Healthy Parks, Healthy People

Group of hikers in Golden Gate Park

In partnership with Healthy Parks, Healthy People Bay Area, a collaborative effort between 40 local agencies, SF Rec and Park presents its Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative. Explore our city’s natural areas while socializing with new friends, feeling fit, and finding new inspiration in our city’s native plants and wildlife.

All walks start at 10:00AM are Free, and require no pre-registration.

Stow Lake (First Saturday of Month) at the Boathouse in Golden Gate Park
Glen Canyon (Second Saturday of Month) at Elk & Chenery streets
McLaren Park (Third Saturday of Month) at University & Mansell
Herons Head (Fourth Saturday of Month) at Jennings Street off Cargo way

Being outside in parks offers several benefits:

  • Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints
  • Introduces neighbors to each other
  • Provides opportunities for physical activity
  • Can reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension
  • Improves the mood and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression

Our professional RPD Guides will provide a short interpretive program designed specifically for each location. The staff will have first aid equipment and are certified in CPR.  Please remember to bring your water and sun protection.

Check local weather forecasts – Trail Walks will be canceled due to unsafe conditions and/or rain and holidays.

For more information email lisa.mchenry@sfgov.org

Visit the Archives

Healthy Parks, Healthy People trail walks – Heron’s Head Park

Aug 24, 2019
Group of hikers at Heron's Head Park

Walk a Wetland: Herons Head Park at Jennings Street off Cargo way, (Fourth Saturday of Month) 10:00am. Admire the San Francisco waterfront as we follow a short section of the Bay Trail. … Continue reading →

Healthy Parks Healthy People trail walks – Stow Lake

Sep 7, 2019
A group of hikers listening to a guide

Walk in the Park: Stow Lake Boathouse in Golden Gate Park (First Saturday of Month) 10:00am. Start at the Stow Lake Boathouse for some light stretching followed by an easy-going walk around … Continue reading →

Healthy Parks Healthy People trail walks – Glen Park

Sep 14, 2019
A group of hikers listening to a guide

Walk in the Park: Join us and Healthy Parks, Healthy People (HPHP) as we kick off the new year in a brand new location at Glen Park on Saturday, January 12 from … Continue reading →

Healthy Parks, Healthy People trail walks – McLaren Park

Sep 21, 2019

For more information checkout https://sfrecpark.org/recprogram/healthy-parks-healthy-people/ Walk a Trail: McLaren Park at University & Mansell, next to the sign (Third Saturday of Month) 10:00am. Join us for a walk through McLaren Park, San Francisco’s second … Continue reading →

Healthy Parks, Healthy People trail walks – Heron’s Head Park

Sep 28, 2019
Group of hikers at Heron's Head Park

Walk a Wetland: Herons Head Park at Jennings Street off Cargo way, (Fourth Saturday of Month) 10:00am. Admire the San Francisco waterfront as we follow a short section of the Bay Trail. … Continue reading →

Healthy Parks Healthy People trail walks – Stow Lake

Oct 5, 2019
A group of hikers listening to a guide

Walk in the Park: Stow Lake Boathouse in Golden Gate Park (First Saturday of Month) 10:00am. Start at the Stow Lake Boathouse for some light stretching followed by an easy-going walk around … Continue reading →

Healthy Parks Healthy People trail walks – Glen Park

Oct 12, 2019
A group of hikers listening to a guide

Walk in the Park: Join us and Healthy Parks, Healthy People (HPHP) as we kick off the new year in a brand new location at Glen Park on Saturday, January 12 from … Continue reading →

Healthy Parks, Healthy People trail walks – McLaren Park

Oct 19, 2019

For more information checkout https://sfrecpark.org/recprogram/healthy-parks-healthy-people/ Walk a Trail: McLaren Park at University & Mansell, next to the sign (Third Saturday of Month) 10:00am. Join us for a walk through McLaren Park, San Francisco’s second … Continue reading →

Lisa McHenry on expedition in Alaska.

Lisa McHenry, hiking the Tonsina Glacier in Alaska.

Lisa McHenry

Lisa McHenry works for the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department and can be found leading hikes for the Saturday “Healthy Parks Healthy People” program. She is a lifelong Bay Area resident and has an infectious enthusiasm for protecting and sharing this amazing part of the world. Lisa graduated Cum Laude from San Francisco State University with a degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration. She is a Wilderness First Responder, and in 2012 was a full scholarship recipient for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) expedition in Alaska. When Lisa is not championing our parks and open space she can be found performing in San Francisco's theatre district.

Charley flying the PACE flag at HPHP.

Charley GauxDown celebrating PACE with HPHP.

Charley GauxDown

Charley discovered his love of the outdoors growing up in Yosemite and backpacking through the Sierra's. Once in San Francisco he found his way to the burlesque stage with his troupe The Bohemian Brethren. With a creative mind and a smile, he will take you on a relaxing adventure through our glorious city parks.

Susan Saylor HPHP Yoga

Yoga Walks with Susan!

Susan Saylor

Susan Saylor is a (sometimes) empty-nest mother, lawyer, and yoga teacher who loves the great outdoors. In her spare time she enjoys native-plant gardening, reading, and open-water swimming. She has been teaching yoga for the Rec. & Parks Department since 2018. Her yoga style is accessible, gentle, and fun.