On any given day, the two-mile stretch of the Great Highway along Ocean Beach is full of cyclists, skaters, and families. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of M-A’s many San Francisco-based teachers enjoying the beach breeze. On Nov. 3, San Francisco voters decide whether cars should return to the road on weekdays.
The road, now a park called Sunset Dunes, is what advocates call the largest pedestrianization project in California history. It was first closed to cars in April 2020 to give San Francisco residents more space to social distance. The stretch also runs alongside natural sand dunes, which often forced the road to close for sand clearing.
In 2024, Proposition K, a ballot measure to permanently convert the road into a park, passed with just 55% of San Francisco voters. Since then, the park has garnered adoration from many residents. “Initially, I voted to keep [the road] open, but as I’ve used it, I completely changed my mind,” San Francisco resident and frequent Sunset Dunes visitor Matt Stanfield said. “Everyone loves the park.”
San Francisco residents vote Nov. 3 on whether to reopen the highway to cars on weekdays. The measure, Proposition G, has divided residents. Proponents cite increased traffic on smaller surrounding roads and safety issues as cars speed through residential neighborhoods. One local resident said cars often speed through the stop signs near his house.
M-A teachers and staff are also preparing to vote, and some are still weighing the pros and cons. Principal Karl Losekoot is one of many M-A staff members who live in the area. “For a long time, I have been anti-park,” Losekoot said. He cited concerns about the city’s lack of north-south thoroughfares. “But I also appreciate good walking spaces. I do like to go down there and walk on the weekends.” Other M-A teachers, like English and Journalism teacher John McBlair, use the park almost every day.
Since the conversion, hammocks, sculptures, and even a skatepark have been added along the stretch, and they’re often surrounded by crowds of children and watchful parents. If the road reopens, many of these structures, including the skatepark and the large octopus sculpture, would need to be removed.
While it’s a long trek for most M-A students, the park stands as a testament to the city’s pedestrianization efforts and offers stunning views of the Pacific. The park’s future may change, but it will stay open on weekends whether or not Proposition G passes. So the next time you plan a trip to the city, consider making a stop at the beautiful Sunset Dunes.
John McBlair is the advisor of this publication.
