Lake Merced West
Request for Proposals (RFP)
The Development and Operation of Lake Merced West Proposals due: 3 p.m., Thursday, December 17, 2026
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (Department) is seeking submittals of proposals to lease, develop, and operate all or a portion of the Lake Merced West property. The property is under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission; however, the Department will manage the leasing of the property for recreational use. The site is approximately 9.5 acres located at 520 John Muir Drive in San Francisco. The Department seeks a lease of up to 20 years that will provide opportunities for public recreation that take advantage of the lakeside setting, enhance public enjoyment and appreciation of the Lake Merced Watershed, and maintain water quality.
Key Dates
Request for Proposals issued: Friday, August 21, 2026
Pre-Submittal Meeting (Zoom): 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, September 3, 2026. Email Neal.Patel@sfgov.org for the Zoom link.
Site visits: Site visits meet at 520 John Muir Drive.
Site Visit #1: 3 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Site Visit #2: 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Additional site visits may be available upon request.
Community Letters of Interest due: 3 p.m., Thursday, September 24, 2026
Deadline to submit questions: 3 p.m., Friday, November 20, 2026
Proposal due date: 3 p.m., Thursday, December 17, 2026
Community letters of interest from nonprofit organizations are eligible to be posted on this website and are intended to help establish partnerships. The letters should describe the organization and the organization’s interest in activating the site and proposed recreational activities. Email letters to Neal.Patel@sfgov.org .
Related Documents
Please contact Neal Patel if you have any questions: Neal.Patel@sfgov.org or 415-831-2791 .
Lake Merced West Community Meeting
Thank you to all those who attended the RFP Community Meeting on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The Department is considering feedback and will post the Lake Merced West RFP on this website in August 2026.
July 29, 2026 Community Meeting Presentation (PDF)
Please contact Neal.Patel@sfgov.org with any comments or questions.
Previous Work and Environmental Review at Lake Merced West
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, located at 520 John Muir Drive, that will serve park users of all ages, fitness levels, and experience at this unique natural waterfront setting.
The possible new publicly accessible recreational elements may include 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, RPD intends to launch the RFP process for prospective bidders in 2026. Bidders will need to provide project proposals for the development, financing, and operation of some or all of the possible recreational uses at Lake Merced West. Buildings and structures have been demolished and soils have been remediated.
Plans, Drawings, Photos, and Renderings
Funding
The future concessionaire will fund the site’s development. The project’s final scope and cost will be determined based on the RFP process and the proposals received.
Project Team
- Neal Patel, RPD
- Obi Nzewi, SFPUC
Additional Information
For more information on the EIR, visit the San Francisco Planning Department environmental review documents .