Lake Merced West

LMW across the lake

Scope of Work 

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (RPD) and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) worked jointly on an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that was certified by the Planning Commission on January 12, 2023 and adopted by the Recreation and Park Commission on January 19, 2023. The EIR analyzed the construction of new recreational elements at Lake Merced West (520 John Muir Drive) that will serve park users of all ages, fitness levels, and experience at this unique and natural waterfront setting. 

The possible new recreational elements that would be publicly accessible may include the following: picnic areas, walking paths, a boathouse and dock, a ropes course, bird watching areas, basketball courts and/or multi-purpose sport courts, a playground, a skateboard park, public restrooms, a community building, and a restaurant.  

Project Schedule and Next Steps

With the EIR certified and adopted in January 2023, RPD intends to launch the Request for Proposals (RFP) process for prospective bidders in the summer of 2023. Bidders will need to provide project proposals on the development, financing, and operation of some or all of the above possible recreational uses at Lake Merced West. Prior to launching the RFP, RPD will hold a community meeting to make sure the RFP provides for a variety of options. If you would like to be included on the RFP contact list, please contact jackie.suen@sfgov.org.

Project implementation would proceed in three phases over approximately 45 months (nearly 4 years):

  • Phase 1: Building/structure demolition, tree removal, soil remediation by SFPUC - Late 2023
  • Phase 2: Upland building/structure/outdoor feature construction - 2024-2026
  • Phase 3: Shoreline recreational facilities construction- 2026

Plan/Drawings/Photos/Renderings

Lake Merced West conceptual site plan with 3,000 square foot boathouse

Lake Merced West conceptual site plan varient with 15,000 square foot boathouse

Project Cost and Funding Sources

The Project’s cost is TBD. The future concessionaire will fund the site’s development and the project’s final scope and cost will be determined based on the RFP process and the proposals received. 

Project Team

For more information on the EIR, please visit the San Francisco Planning Department website.


Community Meeting FAQs (February 2022)