San Francisco Recreation and Parks, CA

Plan for Concerts in Golden Gate Park and Downtown Plazas Approved

New agreement will bring concert series to San Francisco annually for three years as part of the City’s economic revitalization efforts Read on...
Tennis Center at Golden Gate Park Earns Coveted National Award

The Lisa and Douglas Goldman Tennis Center, located in Golden Gate Park, has been selected by the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) to receive the 2023 Outstanding Facility Award. Read on...
New Mission Bay Parks Webpage

Welcome to our new Mission Bay parks webpage. As of July 1, 2023, San Francisco Recreation and Parks will assume the management and maintenance of a unique collection of park spaces in the city's Mission Bay neighborhood. Mission Bay Parks
First Padel Courts in Northern California to Break Ground at Embarcadero Plaza

Padel, a racket sport enjoying a meteoric rise in popularity across the world, will officially land in San Francisco this October with the opening of two courts in Embarcadero Plaza Read on...
Mayor Breed Announces Partnership with Renowned Chef Tyler Florence to Open Two Union Square Cafes

The addition of two Miller & Lux Provisions cafés in Union Square Plaza is part of a broader strategic effort to transform Downtown into a stronger, resilient, economic and global destination Read on...
Community, City Officials Celebrate $3.38 Million Makeover of Herz Playground

Creative new play equipment for kids of all ages and a park makeover inspired by nature greeted families Thursday evening at the unveiling of the renovated Herz Playground in McLaren Park. Read on...
San Francisco Announces Four Day Carnival to Open in Civic Center

The multi-day carnival will enliven San Francisco’s Civic Center Area starting August 24. Read on...
SF Rec and Park installs new Goalphers at Sunset Rec Center

The new additions will increase access to soccer for neighborhood kids. Read on...
SF Announces Expansion of Lyft's Bike Share Program into Golden Gate Park

Bay Wheels brings first-ever bike share stations to the park with temporary valet stations available for Outside Lands weekend and permanent stations across the park. Read on...
Agreement Reached on Proposed Concerts in GGP, Downtown, Pending Vote from Board of Supervisors

City commits to public outreach for proposed concerts in Golden Gate Park. Read on...
Esteemed National Organization Welcomes SF Rec and Park GM to Board

Phil Ginsburg joins Children and Nature Network Board of Directors. Read on...
SF Announces Plans to Operate Over 23 Acres of Public Parks in Mission Bay

San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department and the Port of San Francisco will jointly manage the public spaces, adding to the City’s vast portfolio of world class parks and public spaces. Read on...
Free Pickleball Access Expanded to Palace of Fine Arts

San Francisco’s fastest growing sport, pickleball, has found a new home in one of the city’s most historic spots. Read on...
Proposed Concerts Would Include Free Muni, Increased Funding for Neighborhood Projects

A proposal to put on a series of outdoor concerts in the Golden Gate Park Polo Fields & downtown plazas has been updated to include key benefits: free Muni rides for concertgoers & more funding for community interests in the Sunset/Richmond districts. Read on...
Free Concerts in Golden Gate Park, UN Plaza, Main Library & Across SF for Make Music Day

Celebration to be held June 21, the 41st anniversary of Fête de la Musique. Read on...
SF Announces Return of World Cup Village in Downtown this Summer

The City will partner with Street Soccer USA to host free watch parties for the Women’s World Cup and bring back the Street Soccer USA Cup Series. Read on...
Mayor Breed & Treasurer Cisneros Celebrate Success of SF Museums for All

New report shows SF Museums for All Program was used over 130,000 times in 2022, providing 250,000 San Francisco residents from low-income backgrounds with free admission to museums and cultural institutions. Read on...
Another Planet Entertainment Proposes Free Downtown Concerts

APE would bring musical acts to Union Square, Embarcadero and Civic Center for three years if ticketed concert in Polo Fields are approved. Read on...
16 Graduate from India Basin Workforce Development Program

Some already working to build India Basin Waterfront Park project. Read on...
Merced Heights Playground’s Lower Terrace Transformed by Renovation

Former field now has something for everyone: families, seniors, and dogs. Read on...
City Plan Would Bring More Music to Golden Gate Park

