Board unanimously backs federal funding push to restore Aquatic Park pier, citing public health and access

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution on July 7 urging federal leaders to prioritize federal funding for restoration of the Aquatic Park pier and to support repairs through programs such as the Great American Outdoors Act.

Supervisor Stefani (recorded as "Supervisor Stephanie" in the meeting) introduced the measure and highlighted the pier's historic value, community uses and role in protecting the cove that provides a relatively safe shoreline for open-water swimming and recreation. She told the board the pier and the park 'which the National Park Service owns as part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park'have significant deferred maintenance needs.

"The pier at Aquatic Park has significant historic, cultural, and recreational value that will be lost forever if it is not restored," Stefani said. She noted that the Great American Outdoors Act, passed by the U.S. Senate earlier in the week, would provide a permanent funding stream for deferred maintenance projects and that the pier is a logical candidate for those funds.

Public comment on the item was extensive: swimmers, rowing and community clubs, nonprofit leaders, and neighborhood residents called in to urge support. Speakers described Aquatic Park as a vital, locally accessible place for exercise and respite during the pandemic, and said that losing the pier would curtail safe local access to the bay.

The resolution asks the National Park Service and federal lawmakers to prioritize Aquatic Park for restoration funding and notes the site's cultural importance, including connection to indigenous history near Black Point. The board adopted the resolution by roll call; the clerk recorded 11 ayes.

Supervisors and public commenters also discussed a community-driven vision study to guide future equitable access, cultural recognition and park design once repairs are funded.