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Commission approves $610,000 in-kind grant to build steps on 20th Street adjacent to Potrero Hill Rec Center
Summary
The Recreation and Park Commission voted unanimously to recommend the Board of Supervisors accept an in‑kind grant valued at about $610,000 from the San Francisco Parks Alliance to design and build a staircase on an unaccepted right-of-way on 20 Second Street to improve pedestrian access between Potrero Hill and Dogpatch.
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission on March 20 unanimously recommended that the Board of Supervisors accept and expend an in‑kind grant from the San Francisco Parks Alliance valued at approximately $610,000 to design and construct a staircase on an informal trail adjacent to Potrero Hill Recreation Center.
Tamar Bartlev, partnerships division, Recreation and Park Department, described the project to the commission: “to recommend that the Board of Supervisors authorize the Recreation and Park Department to accept and expend an in‑kind grant from the San Francisco Parks Alliance on behalf of Friends of Potrero Hill Rec Center, valued at approximately $610,000 for the design and construction of trail steps on unaccepted right of way adjacent to Potrero Hill Rec Center.” The grant is primarily funded by a $500,000 pledge from UCSF, with additional support from the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, private donors, and partners, Bartlev said.
Supporters said the stair will create a safer, shorter pedestrian route between Potrero Hill and the waterfront and will serve nearby public housing and transit riders. Julie Christensen, a neighborhood advocate, said the staircase is “an important recreational asset” and “one block in four that will help create a pedestrian path all the way from the Mission to the waterfront.” JR Reppler, president of the Potrero Boosters Neighborhood Association, described the effort as “a key and vital connection.” Nora Mancia, representing the project developer Power Station, said the stairs would “significantly improve access to two major transit stations at the 20 Second Street, Caltrain and the Muni T line.” Several residents and parents described daily use of the informal path and said it becomes hazardous in wet weather.
If the Board of Supervisors approves the grant, Department of Public Works permits will be sought and Recreation and Park staff agreed to maintain the steps after installation. The design will replicate the department’s standard “box step” approach and will be installed mostly on DPW-accepted right-of-way adjacent to department property; RPD staff said the department is responsible for maintaining that portion of right-of-way. The Parks Alliance will grant RPD the completed steps and associated design documents once construction is finished.
The commission recorded a unanimous aye vote on the motion to recommend acceptance of the grant and construction of the steps.
Plans and construction timing remain subject to DPW permitting and coordination with community partners; project supporters requested a prompt approval so construction can proceed before other nearby work closes alternate routes.