Smaller, headliner-focused concerts would be held weekend following Outside Lands. Read on...
SF Joins KABOOM! in National Effort to End Playspace Inequity

The KABOOM! 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity ensures equitable connection with nature through play for kids in every neighborhood through playground transformations. Read on...
420 Celebration Returns to Hippie Hill

City agencies coordinate to lessen traffic, neighborhood impacts. Read on...
SF Rec and Parks Head Phil Ginsburg Named Chair of State Parks Commission

San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg has been elected to chairperson of the California State Park and Recreation Commission. Read on...
Design for Improved Jackson Park Moves Forward

A total renovation of the Potrero Hill park includes a bigger clubhouse, new playground equipment, and more green space. Read on...
Fallen Tree Severely Damages Historic Trocadero Clubhouse

Iconic San Francisco landmark and event space in Stern Grove red-tagged by City Read on...
Winners of 39th Annual Randall Museum Science Fair Advance to Regional Championships

Young scientists from several San Francisco middle schools will compete in a Bay Area-wide science fair happening later this month after they recently took first place spots in a citywide competition held at the Randall Museum. Read on...
Golden Gate Bandshell Welcomes Back More Live Performances in 2023

Diverse lineup to play 100+ free concerts at historic landmark venue Read on...
‘London N. Breed’ Tulips Blooming in Golden Gate Park

5,000 bulbs were gift commemorating visit by Queen of the Netherlands Read on...
National Tennis Group Recognizes Innovative San Francisco After-School Program

The prestigious award highlights the important programming the Tennis and Learning Center provides for San Francisco youth. Read on...
City Receives $425,000 Gift for Noe Valley Restroom Project

Donation of prefabricated unit and labor to bring down overall price by reducing fees, approvals. Read on...
Esprit Park Renovation Breaks Ground

A renovation project broke ground today that will strengthen Esprit Park to better serve the Dogpatch neighborhood that has grown up around it. Read on...
Blanche, Palace of Fine Arts Swan, Dies at 28

Blanche, the swan who captured the hearts of generations of visitors to the Palace of Fine Arts, has died at 28. Read on...
San Francisco Breaks Ground on New Community & Recreation Center at Sunnydale Hope SF

Sunnydale Community Hub will provide safe and accessible space for sports, recreation, cultural events, health and wellness resources, and educational programs and activities. Read on...
Holiday Tree Lighting Kicks Off ‘Jingle on JFK’

Surrounded by community members, Mayor London Breed tonight led the countdown to lighting of the iconic Monterey cypress tree in Golden Gate Park’s east end—a San Francisco holiday tradition that began in 1929. Read on...
Waller Street Skate Park Rolls Out New Paving and Design

The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department rolled out improvements to the Waller Street Skate Park today—a project spearheaded by local skaters who helped shape its inclusive design that honors its street skateboarding roots. Read on...
SF City leaders, families celebrate groundbreaking of improvement project at Herz Playground

The Recreation & Park Department broke ground on renovations at Herz Playground in Visitacion Valley on Monday as part of the Let’sPlaySF! initiative that is delivering creative play spaces to children across San Francisco. Read on...
Rec and Park GM Phil Ginsburg to serve on NRPA Board of Directors

Ginsburg will bring his expertise leading one of the country’s most innovative park systems to the organization Read on...
Famed 107-Year-Old Pagoda in Japanese Tea Garden Restored

The Japanese Tea Garden’s towering pagoda, one of the few surviving structures from the 1915 world’s fair, has been revived to its former glory following a meticulous restoration. Read on...
‘100 Things to Do in Nature in SF’ Invites Kids to Experience Outdoor Adventures

From Philosopher’s Way to Lands End: ‘100 Things to Do in Nature in SF’ Invites Kids to Experience Outdoor Adventures. Read on...
Rec and Park Launches Golden Gate Park Busking Program

Musicians and other performers can now easily obtain permits to perform in designated park locations Read on...
Promenade Play Days to Feature Art, Performance, and Connection on JFK

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 Read on...
SF Breaks Ground on India Basin Waterfront Park

