Dog park with views to bark about

You can add yet another dog park with amazing views to San Francisco’s impressive list. Rincon Hill Dog Park held its grand opening at Beale and Bryant streets today, with pets, owners and other friends frolicking in the shadow of the Bay Bridge.

About 400 two- and four-legged supporters turned out on a brisk but dry day to celebrate a wide-open space at the base of Rincon Hill. Free treats for dogs and lunchtime food from Le Truc for humans (not free) helped draw a crowd to the long-awaited revitalized corner.

For years, the lot at Beale and Bryant languished as a rather ordinary parking lot. But in the aftermath of 9-11, national security concerns made parking at the base of the Bay Bridge a pretty bad idea. In 2007, neighbors Marty Coressel and Josh Wolf began efforts to beautify the underutilized space.

After years of organizing, lobbying and fundraising, The City’s newest puppy playground was built by Caltrans last year. It is supported and operated by public contributions, though, which makes the $400 received in donations at today’s event even more important.

The park raised $5,000 in 2011 for the initial ten-year lease of the park, and is still in need of additional funds to keep the park safe, clean and supplied.