Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project

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

Background

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, restroom, 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.

Ocean Beach Overview graphic describing the project area changes by section

Project Overview

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.

Ocean Beach Trail graphic rendering showing the future trail with many people doing various activiti

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:

  • 2020 Health and Recovery Bond 
  • SFPUC
  • San Francisco Office of Resilience and Capital Planning 

Project Schedule

PhaseTimeline
Planning2016
Design2019
ConstructionLate 2024
Open to the public2028


Project Updates

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  1. Project Update Blog
  2. Documents and Materials
  1. Capital Project Update

    Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project (OBCCAP) | Commission Approval – Nov 17, 2023 Update

    Following the Planning Commission (9/28/23) and PUC Commission (10/10/23) hearings, the Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project was heard at the Rec Park Commission on Thursday, October 19th. The Commission unanimously approved Read on...
  2. Capital Project Update

    Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project (OBCCAP) | Rec Park Commission hearing Thurs, Oct 19

    Following the Planning Commission (9/28/23) and PUC Commission (10/10/23) hearings, the Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project will be heard at this week’s Rec Park Commission on Thursday, October 19th at 10 am. Read on...
  3. Capital Project Update

    Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project (OBCCAP) | Response to Comments Published

    The San Francisco Planning Department has published the Responses to Comments document for the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project on the Read on...
  4. Capital Project Update

    Ocean Beach Climate Adaptation Project | Project update August 2023

    Upcoming Opportunity to Provide Public Comment for the Ocean Beach Climate Adaptation Project (OBCCAP) Read on...
  5. Capital Project Update

    Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project Update 1/20!

    The design team is finalizing the 95% Construction Documents and . . . Read on...
  6. Capital Project Update

    Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project Art Proposals are posted!

    Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project Art Proposals are posted! Read on...
  7. Capital Project Update

    Upcoming Opportunity to Provide Public Comment for Ocean Beach Project

    Phase 2 of the San Francisco Arts Commission’s Civic Design Review for the . . . Read on...
  8. Capital Project Update

    Thank You for Joining Our April 20th Webinar!

    On April 20, 2022 the Recreation & Park Department, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and . . . Read on...
  9. Capital Project Update

    Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project—Webinar on April 20

    An upcoming multi-agency, virtual community webinar will share status updates on the City’s Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project Read on...
  10. Capital Project Update

    Public Art Opportunity at Ocean Beach!

    The San Francisco Arts Commission invites artists and artist teams residing in the United States to submit qualifications for a public art opportunity Read on...
  11. Capital Project Update

    Draft EIR for Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project Published

    The San Francisco Planning Department has published the draft environmental impact report for the Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project. . . Read on...
  12. Capital Project Update

    Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project Update 3/11!

    There are two upcoming opportunities to provide public comment on this project. . . Read on...
  13. Capital Project Update

    Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project Update 2/18!

    Thank you to the 90+ community members who joined us for . . . Read on...
  14. Capital Project Update

    Please Join us for Virtual Community Meeting on Upcoming Ocean Beach Project

    Please join the City’s multi-agency virtual community meeting to . . . Read on...
  15. Capital Project Update

    Check out the Discussion on South Ocean Beach Project with SPUR

    Check out the panel discussion on the project . . . Read on...
  16. Capital Project Update

    Ocean Beach Climate Adaptation Project Update 10/7!

    Planning and design is ongoing for this project . . . Read on...
  1. Monica Scott

    Project Manager