SAN FRANCISCO, CA –The JFK Promenade will be alive with street art, public pianos, live performances and even a Halloween event—free temporary activations to foster health, happiness, and social connection, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today.
Promenade Play Days, a series of free installations and events appearing on the JFK Promenade over the next several months, are part of a larger effort by Rec and Park and SFMTA to ensure safe, equitable access to Golden Gate Park. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors in April voted to keep a portion of the park’s main drag, John. F. Kennedy Drive, as a car-free promenade.
“We want to ensure that when people arrive, they are greeted by a vibrant, welcoming Promenade,” said Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “We are experimenting with temporary installations involving art, food, social seating and interactive elements to see what fits best and elicits positive feedback from park users. The goal is to create the kind of dynamic public space that improves lives and strengthens communities.”
The Golden Mile Project
Starting next week, San Francisco arts nonprofit Illuminate will create a “Golden Mile Project” along the Promenade, filling the collective space with art and performance.
“The cultural reemergence of San Francisco doesn’t start in any one place; it starts everywhere all at once,” said Illuminate Founder and Chief Visionary Officer Ben Davis. “The cultural fabric that our region's creative community is weaving along JFK Promenade is designed to reveal the promise and potential of the newly minted walkway as a place of safety, joy, diversity, and delight for San Francisco residents and visitors alike.”
The Golden Mile Project will include:
- Paint the Promenade by Paint the Void: Local artists will create a diverse array of street murals along the JFK route.
- Doggie Diner heads: Iconic Doggie Diner heads will be installed along JFK Drive between Conservatory Drive West and 6th Avenue.
- Public pianos: Inspired by the Botanical Gardens’ Flower Piano, these public pianos, located on JFK at Conservatory Drive West and JFK between Stow Lake Drive and East 14th Avenue, will be there for everyone to play.
- 100 chairs for socializing and relaxing
Artist Josué Rojas is particularly moved to work on this project. He is a lifelong San Franciscan and has been painting murals in the Mission for over 25 years.
"I'm genuinely excited as a San Franciscan to contribute to the renewed use of Golden Gate Park. I frequent JFK Promenade myself and often ride my bike from the Mission to the beach. I'm so excited to be part of The Golden Mile Project," Rojas said.
Fun, Food, and Fright
- Rec and Park will enhance the entrances to the Promenade (JFK at Kezar Drive and JFK at 8th Avenue) by installing vibrant colors on the pavement and adding tables, chairs and trees.
- The department’s mobile rec program will offer a climbing wall and skating elements, and visitors can also enjoy games like ping pong and cornhole.
- The San Francisco Public Library’s Bookmobile will bring diverse library materials and fun and engaging programs to the Promenade.
- Rec and Park is working with local food trucks to expand current offerings along the Promenade and is also exploring the possibility of a small beer and wine garden.
- Halloween Haunt on JFK: A free Halloween event to be held Oct. 28. Similar to Rec and Park’s “Scaregrove,” visitors of all ages can enjoy decorations and attractions along the Promenade.
- Annual Tree Lighting: Rec and Park’s annual holiday event with performances, rides and more will be held Dec. 1.
For more information and a calendar of events, click here.
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