Registration for summer programs is going on now! This summer, we have something for everyone, including tot classes, swimming lessons, dance and fitness classes for adults, and a wide array of programs for seniors. Click here for more information on how to register and to search for a class.
Great news! Travel + Leisure Magazine has just named Golden Gate Park as one of the world’s most beautiful city parks. Here’s to all of you who love your city parks, and here’s to all of the men and women who work every day to keep it sparkling. Get out … Continue reading
The City has announced plans to host the Street Soccer USA West Coast Cup, a tournament to raise awareness for homelessness and bridge the gap between our various communities, in June. The tournament will include homeless teams from cities across the nation, playing and competing with corporate teams. The San … Continue reading
Teen and young adult singers, dancers, acrobats, magicians… If you have talent, join us for our second Rec Idol talent competition this summer. Winners receive cash prizes and studio recording time. Register now through June 30
Great news! The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously today to uphold the permit for the Beach Chalet Athletic Field renovation project at the West End of Golden Gate Park, perhaps the most vetted public project in Rec and Park history. The Commission’s vote means the renovation project can move forward … Continue reading
It’s time to play ball! Our FREE Junior Giants Baseball Program registration begins Saturday, May 11 at 10:00am! Sign up online at www.sportssignup.com.
Join us for free arts and craft activities and live music! We will be hosting a Art & Music Donation Drive! Requested donations: Art supplies, craft supplies, fabric, framed artwork, frames, sewing/knitting supplies, sculptures, musical instruments, sheet music, tapes, records, CDs, electronic instruments, stereos, record players, recording devices, and other audio … Continue reading
Great news! The American Institute of Architects San Francisco Chapter (AIASF) has awarded its 2013 Citation Award to Hayes Valley Playground, which was renovated in partnership with the Trust for Public Land. Read more here Continue reading
On May 22, 2013 the City and County of San Francisco Board of Supervisors will consider approval of a San Francisco Recreation & Park Department (RPD) project to acquire a parking lot located at 3861 24th Street (between Vicksburg Street and Sanchez Street) with the intention of converting the property … Continue reading
http://glenparkassociation.org/2013/04/16/a-canyon-wedding/
Check out this Glen Park Association news feature on a recent wedding in our own Glen Canyon Park, where Natural Areas volunteers exchanged mustard sheaves for a bouquet of ornamental flowers and said “I do.” Continue reading
Outside Lands has announced its lineup for this year’s concert, August 9-11, in Golden Gate Park. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, April 18, at 12 noon PST. Log onto http://lineup.sfoutsidelands.com for more information. Paul McCartney Red Hot Chili Peppers Nine Inch Nails Phoenix Kaskade Vampire Weekend Pretty Lights Yeah … Continue reading
Car-free Saturdays along portions of JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park begin Saturday, April 6, 2013. Every Saturday through September, JFK Drive, from Tea Garden Drive (near 8th Avenue) to Transverse Drive, will be closed to vehicular traffic, allowing for bicyclists, walkers, joggers, skaters and others to enjoy a wide … Continue reading
Earth Day at Bernal Hill on April 20 Join the SF Recreation and Parks and REI for Earth Day this year at Bernal Hill to help restore habitat and trails. On April 20th from 9 a.m. to noon, come for a vigorous morning workout removing invasive radish from the hillside … Continue reading
Summer is just a couple of short months away. Have you made plans for your kids this summer? Discover what’s in store for your child this summer, including more than 70 different day camps— traditional camps like Silver Tree and Pine Lake, as well as new camps like Lacrosse and … Continue reading
The city’s Greenagers Program is looking for 9th and 10th grade students who either live in or attend high schools in the following neighborhoods: Bayview, Bernal Heights, Crocker Amazon, Excelsior, Hunters Point, Mission Terrace, Outer Mission, Portola, Silver Terrace, or Visitacion Valleyand are willing to: Meet three Saturdays a month … Continue reading
Here’s some good news for those on the go! Extended spring/summer park restroom hours are now in effect. All park restrooms will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day during the spring/summer months.
