News Flash

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The JFK Promenade, a cherished 1.5-mile stretch of car-free recreation, culture, and enjoyment, is gearing up to commemorate its fourth anniversary this Sunday, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today.

The celebration will take place from noon to 3 p.m. in Peacock Meadow, hosted by Walk SF and partners Rec and Park, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, KidSafe SF, and Church of 8 Wheels. Pack a picnic and a blanket or grab a bite from one of the visiting food trucks. Enjoy games and activities for all ages, along with prizes and special guests. The event will feature a speaking program at 1 p.m. and a raffle at 2:30 p.m. Bike parking will be available

Since its closure to vehicular traffic in April of 2020, the Promenade has seen 12.6 million visits, establishing it as San Francisco's most frequented open space. Once on the City’s high injury network, the street has transformed into a vibrant hub for interactive art, cycling, walking, dancing, and rolling. The pedestrian-friendly oasis has been enhanced with dozens of accessibility upgrades through Rec and Park and SFMTA, as well as a free shuttle, public pianos, seating areas, lawn games and live music. 

Among its new and upcoming installations:

• ‘Nature’s Future is Our Future,’ installed last week, features 12 California historical markers from the future highlighting the importance of nature-based climate solutions. Designed by The Nature Conservancy and fabricated by Exploratorium staff, the markers invite viewers to experience two future Californias: One that has invested in nature’s ability to protect us; and another that has left nature behind. Nature’s Future is Our Future will run through November. 
• Skate rentals begin this Saturday at the Skatin’ Place, a beloved gathering spot for roller skating and roller blading enthusiasts for decades. Operated by Godfather of Skate David Miles of the Church of 8 Wheels, skate rentals will be offered each weekend from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Inline and roller skates are available.  Rates for youth under 12 years old will be $12 per hour, and then $5 for every hour thereafter. For adults and anyone over 13 years old, rentals will be $20 per hour, and then $5 for every hour thereafter. Safety gear, which is recommended but not required, will be available to rent for $5 per day.
• New and refurbished public pianos, Part of Illuminate’s Golden Mile Project, have begun to dot the Promenade. Check out Fleetwood, newly painted in March with a heron mural by artist Chris Granillo and keep your eyes (and ears) open for two more pianos coming soon. 
• The Pop-Up Beer and Wine Garden will relaunch Saturday, May 25 during Memorial Day Weekend. Visitors at NonPlusUltra’s seasonal, weekend installation can pull together a few Adirondack chairs or grab one of the picnic tables and enjoy live music programmed by Illuminate, as well as interactive games. 

“Over the past four years, JFK Promenade has brought joy to millions,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “What began as a sanctuary during the pandemic blossomed into a permanent community space where people with wildly varying interests come together to play and embrace life. We are thrilled to celebrate this anniversary with wonderful new installations.” 

"In a city where an average of three people are hit walking every day, the JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park provides a crucial safe and joyful refuge for millions of people each year,” said Walk SF Executive Director Jodie Medeiros. “As we celebrate JFK Promenade's fourth birthday and the fact that this space is now permanent, we are reminded of what's possible when community groups, our leaders, agencies, and San Franciscans come together for positive change.” 

In the past four years, the Promenade’s single busiest day was Sunday, May 24, 2020, when more than 40,000 people visited on Memorial Day Weekend during the height of the pandemic. The Promenade is most popular in the late afternoons and early evenings, with about half of all daily visitors enjoying it between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. In the last year, an average of 8,000 visits were made on weekends and holiday days, and an average of 5,800 visits per weekday.

Originally closed by Mayor London Breed’s emergency declaration during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Supervisors passed legislation to make JFK Promenade’s car-free status permanent two years later.  That decision was reaffirmed by San Francisco voters in November 2022. 

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