Lake Merced Boat House Reopens After $3.2M Renovation
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- The Lake Merced Boat House in San Francisco reopened Tuesday after a $3.2 million renovation upgrading the interior and exterior of the facility.
"Lake Merced is a major water, recreational and natural resource for San Franciscans and our visitors," said Phil Ginsburg, general manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, in a news release. "We are excited the newly renovated boat house will become a welcoming community hub for those who enjoy water activities and natural areas at Lake Merced.
The Boat House, which is used primarily by local rowing clubs, had been closed since last fall, according to Connie Chan, deputy director of public affairs for the Recreation and Park Department.
The renovations include upgrades to finishes, equipment, lights, fixtures and fire alarms, reconfigured interior spaces and new decking on the exterior balcony. There is also a new accessible exterior concrete ramp as well as new landings and landscaping, Chan said.
The Boat House contains a storage area for rowing and boating equipment downstairs and conference and exercise rooms upstairs, Chan said.
"The recent Boat House renovations enhance this wonderful public treasure for all of San Francisco to enjoy," said Harlan L. Kelly, Jr., general manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, in a news release.
The SFPUC and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department funded the Boat House renovations jointly. The SFPUC owns Lake Merced, and the Recreation and Park Department operates it, Chan said.
Lake Merced is the largest freshwater lake in San Francisco and is located in the city's southwestern corner in a 614-acre park that also contains a fishing pier, picnic areas and a boat launch.
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