Recreation, Culture + Education

Emerging Projects

Project Name

Description
REC – New Park Acquisitions and Capital Development Needs REC is currently reviewing potential site acquisitions for future parks in San Francisco. The department is currently investigating opportunities in the Tenderloin, Mid-Market/SoMa area and Lower Polk. REC is also currently working with the Port and OCII on a potential transfer of Mission Bay Parks, and with OCII and Public Works on a potential transfer of the Transbay Block 3 future park. The department has identified a potential urban agriculture site for future acquisition in the Portola neighborhood. The department is continuing to work with developers at Schlage Lock for two new future parks.
REC – Camp Mather Master Plan Located near Yosemite National Park, Camp Mather is a family camp with 337 acres, a pool, lake, tennis and basketball courts, staff housing dormitories, kitchen/dining hall and 100+ rustic cabins that serve as guest accommodations. This site is heavily used and a long-neglected resource. It is also revenue generating. A master plan, including environmental review, would help guide the improvements needed at the facility. In addition, significant improvements are needed to existing structures, including a modern wastewater treatment facility to meet current environmental standards.
REC – Civic Center Plaza Modernization In collaboration with Public Works and the Mayor’s Office on Disability, this project is meant to address the most significant trip hazards in the Civic Center Plaza pavement. The project proposes to replace and reinforce the pavement at the Plaza’s high-traffic zone to support year-round events on the Larkin Street side of plaza and center area, and remediate trip hazard and pavement maintenance issues at identified areas near Grove and McAllister Streets. This project will be completed in coordination with the City’s Civic Center Public Realm Plan led by the Planning Department.
REC – Geneva Car Barn Enhancement – Phase 2 Phase 2 of the Geneva Car Barn Enhancement Project includes renovation of the Car Barn building. This project will include a seismic upgrade, the installation of modern utility systems, restoration of historic features, hazardous materials remediation and new circulation systems to accommodate ADA access. The renovated Car Barn will include space for new art studios, a cafe, an event space, a theater, a community meeting room, a student lounge, and retail.
REC – Golden Gate Park - 9th Ave & Lincoln Gateway This project proposes improving the prominent gateway into Golden Gate Park with placemaking improvements including an expanded paving area on each side of 9th Avenue, with seating, specimen planting, and improved signage to welcome park visitors. Crossings will be brought to ADA compliance and the existing bus shelter may be relocated to create a more usable space.
REC – Golden Gate Park Senior Center The popular Golden Gate Park Senior Center is a dated building which requires modernization and enhancements to bring it up to code and meet future needs. A needs assessment was conducted to determine the scope of required improvements and cost of two scenarios: one that addresses building deficiencies, ADA and circulation, and one that includes a building expansion and potential relocation of the existing senior center garden.
REC – Golf Course Improvements Significant facility upgrades are needed at the City's golf courses. The Lincoln Park course has several needs including netting along Clement Street, a new clubhouse, a new perimeter fence, as well as rehabilitation of the entire course. Similarly, the Sharp Park course and other courses within the City also require substantial upgrades.
REC – Union Square Improvements Union Square improvements would include palm planter repairs, plaza stone repair and caulking/grout, Geary Boulevard terraced turf conversion to permeable pavers, and plaza irrigation and horticultural upgrades.
REC – Visitation Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Project New sidewalks, bicycle safety improvements, and traffic calming measures are proposed to improve the safety along the Visitation Avenue corridor. The Recreation and Parks Department is conducting community engagement and seeking additional funding and expects to have a preferred design in Spring/Summer of 2023.
REC – McLaren Lodge Seismic and Code Upgrades John McLaren Lodge, situated at the entrance to Golden Gate Park, requires seismic improvements, including improvements to the newer annex (a two-story administrative building directly behind the Lodge), the breezeway which connects both buildings, and an ADA compliant elevator.
REC – Recreation Centers – Neighborhood Parks After the Gene Friend Recreation Center project, REC plans to modernize recreation centers that have not been addressed recently, starting with Mission Recreation & Arts Center, and followed by Potrero, Bernal Heights and St. Mary’s Recreation Centers. These recreation centers need renovation for seismic safety, upgraded access, and replacement of failing structures, systems, and play features. Mission Recreation & Arts Center will undergo seismic, structural and feasibility studies to identify potential improvements.
REC – Murphy Windmill The historic windmill, which has undergone some restoration work in the early 2000s, requires rehabilitation of the tower and dome of to address operational safety concerns.
REC – Sharp Park Wetland Restoration This project would improve the habitat for special status species, such as California Red Legged Frogs and San Francisco Garter Snakes, at the Laguna Salada Wetland Complex by creating an additional 19 acres of habitat and re-establishing the connection with Mori Point.
