Things won’t be so golden in Golden Gate Park next year if a proposed plan gets finalized. How you enjoy—and get to—Golden Gate Park could change substantially: The city is considering making people pay for parking in the currently-free streetside spaces, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
One of the complicated joys of driving to the park is driving around to find a space, knowing that it’s free so long as you don’t mind walking a little way—or a long way—to your intended destination. But it’s all part of the laidback vibe of the park, and strolling along beautiful walkways with trees is hardly a terrible thing. (The Music Concourse Garage right by the de Young and the Kezar Stadium lot are both paid parking areas.)
Here’s what else we know:
Why might Golden Gate Park parking stop being free?
The park may have to convert to paid parking because of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission’s funding deficit, projected to be $15 million by the year 2027. The city’s overall deficit is said to be climbing to $876 million over the next few years.
Would the city pay to install parking meters?
No, it sounds like there would be a centralized parking kiosk to input payments.
How much would parking cost in Golden Gate Park?
Up to $3 an hour.
When would paid parking start?
Sometime next year if approved.
Are there other cost-cutting measures under discussion?
Park staff are considering charging $5 an hour to reserve tennis courts, which are currently free to use. The park golf courses may also go under lease management so that the city won’t have to operate them (a cost of $6 million).
What could be the benefits?
Recreation and Park leaders say that the possible parking (which could bring in $1.2 million the first year, rising to $9.2 million the following year) and tennis court fees (a projected $1 million gain) would help fund summer camps, restroom custodians and community gardens.
What happens if the deficit isn’t addressed?
The gardener apprentice program may be cut back, staff may mow ball fields less frequently, maintenance could be deferred for sports facilities and open space, bathroom monitors could be eliminated, swimming pools could be closed and recreation center hours reduced.
Is there public transit in the park?
Of course. MUNI has several dozen lines that service the park, including the N Judah and the 5 Fulton, with a ticket price of about $3 depending on how you pay. Once you get there, the Golden Gate Park Free Shuttle operates daily, running noon to 6pm every 25 minutes on weekdays and 9am to 6pm every 15 minutes on weekends and holidays. The shuttle is free.