On March 22, members of the Public Utilities Commission, Rec and Park, and Friends of Jefferson Square Park celebrated World Water Day and the recent completion of significant water conservation projects at three city parks–Jefferson Square, Alta Plaza and Balboa Park. These improvements will save the city 5 million gallons … Continue reading
The Weather Channel has just released its list of America’s Best Public Parks and our very own Golden Gate Park makes the list! “An oasis in the city, Golden Gate Park offers trails to walk or hike, playgrounds, picnic areas, lakes, dog-friendly areas, museums, a carousel, and even Segway tours … Continue reading
Golfdom Magazine features Rec and Park’s very own Wayne Kappelman, superintendent of Sharp Park Golf Course in Pacifica, Calif., and the winner of the 2013 Herb Graffis Businessperson of the Year award. Read how Wayne and his crew work tirelessly to keep one of the Bay Area’s most beautiful recreational … Continue reading
The San Francisco City Golf Championship, the oldest consecutively- played golf tournament in the world, will begin with the Men’s Open at Lincoln Park Golf Course on Saturday, February 9, 2013. Pairings for February 9th and future days can be found on the San Francisco City Golf Championship website Continue reading
The new Philosopher’s Way trail, dedicated Saturday in San Francisco, meanders through McLaren Park, weaving onto vistas of the city and the Bay Area and into groves of redwoods and cypress… The 2.7-mile trail loop holds expansive views of the region, including Mount Diablo, Mount Tamalpais, Angel Island and the … Continue reading
Even though the colder weather is upon us, the kids can still go outdoors to play. The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department has started a program designed to bring some extreme sports to local neighborhoods for youngsters to try out… On Saturday, Mobile Recreation will visit Crocker Amazon Park in … Continue reading
Mayor Ed Lee, Supervisor David Chiu and a group of city officials, including Port officials, Rec and Park Commission President Mark Buell, and Rec and Park GM Phil Ginsburg, cut the ribbon on the new Pier 43 promenade near Fisherman’s Wharf on December 17. The new promenade extends The Embarcadero … Continue reading
The Neighborhood Empowerment Network’s NEN Awards are returning for their fifth and biggest year on January 9. Produced in partnership with the CCSF Community Challenge Grant Program, The NEN Awards are dedicated to elevating and celebrating the tremendous work that residents and organizations do every day to make our city … Continue reading
We invite you to view our report to the community for Fiscal Year 2011-12, which provides an overview of the great work our department has been doing during the past year. Read about what’s happening in your parks, our recreation program highlights, and how we’re working to keep your parks … Continue reading
More than 500 people came out to McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park on December 6 to celebrate the Recreation and Park Department’s 83rd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, an event begun by longtime park superintendent “Uncle” John McLaren, who would light a mile-long stretch of trees on Fell Street, ending … Continue reading
The 2013 season of the San Francisco Youth Baseball League is right around the corner in March 2013. Registration begins December 6, at 10 a.m. Fees are $80 per player, which includes coaching, uniforms, practice and games. Multiple divisions for both boys and girls, ages 5 through 14. Log onto … Continue reading
Entering its 54th year, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department’s Workreation Program is a school-year and summer employment, mentorship and training program for all youth who live in, or attend school in, San Francisco. Workreation is open to youth, ages 14-17 (or 18, as long as the student is … Continue reading
District 4 Supervisor Carmen Chu and Hydra Mendoza from the Mayor’s Office, along with 750 of their closest friends from the Sunset District, helped cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Sunset Recreation Center on November 16. The event marked the completion of a $14 million project that transformed the … Continue reading
Originally opened in 1985, Boeddeker has certainly seen better days, but thanks to the Trust for Public Land, a variety of state grants, and the leadership of people like Betty Traynor, the cofounder of the Friends of Boeddeker Park, the park and its aging clubhouse are set for an $8.5 … Continue reading
We can’t think of a better subject for a photo exhibit than our city parks. Come get a whole new perspective at “Off the Beaten Path,” a collection of photographs from 60 Bay Area photographers, showing now through January 12 at McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park and the Harvey … Continue reading
Monday, October 15 – Wednesday, October 24, 2012 Today Mayor Ed Lee, and SF Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg launched the new Recreation and Park Department (RPD) mobile application as one of the many ways Open Data can be used to … Continue reading
Discussion and possible action to establish four-hour parking restrictions within Lincoln Park on El Camino del Mar from 33rd Ave and extending westward to it’s terminus adjacent to the Fort Miley boundary of Lincoln Park and within the parking lot surrounding the fountain immediately in front of the Palace of … Continue reading
Saturday, September 29, 2012, 12 – 1pm Every Sunday at noon (through October; no class on October 7), join Rec and Park and The Movement, a community health program, for Free Sunday Zumba Classes at Margaret Hayward Playground, 1016 Lag… Continue reading
Thursday, September 27, 2012 Off the Beaten Path Photography Exhibit: Celebrating San Francisco’s Signature Parks & Hidden GemsExhibition Dates: October 13th–November 30th, 2012Opening Reception: Saturday, October 13th, 1–4 p.m., … Continue reading
Show your support for SF Rec and Park and do it in supreme style with this unique fashion tee from Jack’s on Chestnut. Every time one of these t-shirts is purchased, $10 goes directly back to supporting the Department’s Youth Scholarship Program, which ensures that youth and families have access … Continue reading
