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Ocean Beach Climate Adaptation Project

Background

Ocean Beach current view facing North showing erosion and temporary barrier wall

The Ocean Beach Climate Adaptation Project (OBCCAP) is situated along the Great Highway south of Sloat and north of Skyline. The Great Highway passes through Recreation and Park Department property in this area. Recreational and open space elements planned for this soon to be former roadway include a multi-use trail, restrooms, beach access stairs and a parking lot, and are a part of the SFPUC’s Ocean Beach Climate Adaptation Project , which is in its design phase.

Goals of the Recreational and Open Space Project Elements of the OBCCAP

  • Connect Coastal trail from the Great Highway to Lake Merced for use by pedestrians and cyclists;
  • Provide pedestrian access to the shore; and ­­
  • Provide replacement parking to access the shore.

Project Overview

Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project - project map

Ocean Beach south of Sloat has experienced significant erosion during the past 15 years. The SPUR Ocean Beach Master Plan outlines a managed retreat strategy to allow for some retreat of the coastline, while still protecting important city infrastructure, namely Public Utilities Commission wastewater pipes and associated infrastructure. The strategy includes four key aspects:

  1. Buried seawall to protect the Lake Merced Tunnel;

  2. Creation of multi-use trail and parking;

  3. Roadway changes and intersection improvements.

  4. Replace the Sloat Restroom with a new restroom building.

The Recreation and Park Department worked with the National Park Service, SFMTA, Public Works, PUC, and other government agencies to develop the Ocean Beach Climate Adaptation Project. Recreation and Park’s proposed improvements to the area include adding a new multi-use trail for pedestrian and bike access between Sloat and Skyline - connecting a link along the shoreline that is currently missing, and replacing coastal parking.

More information about the coordinated effort to address Ocean Beach adaptation efforts can be found on the San Francisco Planning Department’s Ocean Beach website.

Recreational & Open Space Project Elements

Multi-Use Path

  1. Build a multi-use path and replacement restroom in a closed portion of Great Highway;

  2. Build a replacement parking lot;

  3. Create plaza near Sloat and Great Highway; and

  4. Open trail to connect to beach and existing trail network once tunnel work completed.

Project Partners

  • SPUR
  • Public Utilities Commission
  • San Francisco Public Works
  • San Francisco Planning Department
  • San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)
  • National Park Service: Golden Gate National Recreation Area
  • San Francisco Zoo
  • San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA)
  • Caltrans (California Department of Transportation)
  • California Coastal Commission

Funding

Funding source amounts to be determined based on final scope, but may include:

  • 20 20 Health and Recovery Bond
  • SFPUC
  • San Francisco Office of Resilience and Capital Planning

Estimated Project Schedule

Planning , 2016

Design , 2019

Construction begins , Late 2026

Open to the Public , TBD

Project Updates If you would like to receive updates about all our active projects, please visit the News Flash section of our webpage and subscribe to “Rec Park Improvements | All Project Updates,” or pick-and-choose your subscriptions by project name.

Project Updates

Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project (OBCCAP) | Project update, April 2026

In coordination with the Coastal Development Permit from the California Coastal Commission, the project team (with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) as the lead agency) continues working on design changes intended to enhance Read on…

Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project (OBCCAP) | Coastal Development Permit Approved

On November 14, the California Coastal Commission approved the Coastal Development Permit for the Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project. The project team and commission staff were able to strike a balance between protecting critical wastewater Read on…

Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project (OBCCAP) | April 2024 Update

On April 1, the National Park Service published the NEPA Environmental Assessment to consider whether to issue an easement and Special Use Permit for work within NPS land to the City to implement the Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project. The NPS Read on…

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Documents and Materials

Contact Us

Monica Scott

Project Manager Email Phone: 1-628-652-6632