Construction kicks off on historic open space project in the heart of the Bayview. Read on...
SF Rec and Parks Head Phil Ginsburg Reappointed to State Parks Commission

San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg will serve a second term on the California State Park and Recreation Commission, after the California State Senate unanimously confirmed his reappointment. Read on...
Shoreline Cleanup Complete in India Basin Waterfront Park Project

Community celebration with free kayaking to be held Saturday Read on...
Naming Ceremony Honors Legendary SF Photographer David Johnson

Harvey Milk Photo Center lab named David Johnson Photo Processing Lab. Read on...
Contractor Approved to Build New Park on Former Industrial Site at India Basin

Bayview residents to get construction training to help build SF’s next great park Read on...
21-Hayes Returns, Free Adaptive Bike Program Unveiled in Golden Gate Park

Access Improvements to Car-Free JFK Benefit People with Disabilities, Residents of Western Addition, Hayes Valley and Tenderloin. Read on...
Tuesday: Free Concerts in Parks, Plazas for Make Music Day

Celebration to be held June 21, the 40th anniversary of Fête de la Musique. Read on...
Golden Gate Park’s Skatin’ Place Reopens Featuring New ‘Psychedelic’ Mural

Design by longtime skater honors park’s roller skating history. Read on...
New Parking Lot Offers 20 Free Accessible Spaces in Heart of Golden Gate Park

Free blue spaces part of a larger investment in repaving, access. Read on...
Visitacion Valley Playground Renamed Yik Oi Huang Peace & Friendship Park

San Francisco Recreation and Park Commissioners today voted unanimously to approve changing the name of Visitacion Valley Playground to Yik Oi Huang Peace & Friendship Park. The name honors the memory of a neighborhood grandmother and community advocate. Read on...
Mayor London Breed Announces $3.9 Million in Federal Funding for Buchanan Street Mall Renovations

Project is now fully funded, allowing the City to move forward with improvements. Read on...
Stern Grove Concert Meadow to Re-open in Time for Summer Concerts

The wildly popular Stern Grove Festival—the Bay Area’s longest running outdoor concert series—will return on June 12 to the historic park, located at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard in the city’s Sunset District. Read on...
Mayor London Breed Celebrates Opening of Francisco Park in Russian Hill

Largest park in San Francisco’s urban core to open in nearly 40 years, Francisco Park includes panoramic views, community gardens, and community space for children and dogs. Read on...
Board of Supervisors Approves Mayor Breed's Legislation to Make Car-Free JFK Permanent

Lawmakers approve dozens of improvements to improve access, equity, and ease of travel. Read on...
Neighborhood Field Trips Spark Golden Gate Park Love

New Program Familiarizes San Franciscans Outside the Avenues with Golden Gate Park’s Cultural Treasures. Read on...
Annual 420 Celebration Returns to Hippie Hill

Outdoor gathering to include cannabis sales, new rules. Read on...
Ambitious Bayview Swimming Program Makes Debut Splash

Pilot program aims to make every child in the neighborhood water safe by 6th grade. Read on...
SF’s First Tai Chi Court Opens in McLaren Park

San Francisco’s first public space designed and dedicated specifically for the practice of tai chi opened today amid a community celebration in McLaren Park. Read on...
Mayor London Breed Introduces Legislation to Implement Car-Free JFK

Legislation would restrict vehicles along JFK Drive while instituting a number of changes to support equity, accessibility, and transit. Read on...
Wanted: Locals to Build San Francisco’s Next Great Park

New phase of India Basin project includes business opportunities and job trainings for the community. Read on...
Free Resident Admission to Conservatory of Flowers & Japanese Tea Garden Approved by Supervisors

Ordinance, proposed by Mayor Breed, makes all three of Golden Gate Park’s specialty gardens free to San Francisco residents Read on...
SFMTA, RPD Recommend JFK Remain Car-free with Community Requested Access & Signage Improvements

Board of Supervisors to decide future of Golden Gate Park’s main road Read on...
Humanitarian Relief Concert For Ukraine set for Saturday Afternoon in Golden Gate Park

