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Rec and Park Commission OKs Kezar Pavilion renovation concept, reduces seating to about 1,400
Summary
The Recreation and Park Commission unanimously approved a concept design April 17 to renovate Kezar Pavilion in Golden Gate Park. The plan preserves the pavilion's historic exterior, rebuilds an annex for accessibility and programming, is funded primarily by the 2020 ESER Bond, and estimates construction to take 24—230 months.
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission unanimously approved a concept design Thursday for a renovation of Kezar Pavilion in Golden Gate Park that will combine seismic upgrades, restored historic exterior walls and new neighborhood-serving spaces.
Project manager Alexis Ward told commissioners the 1926 pavilion will retain its historic exterior walls while the annex will be reconstructed to improve accessibility, circulation and program space. "It's gonna be 1,400," Ward said when asked about new seating capacity, explaining the number reflects modern code, elevators and accessible circulation that cannot recreate the original steep balconies.
The approval follows more than a year of community engagement, Ward said. The design calls for converting closed balconies into multipurpose rooms, adding retractable bleachers so the gym can run dual courts, rebuilding the foundation to align floors between the annex and pavilion, and creating a West Plaza with permeable paving and native plants that will serve as the primary public entrance.
Staff said the project currently has more than $70 million in funding, with the 2020 Earthquake Safety and Emergency Response (ESER) Bond identified as the primary source. Next steps include selecting a construction-manager/general‑contractor in a 5—6 month preconstruction phase; staff estimate construction will take about 24—30 months once additional funding sources are secured.
Community speakers from alumni organizations and neighborhood groups urged swift action to preserve the gym's character while making it safe and accessible. Cynthia, who identified herself as chair of Prozac and a Tenderloin resident, told the commission the group "fully support[s] the renovation of Kezar Pavilion and urge[s] you to approve the concept design."
Commissioners praised the design for balancing preservation with accessibility and neighborhood programming. After a motion and second, the commission voted by voice vote with no opposition to approve the concept design.
The department will return with design development and construction documents as the project advances through contractor selection, permitting and funding steps.
