial grove at the dell. The project strivesto "provide a positive focus for grief and pro-mote peace of heart; to provide a means for thecommunity to recognize the enormity of theAIDS crisis; to create a place for remembrance,hope and renewal; and to restore, throughcommunity participation and public-privatepartnership, an historic site of outstandingbeauty in Golden Gate Park."

A non-profit group was established to raisefunds and organize volunteer workdays. Anagreement was reached with the Recreation andPark Commission for acceptance of the gift toconstruct and maintain the project. The agree-ment will provide funds for construction andmaintenance with a full-time gardener.

The goal of the plan is to retain the peaceful,pastoral nature of the de Laveaga Dell whilecreating a powerful memorial. Entrances will beemphasized with planting and markers. Existinglandscape features such as the redwood grove,

the oak woodland, the fern grotto, the dry streambed, and the meadow will be renovated. Fourgathering areas— the Dogwood Crescent, theRedwood Circle, the Meadow Overlook, and theFern Grotto— will provide opportunities forindividual and group remembrance.

This project is an important model for restora-tion of other parts of Golden Gate Park. This isa public-private partnership that will restore andmaintain a part of the park that could not beaccomplished with City funds. The AIDSMemorial Grove is a project of the Tides Foun-dation.

In 1996, Congress designated the grove as theNational AIDS Memorial Grove.

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Special Area Plans

DeLaveaga Dell and theAIDS Memorial GroveNorth 0 100 200 400

Scale in feet

South Portal

M I D D L E D R I V E E A S T

Redwood Circle

Meadow

Meadow Circle

Dry Creek

Oak Woodland

Fern Grotto and Dell

Main Portal

Dogwood Crescent

Pine Crescent

Meadow Overlook

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Park EntriesThe entries to Golden Gate Park should be welldesigned transitions between the city and thepark. They should be inviting, providing vistasinto the park, and should provide a sample ofwhat is inside the park. The landscape treatmentat entries should include more highly maintainedlandscape elements such as turf, floweringshrubs, accent trees, and seasonal color planting.The major entries usually include an architec-tural or landscape treatment to highlight theentry.

There are forty-five official entries to GoldenGate Park (not including the Panhandle). Ofthese entries, fifteen are considered majorentries, and all include pedestrians, bicycles andvehicles except the Haight Street and 6thAvenue at Fulton entries which are pedestrianonly. Several entries will receive accessibilityimprovements. Comprehensive entry signs areproposed for all entries. Pedestrian and bicyclesigns will provide park information, maps, parkregulations, and emergency information. Ve-hicle entry signs will announce entry to the parkand request that drivers obey regulations,including the speed limit.

Recommendations for Key Entries

JFK Drive/Kezar Drive. This entry is recom-mended for redesign to alter the traffic flow intothe park by creating a “T” intersection. Cur-rently, two lanes of traffic flow directly into thepark from Fell Street, often at high speed. Theproposed design would require vehicles to slowdown to negotiate the single right turn lane. The

design greatly reduces the amount of asphalt atthe entry, providing an opportunity for a land-scaped entry and entry sign. The entry treatmentshould be a landscape statement, framing theview into the park. A simple treatment withaccent trees and color planting is recommended.

9th Avenue/Lincoln Way. This entry is amajor park entry adjacent to the 9th Avenuecommercial district and is also a major entry forvisitors arriving by public transit. It also servesthe adjacent botanical gardens and the CountyFair Building. The entry lacks signs or treat-ment to reflect its status as a major park entry.Pedestrian circulation is poorly laid out in frontof the County Fair Building. Recommendedimprovements include a new landscape treat-ment, pedestrian circulation, and signs.

Haight Street/Stanyan Street. This is a majorpedestrian entry for the eastern end of the park.The area’s landscape suffers from overuse whichhas caused turf problems, erosion, litter and agenerally run-down appearance. The existingdesign of paths and turf is designed for circula-tion through the area, but the space has devel-oped as a social gathering space. It is recom-mended to redesign the area to accommodate theexisting uses. Additional paved areas, control-ling circulation with barriers between paths andturf areas, and re-establishing Alvord Lake asthe area’s focal point should be explored.Barriers can consist of low fence railings orcontinuous benches lining the paths. Thesetechniques are used extensively in high-useareas of New York’s Central Park.

