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Lake Merced Trail Improvements

Completed and Opened to the public December 2024!

Scope of Work

Lake Merced Trail Improvements Location and Phasing Map

This project will be completed in two phases. The work around South Lake Merced (Phase 1) is adjacent to the John Muir Parking Lot on the west side of the Lake.  It is comprised of perimeter path replacement, a new picnic area with tables, a new adult fitness terrace with benches, repaving of ADA parking spaces, new signage, a trash enclosure, and replacement drinking fountain. Additional improvements include landscaping and irrigation upgrades.

The work around North Lake Merced (Phase 2) will replace existing paths at the northwest corner of the lake from the intersection with Harding Boulevard to the Sunset Circle parking lot. A new ADA accessible asphalt path will be installed along with an adjacent stabilized soil path, which will provide a softer surface. Additional site improvements will include installing adult fitness stations, site furnishings and replacing ADA parking spaces in the parking lot.

Funding

  • California Natural Resources Agency Grant: $1,000,000
  • 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond Citywide Parks Program: $2,000,000
  • 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond - Forestry Program: $1,000,000
  • 2018 Parks Bond Act - Recreational Infrastructure Revenue Enhancement: $634,540

Total Sources: $4,634,540

Project Schedule

Phase

Timeline

Planning

Fall 2017

Design

Winter 2021

Phase I, Construction

Late 2023

Phase I, Open to the public

February 14, 2024

Phase II, Construction

Early 2024 through Late 2024

Phase II, Open to the public

Late 2024

Project Updates

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Project Updates

Capital Project Update Opens in new window

Lake Merced Trail Improvements | Construction complete!

The renovated pathway along the NW corner of Lake Merced is officially open to the public! We have replaced fitness stations, benches, and picnic tables, installed a new drinking fountain, and upgraded ADA parking spaces. Additionally, we planted new Read on…

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Let’sPlaySF! Initiative | Take the Let’sPlaySF! Playground Survey open through January 31, 2025

Thanks to the successful Let’sPlaySF! Initiative funded by the 2012 Park Bond, SF Parks Alliance, and philanthropic partners we are renovating 13 dilapidated playgrounds across our city. With 11 playgrounds already beautifully renovated and two more Read on…

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Lake Merced Trail Improvements | Construction update, November 2024

Construction of the renovated Lake Merced pathways is just about complete! The contractor is in process of taking down all the construction fencing. The adult fitness stations have been installed and the planting is Read on…

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Lake Merced Trail Improvements | Construction update, October 2024

Trail improvement work continues along Lake Merced Boulevard as the contractor works on paving an asphalt path and installing soft surface, park tread, and trail. We hope to complete major work on this project by the end of November. If you have any Read on…

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Lake Merced | Pathway Now Open on Skyline Blvd

While construction activities will continue on this project through the end of the year, the trail along Skyline Boulevard is now open again. We have no significant or long-term trail closures or pedestrian detours upcoming as part of this project. Read on…

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Lake Merced | Skyline Blvd pathway closure + pedestrian detour extended to mid-July

The pathway closure and pedestrian detour along Skyline Boulevard has been extended through mid-July. Pedestrians should follow the detour through Harding Park Golf Course, available from 6 AM – 8 PM Read on…

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Lake Merced | Skyline Blvd pathway closure + pedestrian detour thru late June

To accommodate construction, the trail along Skyline Boulevard is closed through late June. Pedestrians should follow the detour through Harding Park Golf Course, available from 6 AM – 8 PM Read on…

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Lake Merced | Trail work begins on Skyline Blvd | Trail closure + pedestrian detour thru late June

Construction work has begun along Skyline Blvd. The trail along Skyline Blvd will be closed now through late June. Pedestrians are advised to follow the marked detour route through Harding Golf Course Read on…

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Lake Merced | Construction begins tomorrow! Look for pedestrian detours

Construction work along Skyline Blvd begins tomorrow, Wednesday, May 8. The trail along Skyline Blvd will be closed through late June. Pedestrians are advised to follow the detour route through Harding Golf Course Read on…

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Lake Merced | Construction update, April 2024

We’re happy to report that construction work around the northwestern portion of the lake is on-track to begin construction in Spring 2024, continuing through Fall 2024. Expect trail closures and detours starting in early May Read on…

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Lake Merced | Construction update, February/March 2024

We were pleased to mark the completion of the first phase of this project with a ribbon-cutting event this month. The first phase of work was on the southside of Lake Merced, which added improvements such as Read on…

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Lake Merced South | New Improvements Unveiled at Lake Merced South

The upgrades will ensure the park remains a destination for relaxation, exercise, and activities like bird watching. Read on…

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Lake Merced South | Reopening celebration, February 14, 2-3 PM | New start time, 2 PM

Please note new start time, 2 PM Join us this Wednesday, February 14, 2-3 PM, for the reopening of Lake Merced South! You’ll love our newest park amenities, including new fitness court, picnic tables, benches, landscaping, and ADA parking Read on…

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Lake Merced South | Reopening celebration, February 14, 2-3 PM | New Fitness Court and more!

Join us for the reopening of Lake Merced South! February 14, 2-3 PM. You’ll love our newest park amenities, including new fitness court, picnic tables, benches, landscaping, and ADA parking Read on…

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Lake Merced | Construction update, January 2024

We are nearly complete with our new fitness court installation near the John Muir Parking Lot. We have recently installed new benches and picnic tables. Our landscape contractor is putting the Read on…

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Lake Merced | Construction update, December 2023

Construction is wrapping up on the improvements near the John Muir Parking Lot area. The site furnishings should be delivered and installed soon, and the Read on…

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Lake Merced | Construction update, November 2023

Construction is going smoothly on the improvements near John Muir Parking Lot. The contractor has installed the concrete pad for the Read on…

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Lake Merced Project update | March 2023

As a quick update, the upcoming Lake Merced project, which involves renovation of the pathways on the north side of the lake, is undergoing preparation to take construction bids Read on…

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Lake Merced Project Preparing Bid Documents!

We are happy to report that the project team is in the process of preparing for . . . Read on…

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Lake Merced Joint City Agency Project Updates Meeting February 17th!

Please join Recreation and Parks, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and the Municipal Transportation Authority (MTA) for a . . . Read on…

Documents and Materials

Contact Us

Omar Davis

Project Manager Email Phone: 1-628-652-6644