REC – Zoo Improvements The Zoo is currently undergoing a Master Planning process to analyze current capital needs. Since 2000, the Zoo has spent approximately $70 million on new construction, renovation, and enhancement. While the western side of the Zoo has seen significant improvements, there are many structures that still need repair, including the Mothers Building, the last remaining building with culturally significant WPA murals from the Fleishhacker Pool. In addition, the Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project will move the Zoo's main entrance from the Great Highway to Sloat Blvd. On the eastern side of the Zoo, substantial work needs to be performed to renovate the lion house and bear grottoes along with the other original structures from the 1920s and 30s.
ARTS – SOMArts Cultural Center A facility assessment for the SOMArts Cultural Center (SOMArts) was completed in April 2019. SOMArts received an SHR rating of 4. Repair, renovation, and replacement scenarios were developed that require further technical analysis, alongside a cost/benefit analysis that would include a potential relocation. Both the repair and renovation scenarios would bring the building to an SHR rating of 3 through a structural retrofit and include significant repair and/or replacement of major building systems including exterior cladding and doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, lighting/electrical, and the HVAC system; roof and gutter repairs; new fire water connection and new double detector check valve; and site work.
ARTS – 706 Mission Interior Buildout Pursuant to an agreement between 706 Mission (Millennium) and the Office of Community Infrastructure and Investment (OCII), Millennium agreed to construct a four-story, approximately 48,000 square foot warm shell space (Cultural Component) as part of their 706 Mission Street high-rise residential mixed-use project. The project is nearing substantial completion and Millennium is preparing to turn over the Cultural Component to the City, pursuant to their agreement. Additional funding may be required to complete the interior buildout of the facility.
In close coordination with RED, OEWD works to keep the Mint active and maintained – until such time as the full restoration project can begin in earnest – through a near-term partnership with a local event production and venue operator group.
ARTS – Arts Commission Tenant Improvements at War Memorial Veterans Building The SF Arts Commission Gallery needs new lighting, flooring, acoustics, and space reconfiguration. The SF Arts Commission Gallery is 900 square feet, houses gallery space, and gallery-related administrative/staff offices. The gallery is an important showcase for BIPOC, local, national, and international artists and contemporary issues; it produces four major annual exhibitions. The Arts Commission also anticipates potential staff expansions and/or consolidations that would require office space-related tenant improvements.
LIB – Main Library Improvements The Main Library is 26 years old, and while the building is in excellent condition, there have been many changes in how libraries provide service to their patrons. It is likely that the Strategic Planning and Facilities Master Plan processes will identify opportunities for remodeling the building to make it even more effective and enjoyable for all users. Given the size and nature of the building, and the reality that building mechanical systems will be approaching their third decade of service before a major remodel occurs, it is likely that such a project will involve a substantial capital investment.
LIB – Climate Resilience Improvements The Library’s Strategic Plan and Facilities Plan will address climate change issues in accordance with the City’s strategic plans and desired goals for weather relief centers. Working together with City partners such as the Department of Emergency Management and Department of Public Health, it is likely that some library locations will be identified for the installation of enhanced cooling and/or air filtering systems to provide shelter for community members during smoke or heat days.
LIB – Main Library Office Space Tenant Improvements The Library's IT needs have grown exponentially since the Main Library's opening in 1996. The IT division has not only outgrown its designated space on the 6th floor, but the division's operational needs to prepare equipment for deployment systemwide would be best served near the loading docks to improve asset flow. The proposed enhancement for IT services at the Main Library will allow for a more centralized service point, improve collaboration, and enhance asset oversight and security.
SCI – Replacement of Natural Gas Infrastructure In order to comply with the City’s net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target, the California Academy of Sciences is exploring replacing all-natural gas infrastructure and appliances with electric infrastructure and appliances.
SCI – Expansion of Cooling Systems The chiller/cooling tower plant at the California Academy of Sciences is insufficient to reliably meet the demands of the living collection and building occupants, especially during heat waves which are anticipated to increase in frequency, severity, and duration due to climate change. This project would increase the capacity and resilience of the chiller/cooling tower plant to protect the living collection, reduce the need for load shedding, and support business continuity. It may include adding a chiller and/or dedicated chill water loop and adding to the square footage of the Central Utility Plant.
SFUSD – Student Nutrition Services School Kitchen Comparative Operational Analysis and Planning SFUSD is currently working with a consultant partner to develop SFUSD’s food production facility strategy and form a long-term business plan to guide implementation of the most feasible strategy. This will identify capital facility needs based on the best strategy for SFUSD school food service.

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