In partnership with Healthy Parks, Healthy People Bay Area, a collaborative effort between 25 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
Lake Merced (Second Saturday of Month) at the Boathouse 1 Harding Road
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.
For more information email lisa.mchenry@sfgov.org
Free Nature Walk With Healthy Parks, Healthy People & Walk With a Doc
SF Rec & Park is partnering with Walk with a Doc this Saturday at McLaren Park. Join us for an engaging talk with Dr. Andrew Oliver. This is your opportunity to ask … Continue reading
Free Nature Walk With Healthy Parks, Healthy People & Walk With a Doc
SF Rec & Park is partnering with Walk with a Doc this Saturday at McLaren Park. Join us for an engaging talk with Dr. Andrew Oliver. This is your opportunity to ask … Continue reading
Free Nature Walk With Healthy Parks, Healthy People & Walk With a Doc
SF Rec & Park is partnering with Walk with a Doc this Saturday at McLaren Park. Join us for an engaging talk with Dr. Andrew Oliver. This is your opportunity to ask … Continue reading
Free Nature Walk With Healthy Parks, Healthy People & Walk With a Doc
SF Rec & Park is partnering with Walk with a Doc this Saturday at McLaren Park. Join us for an engaging talk with Dr. Andrew Oliver. This is your opportunity to ask … Continue reading
Free Nature Walk With Healthy Parks, Healthy People & Walk With a Doc
SF Rec & Park is partnering with Walk with a Doc this Saturday at McLaren Park. Join us for an engaging talk with Dr. Andrew Oliver. This is your opportunity to ask … Continue reading
Free Nature Walk With Healthy Parks, Healthy People & Walk With a Doc
SF Rec & Park is partnering with Walk with a Doc this Saturday at McLaren Park. Join us for an engaging talk with Dr. Andrew Oliver. This is your opportunity to ask … Continue reading
Free Nature Walk With Healthy Parks, Healthy People & Walk With a Doc
SF Rec & Park is partnering with Walk with a Doc this Saturday at McLaren Park. Join us for an engaging talk with Dr. Andrew Oliver. This is your opportunity to ask … Continue reading
Free Nature Walk With Healthy Parks, Healthy People & Walk With a Doc
SF Rec & Park is partnering with Walk with a Doc this Saturday at McLaren Park. Join us for an engaging talk with Dr. Andrew Oliver. This is your opportunity to ask … Continue reading
Healthy Parks, Healthy People trail walks – Heron’s Head Park – Cancelled
May 26, 2018
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
Jun 2, 2018
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 Nature Walks – Lake Merced
Jun 9, 2018
Walk around a Lake: Lake Merced Boathouse at 1 Harding Park Road (Second Saturday of Month) 10:00am. This loop trail includes beautiful views of San Francisco’s wetlands providing opportunities to see bird … Continue reading
Healthy Parks, Healthy People trail walks – McLaren Park
Jun 16, 2018
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 largest park. The walk … Continue reading
Free Nature Walk With Healthy Parks, Healthy People & Walk With a Doc
Jun 16, 2018
SF Rec & Park is partnering with Walk with a Doc this Saturday at McLaren Park. Join us for an engaging talk with Dr. Andrew Oliver. This is your opportunity to ask … Continue reading
Healthy Parks, Healthy People trail walks – Heron’s Head Park
Jun 23, 2018
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
Lisa McHenry, B.S
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.
Lisa McHenry, hiking the Tonsina Glacier in Alaska.
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.
Charley GauxDown celebrating PACE with HPHP.
Dr. Andrew Oliver
Dr. Andrew Oliver is originally from the front range of the Rocky Mountains just outside of Denver, CO. He has found a home in the Bay Area that offers so much of the recreational opportunities he enjoyed growing up. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine and takes special interest in emphasizing prevention of disease and injury through healthy living. He is thrilled to help facilitate a partnership between the nonprofit organization Walk With A Doc and San Francisco’s Healthy Parks Healthy People program. He currently lives in Berkeley with his wife and two dogs.
Dr. Andrew Oliver with Walk with a Doc.
The May 28th, nature walk at Herons Head is Cancelled For Memorial Day.
Walk with a Doc!
SF Rec & Park is partnering with Walk with a Doc this Saturday at McLaren Park, 10:00AM. Join us for an engaging talk with Dr. Andrew Oliver. This is your opportunity to ask a medical professional questions about your health and well-being, as we walk through groves of redwoods, cypress trees and enjoy the benefits of nature.
WHO: Dr. Andrew Oliver & Charley
WHEN: 10:00AM-12:00PM (3rd Saturday of Every Month)
WHERE: McLaren Park at University & Mansell (Across from Visitation)
Walk with a Doc at HPHP
The April 7th, Stow Lake Walk Is Walk Cancelled Due To Rain.
The Herons Head walk is cancelled due to rain.
For a more enjoyable walk remember to dress comfortably, wear walking shoes, bring water and use protection. Please check local weather forecasts – Trail Walks will be canceled due to rain or unsafe conditions. For more information email lisa.mchenry@sfgov.org
See you in our parks. ✨
The nature walk at McLaren Park is cancelled.
In the meantime try and sneak out in between rain showers for a quick little jaunt to improve the mood.
Also, Charley and I want to have a soup-swap! Let's all make a date to share our favorite soup recipes at our next walk. If you send me the recipe in advance I will make copies for us to share.
Wishing you good health and sparkling rainbows. ✨☔🌈
The March 10th nature walk at Lake Merced is canceled due to rain and/or unsafe conditions. Our next walk will be at McLaren Park on March 17th.
The March 3rd nature walk at Stow Lake is canceled due to rain and/or unsafe conditions.
