San Francisco’s west side is set to undergo a significant transformation as the city takes concrete steps toward establishing a new park along the Great Highway. Early Friday morning, park rangers closed the gates to vehicle traffic, a move celebrated by park advocates following the approval of Proposition K in the November elections.

A Milestone for Park Advocates

Following the closure at 5 a.m., supporters of the project expressed optimism about its future. “It’s something that’s going to take a lot of work to get to the future park that we all dream of,” noted Lucas Lux, a local park supporter. “But, today is day one, and we should be proud of that,” he added.

Opposition to the Park

Despite the excitement among supporters, the project faces legal challenges. Opponents have filed a lawsuit claiming that park proponents have exceeded their authority and that the plans overlook critical environmental concerns. One plaintiff, Matt Boschetto, emphasized that the legal battle is far from over, stating, “It’s certainly long from over. Again, I think we have a great case, and hopefully, we see it through court and get justice served there.”

Enhancements in Progress

As the park initiative advances, city crews have begun implementing changes on Lincoln and the Great Highway, including road re-striping and installation of closure signage. The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department announced plans to start park enhancements next month, which will include the addition of seating and recreational areas.

“Rec and Parks will be adding seating, recreation areas,” said Tamara Barak Aparton from the Recreation and Parks Department. “Signage. All the things that parks need,” she added.

Community Reactions

The initial closure has already encouraged local residents to enjoy the area. Paul Greer, who was spotted walking along the highway, expressed enthusiasm for the park’s future: “It’s a safe place to take your family. I’m thrilled about it. I can’t wait to enjoy it for many more hours to take the kids out.” Greer is eager for the upcoming transformation as a benefit for his young children.

Concerns Over Traffic Impact

Conversely, some residents are worried about the potential traffic impact the park could create. Stephen Gorski, a local resident, is advocating for the recall of District Supervisor Joel Engardio in light of his support for the park. Gorski argued that the closure will push more traffic into neighborhoods and may not reflect the desires of those living in the area. “People on the other side of town don’t realize the impact here,” he stated. “If they can do it here, they can do it anywhere.”

Looking Ahead

While the lawsuit is underway, the Recreation and Parks Department is aiming for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the park around mid-April, which indicates a significant step towards realizing the community’s vision for the area.