San Francisco initiates pilot program for Great Highway Promenade data collection

The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on addressing significant issues related to the Great Highway and the ongoing erosion and sand intrusion affecting the area. The meeting began with a presentation on a proposed pilot program aimed at preserving the Great Walkway, which has faced frequent closures due to sand accumulation—reportedly around 30 times a year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supervisor Maher and other officials expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts in developing this legislation, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as the current emergency measures are set to expire. The pilot program aims to gather data on visitor patterns and traffic flows, which will inform future decisions regarding the permanent configuration of the Great Highway.

A key point of discussion was the visitor data collected, which indicated approximately 2.8 million visits to the Great Walkway since its inception. However, some supervisors raised concerns about the accuracy of these figures, particularly regarding the differentiation between weekday and weekend usage, and the potential undercounting of children not carrying cell phones. The data collection methods, including the use of anonymized cell phone data and counters, were explained, with assurances that efforts are made to account for various factors affecting the data's accuracy.

Deputy City Attorney Anne Pearson clarified the legal framework surrounding the current configuration of the Great Walkway, noting that it was established under the park code to enhance public access during the pandemic. This configuration is not strictly tied to the COVID emergency declaration, allowing for flexibility in its continuation based on public interest.

Public Works Superintendent Matt Naclerio raised concerns regarding the timeline for the sand management plan, suggesting an extension from January 1 to mid-March to ensure a comprehensive strategy could be developed. This request was acknowledged by the committee, highlighting the importance of addressing climate change impacts on the roadway.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further data analysis and community outreach, ensuring that future decisions regarding the Great Highway are informed by comprehensive and accurate information. The next steps will involve continued collaboration among city departments and stakeholders to refine the pilot program and address the pressing challenges facing the Great Walkway.