McLaren Park - Shelley Promenade Project

Approved October 24, 2023!

Background

T he Shelley Promenade in McLaren Park is now permanent after the San Francisco Board of Supervisors signed off on Rec and Park’s plan to convert it to a promenade. This nearly half-mile stretch of Shelley Drive has been closed to cars since April 2020 and with its new permanent status it will continue to be a safe space for biking, wheeling, running, and walking.

The conversion into a promenade was supported by multiple City policies and program recommendations as a way to improve accessibility, equity, and mobility within McLaren Park. San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) policies and analysis support the proposed action.

In June 2023, the Recreation and Park Commission considered the proposed conversion of a section of John Shelley Drive to a permanent pedestrian and bicycle promenade and passed a motion recommending that the Board of Supervisors hear and approve the proposed conversion. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the conversion on October 24, 2023 and Mayor London Breed signed into law November 3, 2023 .

Scope of Work

This 0.4-mile-long section of the John Shelley Drive in McLaren Park is now reserved for pedestrians as a way to enhance the park experience and improve safety and comfort for all non-vehicular users.

The conversion project did not include any physical changes to the area, except for the addition of some bollards and gates to ensure safety. The physical implementation of the project will occur in phases:

• Adjusting barrier locations, and adding improved barriers and temporary signage (spring 2024);
• Installation of a multi-use path to connect the Mansell Promenade and the Shelley Promenade (2024-25); and
• Installation of ADA parking and path of travel to the Shelley Promenade, permanent signage, and potentially upgraded bollards/ gates (2025-26).

Additional improvements are being considered in association with the McLaren 2020 Bond Planning project , including fitness stations and seating at viewing locations.

Project Schedule

Recreation and Parks Commission, Capital Committee hearing , June 1, 2023

Recreation and Parks, Full Commission , June 15, 2023

Board of Supervisors, pass unanimously , October 24, 2023

Mayor London Breed signs into law , November 3, 2023

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