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Supervisors Hear Plan to Reimagine Twin Peaks; Rec & Park, SFMTA Outline Conservation and Visitor Ideas
Summary
The committee heard a resolution urging city agencies to collaborate on a long-term Twin Peaks recovery and revitalization plan focused on accessibility, safety, habitat protection and visitor amenities. Rec & Park highlighted Mission Blue butterfly habitat and ongoing trail work; the item was continued to May 24 for further neighborhood input.
The Land Use and Transportation Committee on May 17 considered a resolution urging Recreation & Park, the Municipal Transportation Agency, Public Works and other departments to develop a coordinated revitalization plan for Twin Peaks focused on accessibility, safety, cleanliness and environmental stewardship.
Chair Supervisor Myrna Melgaard said the resolution — co-sponsored by Supervisors Mandelman and Walton — aims to make Twin Peaks a welcoming destination for residents and tourists while reducing impacts on adjacent neighborhoods. "These and other amenities could offer a sense of welcome, also economic opportunity," Melgaard said.
Rec & Park General Manager Phil Ginsberg and staff described Twin Peaks as a “puzzle” of multi-agency land ownership and highlighted the site’s conservation value. Ginsberg said the department tracks approximately 1,300 daily visits at Christmas Tree Point, about 1,100 on the north side and roughly 1,600 on the south side, and emphasized that Twin Peaks is home to the federally protected Mission Blue butterfly, a species the department has worked to conserve for a decade.
Staff described prior planning work (the Twin Peaks Promenade Planning Study) and near-term trail improvements funded in part by the 2020 bond. Potential projects discussed included improved trail circulation, converting the back of the figure-8 loop to a linear park, habitat restoration, parking and transportation improvements, and an interpretive visitor or education center focused on natural and cultural history.
SFMTA staff addressed access concerns and tour bus management: Matt Lasky said pre-pandemic volumes included about 10 tour buses per daylight hour and roughly 100 on busy weekend days, primarily using the Portola approach; SFMTA noted legal constraints on tolling but suggested options such as parking fees and traffic management to moderate bus impacts.
Public commenters praised access and urged meaningful neighborhood engagement; others called for clearer definitions of "community" and more data before building. Chair Melgaard moved to continue the resolution to the next committee meeting (May 24) to incorporate neighborhood input and clarifications; the motion passed.
Next steps: Staff will continue community outreach, return with additional language and process details, and provide progress updates to the committee.