Join us for a civic celebration to raise funds and friends for San Francisco’s parks, with San Francisco Parks Alliance and the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department. Guests will enjoy fly-casting demonstrations, bourbon & branch, beer, wine and the sounds of bluegrass at the casting ponds beside picturesque Anglers … Continue reading
The Active 20-30 Club of San Francisco #4, in partnership with San Francisco Recreation and Parks and Gay-Straight Alliance Clubs of San Francisco, is happy to present a volunteer event for local youth to help other kids get the school supplies they need at “Youth Space,” Rec and Park’s special … Continue reading
Join Supervisors Scott Wiener and David Campos, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg, the City Fields Foundation, neighbors and park advocates for the grand reopening ceremony of Mission Playground. The event will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, music, food trucks, an outdoor picnic and fun games … Continue reading
Yahoo! Travel names Golden Gate Park as one of the nation’s prettiest parks. Congratulations and thanks to the staff and volunteers who work every day to keep our parks clean, safe and beautiful year round. Get out and play! http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas/america-s-prettiest-parks.html?page=2
The Trust for Public Land has just released a national study, ParkScore, concluding that San Francisco has the best urban park system in the country! It is the most comprehensive park rating system ever developed and was designed to help local communities identify where new parks are needed most and … Continue reading
On May 21, Mayor Edwin M. Lee participated in a ceremonial renaming of Middle Drive East in Golden Gate Park in honor of Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi to celebrate her 25 years of public service to our City and its residents. Leader Pelosi represents California’s 8th Congressional District in the … Continue reading
Music fans, what do Stevie Wonder, Metallica, Neil Young, Beck and the Foo Fighters all have in common? These legendary musicians are all part of this year’s Outside Land Music Festival in Golden Gate Park, August 10-12. Visit www.sfoutsidelands.com for more information or to purchase tickets today!
Sign up now for Rec and Park’s 6-on-6 women vs. women dodgeball tournament on June 15, at Eureka Valley Rec Center, 100 Collingwood Street. All teams are guaranteed two games. Register now by calling (415) 831-6810, or by emailing adela.dominguez@sfgov.org.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 “Playgrounds pocked with toxic equipment would be replaced, rutted basketball courts would be resurfaced, and overgrown trails, worn swimming pools and funky public bathrooms would all be made functional under a plan city leaders unveiled Tuesday to improve San Francisco’s vast network of parks.” Read more: … Continue reading
Singers, comedians, dancers, bands… Got Talent? If you’re between the ages of 13 and 24 and want to share your talents with the rest of the world, register now for Rec Idol, Recreation and Parks’ first ever summer talent competition. Registration begins June 1, with auditions beginning June 21. Visit … Continue reading
The mission blue butterfly is making a comeback, thanks to our collective efforts on Twin Peaks, in partnership with San Mateo County Parks and Creekside Science Center for Earth Observation. See the video here: sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com…
What would make a marriage proposal in front of friends and family even more romantic and memorable? A marriage proposal in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square! (Spoiler Alert: She said YES!) See the video here: www.romanceneverdies.com…
The proposed Post-Renovation Berthing Assignment Policy for the Marina West Basin and the proposed new Marina Rules and Regulations have been posted on the sfrecpark website for public review. Also, you will find the Notice of the Public Hearing pertaining to this matter and the Community Feedback Report that encapsulates the … Continue reading
SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (RPD) will be hosting a Summer Day Camp Registration and Activity Fair at Gene Friend Recreation Center starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2012. There will be sample of summer camp activities, jumpy house, crafts, and games for kids … Continue reading
You are cordially invited to join Mayor Edwin M. Lee, Supervisor Scott Wiener, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg, Mrs. Helen Diller, San Francisco Parks Alliance and Friends of Dolores Park Playground for the grand opening ceremony of Helen Diller Playground at Mission Dolores Park on … Continue reading
Join us for the annual lighting of the venerable Monterey cypress tree at McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park, a city tradition, Thursday, December 8, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., featuring small rides for children, live entertainment, a cookie factory, arts and crafts, and a visit from Santa. Free. … Continue reading
The Recreation and Park Department is soliciting proposals from qualified respondents to lease and manage concession opportunities at Coit Tower in San Francisco. The Tower is an international landmark and offers magnificent views of San Francisco Bay, as well as the City, both from lower viewing areas and the observation … Continue reading
The San Francisco Chronicle came out with a great piece on the Nocturnes Night Photography group, who are having their 20th Anniversary celebration and exhibit at Harvey Milk Photography Center on November 9th… The piece features Stever Harper, who was the first night photographer to teach the craft. Harper’s work, … Continue reading
What’s the best way to see Golden Gate Park? On a bike, naturally. Just ask the hundreds of tourists who take to the park on their rented bikes each weekend, the surfers who ride through the park with boards attached to their beach cruisers and the kids who learn to … Continue reading
Thanks for coming out to Scaregrove on Friday night and helping to make it a huge success! Did you know? Ghosts’ favorite type of street are dead ends? Happy Halloween from SF Rec and Park!
