Commissions approve Downtown park funds for Sue Bierman (Suburban) Park renovation

The San Francisco Planning Commission and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission on May 7 approved allocations from the Downtown Special Park Fund to renovate Suburban Park, now commonly called Sue Bierman Park. Planning voted 6–1 to approve an allocation for the renovation; Commissioner Mike Antonini moved the Planning motion and Commissioner Catherine Moore cast the lone vote against it. The Recreation and Park Commission later recorded a unanimous roll call in favor.

Planning staff and Rec and Park’s capital division described Phase 1 work as concentrated on Block 202 near the Embarcadero and said the package includes removal of the pedestrian bridge between Block 203 and Maritime Plaza as part of making the park more accessible. Rick Thall of Rec and Park’s Capital Division briefed the commissions and David Allenbaugh of Planning answered questions about a separately financed Embarcadero Waterfront Open Space Study that was delayed by staffing constraints but is now restarting.

Public testimony split. Long‑time park advocates including Jill Walters opposed using Downtown Special Park Fund dollars for the project, arguing the land is already a park and criticizing the proposed spending. By contrast, Ernestine Weiss, identified herself as the original creator of Ferry Park and urged approval to bring the park into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and to improve drainage. Richard Fong of the RPD advisory board supported fixing drainage, a dog‑play area and a phased approach to improvements. Other commenters emphasized drainage, tree protection (noting redwood trees and known parrot roosts), and the need for a larger circulation and open‑space study.

Commissioners said the bridge removal would improve public access but asked staff for clearer maps showing tree removals and for more information about the Embarcadero study and cumulative open‑space planning. Planning staff said the park improvements are intended to function now while a longer‑term public–private vision for Embarcadero open space is developed.

The approved motion authorizes the recommended allocation from the Downtown Special Park Fund for the Sue Bierman Park renovation; Rec and Park signaled parallel approval and committed to follow‑up work on implementation details such as planting, drainage and ADA compliance. The commissions did not identify an immediate implementation timetable on the record; staff said further design and coordination will follow and that some details will be resolved as the work is advanced.