Move over, boring urban landscapes! San Francisco just leveled up its park game with “Sunset Dunes,” a controversial stretch of land that used to be the Upper Great Highway. After months of public input and bureaucratic drama, the Recreation and Parks Commission finally settled on a name that’s more San Francisco than avocado toast.

The naming process was no joke - over 3,200 suggestions were submitted, with gems like “Tan Line” and “Sandy Bottom” getting hilariously rejected. But the people’s choice, “Sunset Dunes,” won out with a 4-2 vote, paying homage to the neighborhood’s iconic sandy terrain and ocean-adjacent vibes.

A Nostalgic Nod to San Francisco’s Past

Some commissioners wanted to honor the legendary Playland amusement park, throwing serious mid-century nostalgia into the mix. Vice President Joe Hallisy reminisced about the park’s golden era, when San Franciscans would flock to the beachfront attraction in the '30s, '40s, and '50s. Talk about a walk down memory lane!

Not Everyone’s Beach Party

Despite the celebratory tone, not all west side residents are thrilled. Commissioner Larry Mazzola made it crystal clear he was NOT excited about transforming the highway into a park, representing a significant chunk of locals who opposed the change. The measure passed by just 35,000 votes, highlighting the city’s complex relationship with urban transformation.

Sunset Dunes is set to become California’s largest pedestrian conversion project, proving once again that San Francisco never does anything halfway. The grand opening is this Saturday, so grab your reusable water bottle, put on your most eco-friendly sneakers, and get ready to explore the city’s newest public space!