We are committed to bringing you consistent programming. However the following walks will be cancelled for holidays so that our staff can enjoy time with Friends and Family.
November 11, 2017, Veterans day
November 25, 2017, Thanksgiving
December 23, 2017, Christmas
Happy Holidays!
Our Lake Merced walk for Saturday April 8th is cancelled due to rain.
HPHP walk on 3/4/17 at Stow Lake is cancelled due to rain.
Unplug and Hike with Rec and Park Saturday, March 4th
SF Rec & Park, Healthy Parks, Healthy People Bay Area, and Reboot are teaming up to bring the National Day of Unplugging to San Francisco! For more about National Day of Unplugging, visit http://nationaldayofunplugging.com/for-families/
Meet at the Stow Lake Boathouse in Golden gate Park, 10:00am
Join our RPD Guides and experience nature without digital distractions for The National Day of Unplugging! This is an ongoing effort to encourage people to bring balance into their use of technology by reflecting on their use and taking a regular tech break. Participants will receive a free ‘Cell Phone Sleeping Bag’ in which to place their digital devices, thus ‘Unplugging’ for a day!
HPHP walk on 1/7/17 will be cancelled due to rain.
Happy New Year!
HPHP walk on 10/15/16 will be cancelled due to rain.
RPD and Healthy Parks, Healthy People are committed to bringing you consistent programming. However the following walks will be cancelled for holidays so that our staff can enjoy time with Friends and Family.
November 26, 2016
December 24, 2016
December 31, 2016
Happy Holidays!
Enjoy the journey.
Take a look at our previous programs!
4th Saturdays at Herons Head!
Free Guided Trail Hike with Healthy Parks, Healthy PeopleHerons Head Park, Jennings Street off Cargo Way
10:00AM-12:00PM (Meet in the mini park)
A Beautiful Bay Day!
7-2-2016 NO WALK. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Healthy Parks Healthy People will return July 11th at Lake Merced.
Thank you, Grace for this amazing hand drawing from Heron's Head. You are incredibly talented and it was a joy walking with you. Hope to see you again soon at Healthy Parks Healthy People!
This is a dog friendly event. Bring your furry friend and receive a FREE dog bowl!
2nd Saturdays at Lake Merced!
Lake Merced Boathouse at 1 Harding Park Road (2nd Saturday of Month) 10:00AM-12:00PM (Meet in front of the Boathouse)
Everybody's Welcome!
Herons Head Park, Jennings Street off Cargo Way, 10:00AM-12:00PM (Meet in the mini-park next to the parking lot)
Join us this Saturday as we work to keep the sea debris free. In partnership with the Herons Head Eco-Center we will be embracing coastal clean-up day! Bring the whole family for a FREE fun-filled day as we celebrate the first 6 years of the EcoCenter with cake, candles, and fun activities. Then walk on over to neighboring India Basin Shoreline Park to enjoy SF Recreation and Parks Department’s Mobile Rec with a rock climbing wall, skate park, kayaks, and more!
3-12-16 Saturday at Lake Merced is Postponed
4th Saturdays at Herons Head
Free Guided Trail Hike with Healthy Parks, Healthy People
Herons Head Park, Jennings Street off Cargo Way, (4th Saturday of Month) 10:00AM-12:00PM
Meet in the mini-park next to the parking lot.
Nature Walking!
Explore nature, enliven your spirit, and increase your stamina in our parks. This walk takes place on the Bay trail, right on the San Francisco waterfront. It is an excellent place for bird watching, and stop by the adjacent Eco Center when finished! This activity is free, all-inclusive and requires no pre-registration.
3rd Saturdays at McLaren Park!
In the News!
Golden Gate Park offers weekend relief from Super Bowl frenzy
Free Guided Walk in the Park with Healthy Parks, Healthy People
Stow Lake Boathouse in Golden Gate Park (1st Saturday of Every Month) 10:00AM-12:00PM
Restore, renew and refresh with a free, guided walk in Golden Gate Park. Join us for a program that highlights views from Strawberry Hill, Huntington Falls, and much more! This activity is free, all-inclusive and requires no pre-registration.
Free Guided Walk around Lake Merced
Lake Merced Boathouse at 1 Harding Park Road (2nd Saturday of Month) 10:00AM-12:00PM
Join us for a morning stretch and stroll. This 2-mile loop trail winds around San Francisco’s wetlands where we can view nesting bird species and native plants. Meet in front of the Lake Merced Boathouse, and let’s Get Out & Play!
Reach for the sky!
Free Guided Trail Walk with Healthy Parks, Healthy People Explore nature, enliven your spirit, and bring a smile to share with new friends!
Healthy Parks, Healthy People!
Making new Friends on the trail.
Choose your stride! We will now have more RPD Guides leading the walks so that we can accommodate your needs. Want to walk fast? No problem. Want to walk and gawk? We got you covered. Either way, LET'S GET OUT & PLAY!
Free walks 4 times a month!
Healthy Parks, Healthy People Hike in Golden Gate Park
Meet at 10:00 AM by the Stow Lake Boathouse (next to the picnic tables by the dock)
Our RPD guides will lead you in light stretching exercises and a stress-free walk around Stow Lake and then to the top of Strawberry Hill for scenic views and socializing
The walking giggles
For more information email lisa.mchenry@sfgov.org
Walk a Wetland:
Herons Head Park at Jennings Street off Cargo way, (Fourth Saturday of Month) 10:00am.
Free Guided Walk in the Park!
McLaren Park at University & Mansell (3rd Saturday Of Every Month!)
Herons Head Park, Jennings Street off Cargo Way, (4th Saturday of Month) 10:00AM-12:00PM
Healthy Parks, Healthy People in action.
FREE WATER BOTTLE DAY (while they last)!
