Anyone who’s unfurled a picnic blanket in Golden Gate Park has probably witnessed the line of cars packing its curbs, taking advantage of free parking.
That privilege could soon end. Mayor Daniel Lurie has introduced budget legislation to make visitors pay to stow their cars, probably at a rate of $3 an hour, though the cost would fluctuate according to demand.
When San Francisco Recreation and Park Department officials proposed the idea earlier this year, they hoped to stave off a budget deficit that could balloon to $15 million by 2027. Parking fees were among a slew of possible funding initiatives put forward during a park commission meeting in late February. Other recommendations included a $5-an-hour charge to rent a tennis court…