New parking lot offers free accessible spaces in Golden Gate Park

A new, all-accessible parking lot in the heart of Golden Gate Park with 20 free blue zone spaces opened last week, bringing visitors with disabilities closer to museums, gardens and other cultural attractions, according to the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department.

When the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to close JFK Drive to cars in April, there were access concerns voiced from the disabled and senior communities.

"We believe it’s possible to create a Golden Gate Park that is safe, accessible, and welcoming for all visitors, especially people with disabilities," said SFMTA Director of Transportation Jeffrey Tumlin. "We’re glad to support Rec/Park on dozens of new accessibility investments, including new parking spaces on Conservatory West, new accessible spaces on Nancy Pelosi Drive and MLK, and now a fully accessible, free parking lot for people with disabilities at the front door of the Academy, Japanese Tea Garden, and de Young. We’ve got a lot more work planned in the coming months."

The newly renovated Golden Gate Bandshell Parking Lot includes re-paved walking surfaces, an accessible path to the Japanese Tea Garden, and curb ramps throughout the area. The lot and its pathways are among Rec and Park’s focus on ensuring accessible parks, the department said.

MTC is also at work planning, funding and coordinating accessible transportation for the Bay Area’s older adults, people with disabilities and people with lower incomes.