EcoPark Economic Impact Estimate

Transforming the current 100-acre zoo campus into the San Francisco EcoPark would not only create a world-class public destination — it would become a net economic generator through tourism, education, green jobs, and avoided infrastructure costs.

Estimated total annual economic impact: $90–125 million


Projected ROI period: 4–6 years after opening full Phase 2

The EcoPark doesn’t just pay for itself — it pays the city back, financially, environmentally, and socially.

1. Direct Revenue to the City: $40–55 Million / Year

A financial table showing different categories of expenses and their estimated budgets. The categories include admissions, memberships, events, parking, food, retail, program and venue rentals, and grants and partnerships, with dollar ranges for each.

3. Avoided Costs & Long-Term Savings: $20–25 Million / Year

A table listing different categories of city planning investments, their estimated savings, and notes on their benefits. Categories include coastal protection and storm mitigation, energy and infrastructure efficiency, and animal care and zoo operations.

2. Indirect & Induced Revenue: $30–45 Million / Year

Table listing economic benefits with estimates and notes, including tourism, local business development, and sales tax gains.

4. Employment & Job Creation

Construction phase: 1,800–2,200 jobs (union trades, restoration, fabrication, design)

  • Permanent operations: ~450 jobs (educators, scientists, artists, maintenance, hospitality)

  • Youth internships / workforce pipeline: 150–200 annual placements via the Climate & Action Center

These jobs feed directly into San Francisco’s green economy goals, generating roughly $25–30 million in local wages each year.

Table showing categories of financial data: Direct + Indirect Revenue $70-100 million, Cost Savings $20-25 million, Total Annual City Impact $90-125 million.

Total Estimated Annual Impact

10-Year Outlook

At conservative growth rates (2–3% annually), the EcoPark could generate $900 million to $1.2 billion in combined economic benefit and cost avoidance over its first decade — far exceeding its initial capital investment.

EcoPark vs. SF Zoo: A Smarter Future for the Same Site

Comparison table showing differences between current San Francisco Zoo and proposed EcoPark, including model, founding year, visitors, operating model, and mission focus.

Overview

Economic & Civic Impact

Comparison table showing measures and data about SF Zoo and EcoPark, including jobs supported, economic impact, local tourism, educational reach, and grant eligibility.

Social & Educational Value

Table comparing SF Zoo and EcoPark features, including categories like learning approach, community use, public accessibility, and alignment with city goals.

Financial Comparison

A table comparing the San Francisco Zoo and San Francisco EcoPark across various categories including budget, subsidies, revenue, upgrade costs, and return on investment.

Ethical & Environmental Comparison

Comparison chart contrasting San Francisco Zoo and San Francisco EcoPark across categories: Animal Welfare, Carbon Footprint, Biodiversity Impact, and Resilience to Sea-Level Rise.

Bottom Line

Comparison table of San Francisco Zoo and San Francisco EcoPark with columns for costs, value, ethical and climate, public support, and legacy.

How We Developed the EcoPark SF Estimates

A Transparent Approach

EcoPark SF’s cost and revenue estimates were built using public data, comparable projects, and city benchmarks. Our goal: to show that transforming the San Francisco Zoo site into a 21st-century EcoPark is not only visionary — it’s achievable.

Where the Numbers Come From

We drew from a mix of real projects and city data, including:

  • The Presidio Tunnel Tops and Crissy Field for rewilding and park construction costs.

  • The California Academy of Sciences for education and exhibit models.

  • The Buenos Aires EcoPark for zoo-to-ecopark transformations.

  • San Francisco Controller’s Office and Public Works data for local cost adjustments.

Estimated Costs

Transforming the 100-acre site is projected to cost $300-$400 million, including:

  • Demolition and site cleanup.

  • Rewilding and native habitat restoration.

  • Construction of new learning and climate centers.

  • Paths, solar systems, and other infrastructure.

  • These numbers are based on local building costs and inflation-adjusted comparisons.


Be part of reimagining how SF cares for the wild.

Support the transformation of the San Francisco Zoo into a living EcoPark — a place rooted in care, creativity, and coexistence.

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Change starts here — in our city, for our planet.