SF Wants to Give 10 Acres of Lakefront a Huge Makeover
San Francisco is looking for big ideas to transform nearly 10 acres of lakefront property at Lake Merced, with possibilities ranging from a new boathouse and kayaking to outdoor dining, sports courts and even a ropes course.
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department has opened a Request for Proposals for Lake Merced West, a roughly 9.5-acre property at 520 John Muir Drive that was formerly home to the Pacific Rod and Gun Club.
The gun club operated at Lake Merced from 1934 until 2015. After its closure, the site underwent extensive demolition and environmental cleanup, with the latest phase completed in 2025. Now, the city is looking to give the lakefront property a new life focused on public recreation.
What Could Come to Lake Merced?
Rec and Park is leaving the possibilities wide open. Ideas outlined by the city include:
- A boathouse and dock for rowing, kayaking and paddleboarding
- A café or restaurant with outdoor dining
- Sports courts
- Walking paths and birdwatching areas
- A playground or community recreation center
- A ropes course
Conceptual plans released by the city show a roughly 3,000-square-foot boathouse in one version and a much larger 15,000-square-foot boathouse in another.
The renderings are concepts, not approved plans. Rec and Park could ultimately select one or multiple proposals, allowing different organizations or businesses to share the site.
The land will remain publicly owned, with operators potentially leasing and developing all or part of the property for up to 20 years. Proposals will be evaluated on public access, affordability, recreation, environmental stewardship and neighborhood compatibility.
Proposals are due December 17, 2026, so the future of Lake Merced West is still wide open. But after more than 80 years as a private gun club, the site could eventually become a new public destination for kayaking, dining, recreation and more.
More info: Lake Merced West RFP and project information