7th Avenue/Fulton Street (railway shelter).The railway shelter on Fulton Street at 7thAvenue was built in 1889 and was once a majorentrance for visitors arriving by steam trains andlater by cable cars. It is recommended torefurbish the railway shelter as a transit portaland pedestrian entrance. This will requiredesigning a new path into the park and opening avisual corridor between the railway shelter andJFK Drive. The path design should include anappropriate landscape treatment with turfborders.

Western Park Entries (Great Highway andLincoln Way at MLK Drive). The entries atthe Great Highway and Lincoln Way at MLKDrive are recommended to receive new land-scape treatments along with entire westernfrontage. Excess asphalt will be removed insidethe relocated curbs of the Great Highway.Appropriate landscape treatments should bedesigned to announce the entries and includeaccent plantings and entry signs. The landscapeplanting must be appropriate to the extremeconditions of the coastal environment.

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Special Area Plans

HighEntry Location Class Ped. Veh. Priority Comments and Recommendations:

Stanyan & Fulton Intermediate ●Stanyan & Hayes Minor ● ● remove step for accessibilityStanyan/Kezar/JFK Drive Major ● ● ● the park's "front door", new landscaping and entry statementStanyan & Page St. Minor ●

Stanyan & Haight St. Major ● ● new landscaping and entry statement, improve imageStanyan & Waller St. Intermediate ● ● possible road closureKezar Stadium entries Intermediate ●

Kezar Dr. at Children's Playground Minor ●

Kezar Dr. & MLK Dr. Major ● ●

Lincoln & 5th Ave. Minor ● new landscaping, including turf borderLincoln & 7th Ave. Intermediate ● ● possible road closure, new landscaping, pedestrian entryLincoln & 9th Ave. Major ● ● ● major transit entry, entry statement, landscaping, new paths & curbs, new visitor centerLincoln & 19th Ave. Major ● ● ● Breon Gates; new landscaping (trees & understory), paths & accessibility improvements Lincoln & 20th Ave. Minor ● bicycle routeLincoln & 25th Ave. Intermediate ● ● access to Crossover Drive (Highway 1/GG Bridge)Lincoln & 30th Ave. Minor ● pedestrian access to Polo FieldLincoln & 34th Ave. Minor ●

Sunset Blvd. Major ● ● grade-separated from Lincoln WayLincoln & 41st Ave. (Chain of Lakes Dr.)Intermediate ● ● high volume of north/south through trafficLincoln & 45th Ave. Minor ● pedestrian access to play area, improve irrigation & landscapingLincoln & 47th Ave. Minor ●

Lincoln & MLK Dr. (La Playa) Major ● ● ● improve pathway & bike path connections, new irrigation & landscaping, remove excess asphaltGreat Highway (soccer fields) Minor ●

Great Highway at Beach Chalet Intermediate ● ● new parking and pathway improvements, irrigation & landscapingGreat Highway & JFK Dr. Major ● ● ● improve pathway & bike path connections, new irrigation & landscaping, remove excess asphalt

Park Entries

Continued


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Entry Location Class Ped. Veh. Priority Comments and Recommendations:Fulton & La Playa Minor ● trail along former streetcar line, new irrigation and landscapingFulton & 47th Ave. Intermediate ● ●

Fulton & 43rd Ave. (Chain of Lakes Dr.) Major ● ● high volume of north/south through trafficFulton & 36th Ave. Major ● ● access to Spreckles LakeFulton & 32nd Ave. Minor ●

Fulton & 30th Ave. Intermediate ● ● new landscaping and irrigationFulton & 26th Ave. Minor ●

Fulton & 25th Ave. (Crossover Dr.) Major ● ● access to/from Park Presidio Bypass (Hwy. 1- to/from S.)Fulton & 22nd Ave. Minor ● bicycle routeFulton & 17th Ave. Minor ●

Fulton & Park Presidio Blvd. Major ● ● access to/from Park Presidio Bypass (Highway 1/GG Br.)Fulton & 10th Ave. Intermediate ● ●

Fulton & 9th Ave. Minor ●

Fulton & 8th Ave. Major ● ● access to Music Concourse, bus entry, Brown GateFulton & 7th Ave. (Powell St. Rwy. Sta.)Intermediate ● ● historic structure, improve path connection to JFK Dr., landscape along pathFulton & 6th Ave. Intermediate ● redesigned from former roadFulton & 5th Ave. Minor ●

Fulton & 3rd Ave. Minor ●

Fulton & Arguello Blvd. Major ● ● ● bike route (to/from Presidio, GG Br.), Clarke Mem. Gate; rebuild wood steps, landscape roadFulton & Willard North Minor ●

special area plans - san francisco recreation and park...

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