#SF4Ukraine event seeks to raise $20,000 to provide desperately needed relief for the nearly 2 million refugees fleeing Ukraine Read on...
Golden Gate Bandshell Welcomes Back More Live Performances in 2022

Diverse lineup of musicians to play more free concerts at historic landmark. Read on...
Major Access Improvements Launched in Golden Gate Park

Shuttle overhaul, new accessible parking among commitment to seniors, people with disabilities Read on...
Valentine’s Day Comeback for Café in Civic Center Plaza

Food lovers looking to embrace new offerings in the heart of Civic Center Plaza are in luck—Assembly Café and Beer Garden opened today—Valentine’s Day. Read on...
Rossi Pool Reopens After $15M Renovation

Richmond District facility beloved by swimmers will hold a free community swim Saturday. Read on...
India Basin Project to Be Guided by Historic Plan

Equitable Development Plan to Ensure Current Residents Benefit from Waterfront Park. Read on...
Entwined Illuminated Art Installation Extends Residency in Golden Gate Park

Popular Light Exhibit in Peacock Meadow to Continue Bringing Light and Joy to Parkgoers Through March 2022. Read on...
Bayview/K.C. Jones Playground Reopens After Renovation

City officials and community members held a celebration today for the reopening of Bayview/K.C. Jones Playground following a $6 million renovation. Read on...
Portsmouth Square Renovation Gains Major Approval

‘Chinatown’s Living Room’ to Undergo Complete Redesign. Read on...
Mayor Breed Proposes Free Resident Admission to Golden Gate Park Gardens

Ordinance would make all three of Golden Gate Park's specialty gardens free to San Francisco residents Read on...
Psychedelic Roller Skate Mural Approved by Rec and Park Commission

A ground mural featuring a golden roller skate surrounded by a psychedelic pattern may add new color to a legendary skating spot in Golden Gate Park after the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission voted unanimously to approve the final design. Read on...
SF Park Projects Receive $11.6 Million

The India Basin Shoreline Park project & the Buchanan Street Mall renovation project each received $5.8 million, part of $584.3 million in funding to deliver new parks to more than 100 communities & advance the “Outdoors for All” initiative Read on...
Winter Lights to Brighten Holiday Season in Golden Gate Park

Special events and illuminated installations to dazzle parkgoers this holiday season. Read on...
Pilot Program Welcomes Food Trucks to Great Highway

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department today announced the launch of a three-month pilot program for food trucks on the Upper Great Highway during days the roadway is closed to vehicle traffic. Read on...
Mayor Breed & Senator Wiener Announce Funding for Buchanan Mall

Project will receive $4.8 million in state funding secured by Senator Wiener for improvements. Read on...
RPD and SFBGS Propose Unified Management of Golden Gate Park Gardens

Change would streamline management and provide enhanced visitor experience. Read on...
New Boat Dock Makes Waves at Lake Merced

City officials gathered with community members and dragon boat racers at Lake Merced today to say ahoy to a new boat dock and gangway that allows safer recreation for seniors and people with disabilities and ensures future access for the public. Read on...
Imagination Runs Wild at San Francisco’s New Nature Exploration Area

Kids connect with nature and each other on opening day of space devoted to unstructured play. Read on...
‘Green’ Makeovers of Child Care Spaces Connect San Francisco’s Youngest Children to Nature

Young children at nine San Francisco child care centers and family child care homes are enjoying green outdoor play spaces after community volunteers worked multiple weekends to create natural play spaces that allow children to explore their world. Read on...
McLaren Park Ropes Course Officially Opens With Treetop Thrills

After nearly a year of anticipation, the McLaren Park Ropes Course was in full swing today, celebrating its full opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Read on...
Beloved Sue Bierman Playground Burns

The fire destroyed a play structure modeled after a pirate ship, a slide, and rubber safety surfacing to protect kids from falls. Read on...
Conservatory Drive West to Re-Open Oct. 1

Safety measures allow accommodation of multiple needs, car-free JFK will be unaffected. Read on...
Jerry Garcia Amphitheater Opens Following Major Renovation

San Francisco Shakespeare Festival Kicks Off 2021 Season Following Ribbon Cutting. Read on...
San Francisco’s Largest Nature Exploration Area Breaks Ground at Heron’s Head

