In 2004, San Francisco Beautiful recognized the Mountain Lake Restoration Project with a Beautification Award. Between Lake Street and the Presidio’s south border and between 8th and 12th Avenues, Mountain Lake is a natural water feature created over 2,000 years ago. During the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and south approach, the lake was used for dumping debris. Many years of being adjacent to a major thoroughfare have exposed the lake to automotive pollution and residue. In 2001, under the auspices of the Presidio Trust, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and the National Parks Service, staff and volunteers launched an effort to restore open space and plantings around the lake as well as create accessible routes around it. They planted over 11,000 shrubs and trees, built handrails, and restored paths. Staff and volunteers continue to maintain the plantings.
For more than 40 years, San Francisco Beautiful has been honoring San Franciscans who make special contributions to the unique character and beauty of our City with the Annual Beautification Awards.