Phase 1: Vision Study
Check out the Vision Study
The Vision imagines and visualizes possibilities for physical and programmatic improvements to the park and its environs with the goal of inspiring actionable change.
Based on a robust public engagement process that spanned seven months and encompassed outreach to thousands of San Franciscans, it shows what the park *could be.*
While the Vision’s purpose is to generate creative ideas and approaches, final decisions about park improvements are the purview of local and/or federal agencies and the availability of funding.
What is a Vision Study?
A vision study engages you for ideas about how a place could be improved, then tests, synthesizes and depicts those ideas so that you can actually see what it could look like. The outcome of a vision study can be likened to a life-size jigsaw puzzle. It will create an image of the puzzle box — what the finished result might look like — as well as define the pieces needed to make it happen and suggest how to put them together. We’ve heard from so many people for this vision study and are excited to share ideas the public has for this area!
This diagram shows three major areas of opportunity.
Think Bigger
With the Great American Outdoors Act making substantial federal funding possible, we have a historic opportunity to improve San Francisco’s waterfront at this key juncture of historic, recreation, environmental, commercial and cultural resources.
While our focus is primarily on improvements to Aquatic Park, there is an exciting opportunity to make this entire area more lively, attractive and accessible to residents from all over the city— not just for San Francisco’s many visitors.
Our aim is for Aquatic Park and Fort Mason to be better connected to each other and to the city, and more responsive to your needs and enjoyment.
Our Vision Study generates ideas.
The Vision Study explores future possibilities for the area inside the dotted red line, with a primary focus on Aquatic Park.
The study asks the public about their experience of this part of the waterfront.
How do you use this place?
How can this be a better place for you?
What would you like to be able to see or do here?
The Vision synthesizes those answers into conceptual drawings that show what improvements could be and what they might look like, consistent with the historical character of the place.
The study area includes land from two national parks - GGNRA and San Francisco National Maritime Historical Park - as well as land under the jurisdiction of the City of San Francisco. Visitors experience this area seamlessly, so it makes sense to look at the area holistically.
Get Involved
What was your experience here?
What do you remember? What drew you to this area? How did you get there? Who were you with? What did you do there? How did it feel to be there? Do you come there often? Why?
If you haven’t been to the park, why not? What might make you visit? What do you wish you could do here? Let us hear from you, whether via our survey or by sharing your story.
How can you participate?
While our Vision Study has been completed, our outreach about the park is still active, our ears are open. You still have the opportunity to submit your ideas by checking out our video and filling out our survey.