Dirt Lot Is Going to the Dogs

Adjacent to the looming structure of the Bay Bridge West Approach, the last patch of land associated with this complex seismic retrofit project is going to the dogs. Literally. More than a dozen canines and about 60 people joined in a groundbreaking celebration on February 3, 2011, for what eventually will be named “Rincon Hill Dog Park and Open Space.”

"I certainly, as a pet owner myself, recognize the importance of areas like this where you can bring them in and let them run free. This is just going to be a great addition to the community," said Cindy McKim, Caltrans Director, during the ceremony. "I'm glad to have this opportunity working with our partners at the California Transportation Commission, the Toll Bridge Program Oversight Committee, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the City of San Francisco and, most importantly, the community group here in the Rincon area to make this kind of opportunity happen. We're very pleased to be bringing you this park now."

The lot, at the corner of Beale and Bryant streets, is bounded on one side by a massive concrete wall supporting the Bay Bridge western anchorage, with numerous residential complexes nearby. Thanks to the “dogged” persistence of a citizens advisory group led by Marty Coressel and Josh Wolf, the community, city and state united on a single mission – to use the land as a dog park rather than a parking lot, exercise facility or other type of park.

“The community stood up for us,” said Coressel. “Every second Saturday for the last 18 months, we’ve been coming over here to clean up the weeds and trash.” Coressel, who doesn’t have a dog himself, said that about 30 percent of residents in the area are dog owners.

Caltrans staff said the dog park will open in the fall. Designed by Kimberly White, Caltrans landscape architect, the 2/3-acre parcel will feature decomposed granite in dog areas, benches, trees, drinking spouts and the ever-essential bag dispensers. A plant contractor will maintain the park for the first three years; thereafter, the local citizens group will be responsible for maintenance.

The West Approach is a one-mile stretch of Interstate 80 bounded by Beale at one end and 5th Street on the other. Completed in 2009 at a cost of $470 million, it has six on- and off-ramps. Landscaping costs for the entire project, from Beale to 5th Street at Bryant and Harrison, will total $2,627,000. Funding was provided through the Toll Bridge Program Oversight Committee (TBPOC), consisting of Caltrans, the Bay Area Toll Authority and the California Transportation Commission.

— Georgia Lambert