RESTORE LAKE MERCED

Restore Lake Merced is a strategic initiative of Westside Water Resources focused on ecosystem restoration, water quality remediation, and significantly expanding public access and amenities.

We envision a safe and healthy Lake Merced that thrives as a recreational hub and sets the standard for urban watershed stewardship. We see the decades-long neglect of this lake and its surroundings as a unique opportunity to bring science, art, recreation, and education together for both ecological and social good. In collaboration with public and private partners, we are currently building the coalition and capacity for an RFP response. Early discussions have yielded development plans for Lake Merced West that include lake water rehabilitation, a world-class boathouse, a Center for Hydrological Thinking, a Lake Merced Center for the Arts, preserved marshland, concessions, and recreation opportunities. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS &
OTHER STAKEHOLDERS

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE LAKE

Lake Merced has been many things: a hunting and fishing ground for Ramaytush-speaking people, a lagoon connected to the Pacific ocean, a destination for recreation of all sorts, a watering hole for grizzly bears, the site of a high-profile duel, and always the heart of a vast ecosystem. In the early 1900’s it had a reputation with high-ranking guests of the city due to the incredible diversity of fish that had entered during its periodic connections to the pacific.

Since the urbanization of San Francisco’s west side and the degradation of much of its watershed over the past 100 years, Lake Merced has suffered serious ecological decline. Despite various efforts by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to maintain water quality, the body of water has been classified by the state as Category 5 Impaired and considered unsafe for human contact.

Lake Merced still plays a pivotal role in the west side’s hydrology and the coastal ecosystem: thousands of migratory birds rest on the lake each year, and the surrounding wetlands and uplands serve as a breeding ground for over 50 avian species; threatened Western Pond Turtles sun along its banks; and a diverse collection of native flora cling to life in and around its waters.

Our goal is to restore Lake Merced’s natural water balance to better support its animal, plant, and human communities.

View west from near today's Lake Merced Blvd. and Winston Drive, circa 1910, - Willard E. Worden (image courtesy WNP)

1875 Map of Lake Merced (image courtesy Western Neighborhoods Project)

An artist’s birds eye view of Lake Merced in 1868 shows the lake draining into the ocean. Image: George H. Goddard, Library of Congress (image courtesy San Francisco Tomorrow)

LAKE MERCED RESOURCES

Proposals and Releases

Charts and Maps

History

GET INVOLVED

Don’t hesitate to reach out with any inquiries or suggestions.

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