Youth-centered design to build stronger connections with the natural world while inviting kids to jump, climb, play and learn across an array of natural elements. Read on...
Juri Commons Park Reopens Following Renovation

Juri Commons reopened following a $1.9 million renovation honoring the Mission District park’s railroad history, featuring a redesign with new plantings, an improved play space for children, grass for dogs, & an adult exercise area with fitness equipment. Read on...
City Reveals Next Phase for Great Highway to Start August 16

Stretch from Lincoln Way to Sloat Blvd will continue to be closed to car traffic on weekends and holidays, but will open up to car traffic during the week. Read on...
Golden Gate Heights Playground Re-Opens Following Renovation

With a design inspired by its wooded surroundings, a nature play area to spark creativity, and a dramatic spiral tower soaring above it all, the newly-renovated playground at Golden Gate Heights Park has opened to the public. Read on...
Rec and Park to Phase Out Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers with Two-Stroke Engines

Gardeners maintaining the City’s parks, open spaces and public plazas will soon turn over a new leaf—trading gas-powered blowers with two-stroke engines for electric battery pack models instead. Read on...
Rec and Park and SFPA Launch Program to Turn Kids into Golden Gate Park Experts

Field trip program helps kids from across the city experience the joys of “Everybody’s Park” Read on...
New Photo Library to be Named for Legendary SF Photographer David Johnson

A new photo library at the Harvey Milk Photo Center will be named for legendary photographer David Johnson, who chronicled Black life in San Francisco in the mid-twentieth century, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today. Read on...
Art installation Honoring Black Lives Arrives for Juneteenth

In commemoration of San Francisco’s Juneteenth holiday, Mayor London N. Breed today unveiled Monumental Reckoning, a two-year art installation in Golden Gate Park honoring Black history and lives. Read on...
City Breaks Ground on India Basin Shoreline Park

Mayor London N. Breed today joined with community members, environmental advocates, and public officials to kick off the restoration of India Basin shoreline. Read on...
Coit Tower to Welcome Visitors Again on June 17

Coit Tower, the iconic white column defining the San Francisco skyline, will welcome visitors Thursday, June 17 for the first time in 15 months, Mayor London N. Breed announced. Read on...
Shoreview Park Re-Opens Following $3.3M Renovation

A once-overlooked park in Bayview Hunters Point reopened with a community celebration after a $3.3 million renovation transformed it into a family-friendly oasis with an adventure playground. Read on...
Stern Grove Festival Returns with 2021 Dates

84th annual outdoor music festival kicks off summer concert season on June 20. Read on...
Esprit Park Poised for Robust Renovation

Esprit Park is one step closer to a $7.7 million renovation designed to balance the needs of its growing Dogpatch community—from families to fitness enthusiasts to dogs and their people, the SF Rec & Park Department and UC San Francisco announced today. Read on...
San Francisco Proposes Art Installation to Honor Black Lives, History of African Americans

Opening of ‘Monumental Reckoning’ sculpture in Golden Gate Park would coincide with Juneteenth Read on...
TPC Harding Park, SF Rec & Park Unveil High-Tech Practice Facility

TPC Harding Park, the only city-owned public course managed by the PGA TOUR, announces the renovation completion of its practice facility which began in November 2020, along with the new addition of Toptracer Range technology. Read on...
Mayor London Breed Announces Reopening of Remodeled George Christopher Playground

Kids welcome new play equipment and nature exploration area in the Diamond Heights park following renovation. Read on...
City of San Francisco and School District to Host Outdoor Commencements for High Schools

‘Graduations for All’ to be held at Kezar Stadium and the McAteer High School campus for all graduating seniors Read on...
First Indoor Pools to Reopen in Bayview, Sunset

Two of San Francisco’s indoor pools are poised to welcome back lap swimmers with reservations and all pools will reopen by mid-June, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today. SF Rec and Park to open pools citywide by summer. Read on...
RPD and Community Partners Fund New Recreation Center for Sunnydale/Vis Valley

