Dolores Park Rehabilitation Plan Ready for Final Tweeks

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Lauren Hartman

Thursday, October 27 was the last in a series of 6 Community Workshops to plan for the Rehabilitation of Dolores Park. Participants were given the opportunity to present any additional suggestions or alternative proposals to our conceptual plan and vote on the last few elements up for discussion.

Displayed in the rear of the Mission High School Cafeteria were sketches of the proposed plans, including aerial and graded views. We were also given oral presentations for an alternate road in the west end of the North Field, a request from the Tai Chi Club for additional group exercise space and a request we reconsider the location of the North Field Off-leash Dog Play Area.  One well received change, the proposal for a barrier across the South Field to separate the off leash Dog Play Area and the ADA accessible path was withdrawn.  Yes, both fields will remain essential undivided and open.

For 30 minuets we broke into small groups to discuss and compile any final revisions. Placed on each table was a large print out of the proposed plans, tracing paper, and markers to make any final comments or changes.  Each of the small group analysis was presented to the room and the architects wrote it all down on poster paper.

Here is how the vote went down:

  • We all wanted to include a space for the Tai Chi and other exercise groups.
  • The Dog Off-Leash Play areas will be as originally proposed.
  • An alternate road plan for the North Field was favored.  This will allow the even further narrowing of the cross field path.
  • A new design for the 19th Street entrance that opens up the top steps, splits the plaza into two levels and has a simpler ADA accessible path to the lower plaza  was approved.
  • The Playground Restroom will be recessed even more into the hillside.
Draft Tree Plan, showing most of the current proposals with some changes; the Clubhouse will go, no chain across the South Field and an additional road in the west end of the North Field.North West

Draft Tree Plan, showing most of the current proposals with some changes; the Clubhouse will go, no chain across the South Field and an additional road in the west end of the North Field.


This is the final public community Dolores Park Rehabilitation meeting of the year.  The discussions will reconvene in February when the completed Rehabilitation Plan is presented to the Steering Committee. Stay tuned.

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Briefly Noted – 2011-10-31

Posted on October 31, 2011 by DPW
  • 12 meetings and an amazing plan, an alternative maintenance path, a tai chi plaza and grass where clubhouse stood. http://t.co/Os1fezB6 #
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Briefly Noted – 2011-10-31

Posted on October 31, 2011 by DPW
  • A dozen meetings and one amazing plan –  an alternative maintenance path, a tai chi plaza and grass where the clubhouse stood.

    A dozen meetings

    A dozen meetings

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Workshop #6, the Exciting Conclusion

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Robert Brust

The Dolores Park Rehabilitation community planning process will be wrapping-up tomorrow, Thursday October 26 with a final workshop, Workshop #6, at 6 pm in the Mission High cafeteria.  We have planned for at least one more Steering Committee meeting and I expect Rec and Park will remain open to additional comments and appeals. Stay tuned to this space and Rec and Park’s pages for additional info.

Dolores Park Rehabilitation Workshop #6
By Dolores Park Works  |  View on Facebook
When: Oct 27, 2011 (6:00pm - 9:00pm)

Where: Mission High Cafeteria


» View map
Billed as the final community planning workshop in the Dolores Park Rehabilitation process, this certainly will not be the last word. Look forward to an exciting and import community meeting on the park nevertheless.
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Dolores Park Community Needs to Take One More Good Look at Reno Plans

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Robert Brust

I am convinced we now have a good plan for the rehabilitation of Dolores Park.  There will be more changes, but the 10.20.11 Draft Plan, is a good prediction of the Dolores Park of the future. There are two elements however, that I believe are worth going to the barricades over, restoration of the Gay Terrace and blocking installation of barriers across the great fields.

The two fields, North and South are the key defining features of the park. Any effort to rehabilitate or preserve Dolores Park should keep this in mind. There is now on the plan, in an attempt to protect the disabled and the children from off leash dogs, a wall of posts, chain and benches across the South lawn. This must go. It is not only an affront to the beauty of Dolores, but an impediment to using the space for large civic events.  I, along with several other participants have voiced my concern about the South Lawn barrier, but I am afraid this will not be enough.

My second concern is the encroachment of the new playground on the historic terrace.  I am also convinced that upon completion of the playground, some grading will be necessary to restore Gay Beach. If you would like to see these concerns addressed, please write to Jacob.Gilchrist@sfgov.org

Some changes to the plan are already in the works. At last Thursday Community Workshop participants strongly supported the sacking of the old Clubhouse.   We should also expect to see new proposals for the 19th Street entrance and the Promenade. Many were disappointed to see that all of the previous ideas for the Promenade had been scraped in favor of historic preservation.  I vote for giving them one more look. Not so clear, is the outcome of continuing arguments on the north side dog play area and the north side paths. We will see.

I am very happy with the list of the community’s accomplishments so far-

  • Located and designed the Maintenance Building
  • Design improvements to the Athletic Courts
  • Added new Multi-use Court
  • Designed Western Edge Improvements including the removal of the old MUNI stop, bridge cap and improved entryways.
  • Planned North Field Improvements
  • Located and designed two new Restroom buildings
  • Upgraded park accessibility
  • Removed most vehicle traffic and parking
  • Removed Southwest path and old clubhouse for additional open space
  • Added new picnic areas
  • Designed small viewing plaza/overlook with benches at 20th and Church.
  • Benches for the 20th Street path.

“We have shown an aptitude for compromise and cooperation that has often been seen in Dolores Park itself, but rarely at the community meetings.”


Two great ideas for the sport court toilet. Community conscious went with option 2.

Two great ideas for the sport court toilet. Community consensus went with option 2.

We also have a copy of a Tree Plan for Dolores. From my quick study, it also looks like a good start. I believe the line of new palm trees drawn next to the tenis court will be rethought. Very few trees are marked for removal. One large Canary Palm will be moved out of the way for the new path, but saved. The iconic tall Mexican Fan Palm near Dolores and the clump of crocked Peppers Trees at the top of the park have all been tagged as “prone to failure” but I hope Rec and Park knows they are especially loved, deserving of extra care, and will be protected.

Please take a good look at the Tree Plan, as well as the latest Draft Rehabilitation Plan and an Amenity Plan that locates benches, trash cans and bike racks let us know what you think.

 

 

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