The San Francisco Bay is a major recreational resource for boaters from all over Northern California, many of whom berth their boats in marinas on the Bay. Due largely to the moderate climate in the area, recreational boating activity occurs throughout the year.
Berths at the San Francisco Marina are in high demand, with over 475 persons on the berth waiting list.
Project Objectives and Plans
The San Francisco Marina Renovation Project consists of renovations to facilities in both the East and West Harbors of the San Francisco Marina. The project includes waterside improvements over the entire 39-acre waterside portion of the marina and on 12 of the total 19 landslide acres, as well as renovation of the 700-square-foot former U.S. Navy Degaussing Station for use as a new Harbor Office. Approvals and funding is in place to implement Phase I of the project, renovation of the West Harbor.
Proposed waterside marina renovations in the West Harbor include:
- two new breakwater segments
- removal of two breakwater structures (moles) near the foot of Scott Street
- reconstruction of portions of the degraded riprap slopes around the interior shorelines
- replacement and reconfiguration of the floating docks and slips
- renovation of existing pumpout facility
- construction of a dedicated guest dock and hand boat launch
- maintenance dredging
Improvements will also include upgrades in electrical service, water system and fire protection stations, installation of new lights throughout harbor, and replacement of gates, ramps and gangways. Landside improvements for accessibility will be included.
The San Francisco Marina
The San Francisco Marina is located on the Northern Waterfront of the City of San Francisco in an area known as the Marina District. The Marina is approximately one and one-half miles east of the Golden Gate Bridge and just west of Fort Mason. The marina is located on property under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission. The marina adjoins lands of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) both to the East (Fort Mason Center) and to the West (Crissy Field).
The San Francisco Marina is composed of two harbors, known as East Harbor (also known Gashouse Cove) and West Harbor. The East Harbor consists of 342 boat slips, the City Yachts sales and fuel concession, and parkland, which includes a restroom and two parking lots. The West Harbor consists of the West Harbor marina, the Saint Francis and Golden Gate Yacht Clubs, the Harbor Office Building, and parkland that includes restrooms, a concession stand, and four parking lots. The West Harbor currently includes approximately 330 slips.
The Marina Green, a part of the marina and a major city park, is situated between the East and West Harbors.
Conditions Today
The San Francisco Marina facilities have existed in their present configuration since 1963. The floating docks and gangways are made of timber and have degraded over time. The on-dock utilities have degraded as well as become obsolete.
Floating Docks
Although some floating docks have been repaired or replaced, the majority of the floating docks are nearly 40 years old and require extensive ongoing maintenance. Typical damage to the floating docks consists of the weathering and decay of timber dock components, loss of flotation foam, corrosion of connecting hardware, and structural fatigue due to age and exposure to surge action.
Gangways and Security Gates
The existing gangway ramps are made of wood and exhibit signs of aging and some structural distress. These gangways are nearly 40 years old and also require extensive ongoing maintenance. The security gates are located on the gangway ramps themselves and are very difficult to open particularly for younger and older persons.
Utility Systems
The general condition of the various utility systems is poor as a result of the wear and tear over many years of service. Required maintenance is steadily increasing, and finding suitable replacement parts for the outdated systems is increasingly difficult.
Parking
There are 1,160 existing parking spaces at the Marina. The popularity of the Marina Green overloads parking capacity during peak usage. This not only impacts parking for boaters, but park users as well.
Existing Buildings
The Harbor Office building located in the West Harbor provides an office work
place for harbor staff and for reception of tenants and the public. It also
includes tenant shower facilities and public restrooms. The Harbor Office is too small to adequately serve present functions and does not conform to the standards of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Marina also has an inadequate number of restrooms and tenant showers according to State guidelines. |