The SF Recreation & Park Commission Thursday approved the concept design for the new Herz Recreation Center Project, which includes a new 11,500 square foot recreation center with an indoor basketball court, a multi-purpose room, restrooms, and an office. Read on...
Mayor London Breed Announces Completion of Garfield Square Recreation Area in the Mission District

Newly renovated Garfield Center includes an indoor pool and modern clubhouse that will serve as a Community Hub for San Francisco students. Read on...
SkyStar Wheel to Spin Until 2025 Following Unanimous Approval

The SkyStar Wheel in Golden Gate Park will be permitted to spin until 2025, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today. Discounts for San Francisco residents begin Monday Read on...
Skystar Wheel to Open Thursday, March 4

Special to today’s announcement will be SkyStar and SF Rec and Park’s offer to all San Francisco public school graduating seniors to take a free ride on the Wheel this summer beginning June 2 through Sept. 6; students will need to show their SFUSD ID. Read on...
Outdoor Youth Sports to Return to San Francisco with Safety Precautions

Rec and Park to offer field space for “mini” spring season for soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football and more. Read on...
State-of-the-Art Tennis Center to Open in Golden Gate Park

Online court reservations open today for the philanthropy-funded Lisa & Douglas Goldman Tennis Center, which will open its doors March 3. Read on...
Newly Renovated Willie "Woo Woo' Wong Playground & Clubhouse Opens in Time for Lunar New Year

New open space in Chinatown will provide safe, clean place for kids and their families to play, and newly renovated clubhouse will operate as a Community Hub in March Read on...
Renovated Golden Gate Park Dog Training Area Opens Saturday

San Francisco’s largest fenced dog park will re-open Saturday, February 6 following a $2.4 million renovation that includes separate areas where big and small dogs can safely frolic, natural elements to climb and jump, and a new surface to run and play. Read on...
Margaret Hayward Playground Reopens

Margaret Hayward Playground has reopened following a $28 million renovation that transformed the beloved 6-acre park in the heart of the Western Addition into a modern hub for recreation Read on...
City Playgrounds Reopen

Mayor London N. Breed, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg, and Director of Health Dr. Grant Colfax today announced the City’s outdoor playgrounds are now open Read on...
Turk-Hyde Mini Park Re-Opens Following Renovation

Turk-Hyde Mini Park, an oasis for preschoolers and their parents in the heart of the Tenderloin, re-opened with updated play equipment and landscaping Read on...
Golden Gate Park to Welcome Five New Bison

The 1-year-old females will be ready for visitors during the parkwide 150th Birthday Celebration on April 4 Read on...
State Awards $8.5 Million for Waterfront Park in India Basin

Project will transform a vacant industrial lot in the Southeastern neighborhood into the City’s newest park Read on...
Focus on Equity Will Increase Access to Camp Mather for Low-Income Residents

Recent Recreation and Park Department initiatives, with support from First 5 San Francisco, enable 132 low-income families to attend Camp Mather for free or at a discounted rate this summer. Read on...
New Mural on Historic Shipwright’s Cottage Celebrates India Basin Community

Festivities included a free Warriors watch party. Read on...
India Basin Project Receives $5 Million in Funding

A plan to rehabilitate a long-vacant bayside lot in San Francisco’s India Basin and turn it into a waterfront park took a step forward with the allocation of a $5 million grant toward tidal restoration and site cleanup. Read on...
India Basin Open Space Plan Moves Forward

A plan to revitalize a network of waterfront open space in the city’s southeast by rehabilitating and uniting several poorly conditioned existing open spaces into a single, seamless design received approval by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors today. Read on...

About Us

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department currently manages more than 220 parks, playgrounds and open spaces throughout San Francisco, including two outside city limits—Sharp Park in Pacifica and Camp Mather in the High Sierras. The system includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, sports fields and numerous small-to-medium-sized clubhouses that offer a variety of sports- and arts-related recreation programs for people of all ages. Included in the Department’s responsibilities are Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, the Marina Yacht Harbor, the San Francisco Zoo and Lake Merced.

In 2017, San Francisco became the first city in the nation where all residents have access to a park within a 10-minute walk, a direct result of the Department’s commitment to increasing and improving parkland in the city. Learn More

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