Background
O'Neill was born in Washington D.C.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Brian O'Neill
Edit Profile
Education
O'Neill attended and graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in geography.
Career
He has been described as the most important of the superintendents of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. On September 17, 1941. He gained an appreciation for the wilderness from his family who would often take him camping when he was young.
O'Neill joined the U.S. Geological Survey in 1964. He later joined the Urban Studies Branch of the U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation where he helped plan various parks. In 1973 he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico after taking a job with the U.S. Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service (HCRS).
O'Neill moved to San Francisco in 1979 as part of his job as the assistant regional director with HCRS. O'Neill was instrumental in making the Phleger Estate and open to the public by insuring federal funding for the purchase of the land. Work with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
O'Neill served on the planning commission for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), and it was his presentation at the White House to President Nixon that convinced the President to endorse the concept of a park in San Francisco. In 1981 O'Neill was named assistant superintendent with the GGNRA, and was promoted to superintendent in 1986.
As superintendent O'Neill oversaw the completion of the Cavallo Point conference center, as well as the renovation of The Marine Mammal Center. He is credited with making Alcatraz a world-class tourist destination, as well as being the driving forced behind getting Crissy Field incorporated into the GGNRA and its later renovation. Under his tenure as superintendent Mori Point was incorporated into the GGNRA. O'Neill work with Tom Lantos to purchase Rancho Corral de Tierra and incorporate it into the GGNRA.
O'Neill had heart valve replacement surgery at the California Pacific Medical Center.
While recovering he developed an infection, and died after suffering a series of strokes.
-
Born
-
Died
March 13, 2009 (aged 67) -
Nationality
American -
Ethnicity