On Wednesday, October 26th, the San Francisco Planning Department released the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Beach Chalet Athletic Field Renovation. The draft report is meant to identify and assess any environmental impacts of our proposed renovation of the Beach Chalet soccer fields Read More…
Looking for something cool and exciting for your kid to do during the winter break? Try one of our popular winter camps, a refreshing alternative to those wintertime blues, including EcoAdventures Camp, Tennis Camp, Indoor Rock Climbing, a Wild West camp and swimming. Camps run Dec. 19-23 and 27-30. Visit … Continue reading
The San Francisco Recreation & Park Department would like to announce new restroom hours for all stand-alone restrooms throughout our park system: Spring/Summer Hours Opened no later than 8:00 a.m. & closed no earlier than 8:00 p.m. February 15th through the end of Daylight Saving Time (Last Saturday in November) … Continue reading
Congratulations to the Sharon Art Studio in Golden Gate Park for winning Bay Area Parent Magazine’s Silver Award for Best Art Class in San Francisco and the East Bay. The Sharon Art Studio provides an array of affordable classes in ceramics, glass, jewelry, drawing and watercolor for youth (ages 5 … Continue reading
As part of our MLK Drive Repaving project in Golden Gate Park, we have moved construction on the Stow lake Drive segment of the project to next week (September 19-23), instead of the week of October 11-15. Starting next Monday (9/19), and through Friday (9/23), Stow Lake Drive will close … Continue reading
For the month of September, Flax Art Supply on Market & Valencia streets features the work of five professional artists who are also teachers at the Sharon Art Studio in Golden Gate Park (www.sharonartstudio.org). The Sharon Art Studio, San Francisco’s largest public art center, has offered art classes for youth, … Continue reading
Whether it’s parks, outdoor activities or a city’s promise to be environmentally friendly, Safeway will reward the winning city’s commitment to being natural by donating $20,000 to its local parks and recreation department. Log on to your Facebook account and vote for San Francisco today. http://www.facebook.com/Safeway
The longtime vendor of the Stow Lake boat rental and snack bar concession said Thursday he will end operations at the close of the busy Labor Day weekend, handing the city a victory in a protracted legal and public relations battle. Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/09/01/BAFO1KV0I6.DTL#ixzz1WkPvQWQ4
Just in time to enjoy San Francisco’s best weather, Food & Wine Magazine has named Golden Gate Park’s Shakespeare Garden as one of America’s best picnic spots. Paired with gastronomic delights from the Moss Room at the Academy of Sciences or from Sam’s Chowder Mobile at the Bandshell, the garden, … Continue reading
RPD General Manager Phil Ginsburg explains how partnerships are preserving our city parks and programs and dispels the myth that access to our parks and facilities is somehow limited because of them. For the complete op-ed, visit here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/08/10/EDRP1KL1DT.DTL
SF Rec and Park wins FOUR Best of the Bay Awards from the SF Bay Guardian, including Best Camp for Kids (Silver Tree); Best Skate Spot (Potrero del Sol); Best Public Sports Facility (Kezar Stadium); and Best Garden Variety Historical Hotbed (SF Botanical Garden Succulent Garden)! A lot to be … Continue reading
Discover what SF Rec and Park has in store for you this fall, including hundreds of classes and programs for the young and young-at-heart. Classes run through December 15 and include aquatics, waterfront sports, arts and digital media, dance, sports, skateboarding, fitness classes and outdoor recreation. Also, check out our … Continue reading
Mayor Edwin M. Lee joined the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department on August 2 to cut the ribbon on the newly improved bocce ball courts at Crocker Amazon Park. The event was part of a National Night Out event at the park, hosted by the San Francisco Police Department … Continue reading
Continuing its celebration of National Park and Recreation Month, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department cut the ribbon today on a new and improved Carrousel Plaza in Golden Gate Park after a $1.25 million renovation project. The project, supported in large part by $960,000 in Proposition 40 grants from … Continue reading
