City officials report 2012 parks bond 89% spent, name projects delayed by coordination and feasibility issues

Stacy Bradley, director of capital and planning at the Recreation and Park Department, told the Citizens General Obligation Bond Oversight Committee that the 2012 parks bond program is about 89% spent or encumbered and has 76 completed projects.

"We have spent a 100% of the bond and interest" for the 2008 bond, Bradley said, and added that 2012 work is nearing completion across several citywide projects. She highlighted completed playground renovations under the "Let's Play SF" program, progress on McLaren Park Trails and Lake Merced work, and the Waller Street Skatepark as a Community Opportunity Fund project now in construction.

Bradley said the Fillmore/Cherokee package experienced a contractor withdrawal due to administrative errors and financing challenges; staff are reworking the bid package and seeking additional funding for park furnishings, with construction expected late this year or early next year.

Shannon Cairns of the Port of San Francisco reviewed waterfront projects funded by the 2012 bonds. She said Crane Cove Park was delivered in phases, noted that certain elements remain in substantial completion, and said some projects — notably Alta/Agua Vista Park — are tied to the Mission Bay Ferry Landing schedule and its funding, which Cairns said depends in part on regional measure funding that has faced legal challenges. She told members that one feasibility study for an Islais Creek pedestrian bridge found the project financially infeasible and that later waterfront-resilience planning changed priorities for that site.

Committee members pressed staff on lengthy delays. Member Post said voters expect projects to be delivered promptly; Bart Ponte asked whether the pedestrian bridge was simply over-budget, and Cairns confirmed feasibility and coordination with other departments (PUC and MTA) were key reasons for postponement. Members also asked whether any COVID-related contractor delay claims had been filed; staff said they were not aware of any but agreed to follow up by email if claims surface.

Bradley and Cairns also previewed projects funded by the 2020 Health and Recovery bond, saying the city had completed an initial issuance and identified named projects (Buchanan, India Basin, Hearst Playground rec center, Gene Friend, Japantown Peace Plaza, and the Seniors Park in Golden Gate Park) to receive funds.