Why parking at Golden Gate Park could soon go from free to 3 an hour

San Francisco plans to impose a $3 hourly parking fee at Golden Gate Park starting January 2027 to generate revenue amid an $800 million budget deficit. The Recreation and Parks Department estimates this fee could yield $4. 9 million annually, crucial for maintaining park services and facilities. Locals and tourists have expressed concerns, with visitors from the UK describing the potential charges as "ludicrous" and counterproductive to tourism. Abigail Enriquez, a resident, criticized the city for targeting families who frequent the park.

San Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman noted that tough choices must be made to balance the budget. The Board of Supervisors advanced the parking fee proposal, with a vote scheduled for the week of July 14. Critics argue that high parking fees might discourage visitors, impacting local businesses and community engagement. The decision highlights the ongoing struggle between budgetary constraints and public accessibility in urban parks.