Zip 680 feet across Justin Herman Plaza, 80 feet above the ground. Catch beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge and the city below.The zipline is a partnership between the Recreation and Park Department and Ziptrek Ecotours and follows the successful trial of the zipline last April. … Continue reading
Saturday, July 2, 2011 A series of newly restored trails at Corona Heights Park has just reopened, just in time for hikers to enjoy the summer! The newly designed and restored trails allow visitors to have safer access to the top of Corona Heights where they can enjoy panoramic views … Continue reading
Saturday, July 9, 2011 Fresh off last summer’s wildly popular World Cup soccer broadcasts at Civic Center Plaza, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department will again host free, family-friendly viewing parties featuring the best of this month’s FIFA Women’s World Cup matches. Rec and Park will host live broadcasts … Continue reading
Friday, June 24, 2011 The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department has submitted a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2011-12 that includes NO LAYOFFS, NO NEW FEE INCREASES and NO SERVICE REDUCTIONS. A San Francisco Chronicle editorial on June 24 says, “Recreation and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg has crafted … Continue reading
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 Thank you, Hensley “Bam Bam” Meulens, former pro baseball player and current SF Giants batting coach, for coming out to Kimbell Field in the Western Addition on June 21, to show our kids some hitting tips and his shiny World Series ring! Get out and play! … Continue reading
Monday, June 13, 2011 SF Rec and Park, in partnership with San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, Buena Vista Elementary School, PTA members and students, helped dedicate and unveil “Familia,” a community mural at Potrero Del Sol Park, on June 8. The wall had become a favorite target of … Continue reading
Monday, June 13, 2011 A throng of boaters and city officials, including District 2 Supervisor Mark Farrell and former District 2 Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier, was on hand on Wednesday, June 8, to celebrate the start of a $25 million renovation of the San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor’s west basin. Salvageable … Continue reading
Tuesday, May 31, 2011 CBS-5 calls the Recreation and Park Department’s summer camps some of the Bay Area’s best. Registration is still going on now, so log onto sfrecpark.org to browse our catalog of more than 60 different camps, including fishing, skateboarding, cultural arts, Eco Adventure Camp, Randall Museum camps, … Continue reading
Saturday, May 21, 2011 Get out and play this summer with Rec and Park! Youth summer camp registration is still open and, beginning May 21, you can register for programs for the entire family, including yoga class for mom, basketball for dad and dance class for grandma! Log onto sfrecpark.org … Continue reading
Monday, May 9, 2011 With the right focus, the right team and an ongoing commitment to the project and the partnership, the public and private sectors can join forces to tackle even the most vexing challenges facing large, urban municipalities… Partnering to bring sports fields to kids. In San Francisco, … Continue reading
Monday, May 9, 2011 Golden Gate Park was built as a retreat from the pressures of urban life. Yet as we know from the traffic, sporadic crime and gathering of homeless tribes, it often succumbs to it…But one feature of the park has resisted the modern onslaught, staying as true … Continue reading
Sunday, May 1, 2011 San Francisco’s Recreation and Park Department has been caught in a bind for the past two difficult budget years. Faced with consistent budget cuts, the department chose to cut some services – and a large portion of its administrative staff – and to look for new … Continue reading
Saturday, April 23, 2011 Saturday, April 23, 2011 @ Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park…egg hunts, carnival rides, giant inflatables, arts & crafts, entertainment, food for sale! $5 per person "Valet bike parking provided by the San Francisco Bike Coalition" (Located near 2nd entrance ) More info: sfrecpark.org…
Friday, April 15, 2011 San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (RPD) today joined professional skateboarder Karl Watson in outreach to the young people at the Tenderloin Children Recreation Center. Phil Ginsburg, RPD General Manager and Karl Watson partnered together to encourage the youth to be active and pursue their dreams. … Continue reading
