Highlights, News & Announcements |
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Diplo's Run Club Back in San Francisco October 18; Register for Presale Access |
Grammy-winning artist, producer and DJ Diplo recently unveiled dates for the highly anticipated 2026-2027 season of Diplo’s Run Club.
Diplo’s Run Club takes runners on a 5K through urban centers, followed by a mini music festival featuring performances from Diplo and friends. Prioritizing health and wellness for runners, Run Club also provides unique health activations at each run. Run Club will return to San Francisco on Sunday, October 18.
You can currently register for presale access, with presale ticket sales opening on Tuesday, March 31 at 10 a.m. through Wednesday, April 1 at 11:59 p.m. Sale for the general public begins on Thursday, April 2 at 10 a.m. For more information and to register, click the link below.
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Women's History Month: Celebrating the Women of Rec & Park |
This March, Rec and Park proudly observed Women’s History Month by celebrating the achievements and dedication of the women who shape our department and our city. During last week's Recreation and Park Commission meeting at the new Herz Recreation Center, both General Manager’s and President’s reports highlighted the profound impact women have across every division of the department.
A special highlight of Interim General Manager Sarah Madland's report was the recognition of Lillian Bautista, Rec and Park's longest-serving female employee. With an incredible 45 years of service beginning in 1981, Lillian’s career has spanned a wide range of positions, from locker room attendant and lifeguard, to after-school program support and her current position as scholarship coordinator.
Commission President Kat Anderson paid special tribute to her fellow Commissioners, including Sonya Clark-Herrera who was named Assembly District 17’s Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Matt Haney. President Anderson also recognized former Rec and Park Commissioner Gloria Bonilla and Interim General Manager Sarah Madland, emphasizing the importance of female leadership in steering the department's mission.
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Behind the Scenes: A Super Bowl Save at the Palace of Fine Arts |
While the eyes of the world were on San Francisco during Super Bowl week back in February, some of the most critical action happened off the field. During last week's Commission meeting, Interim General Manager Sarah Madland shared a remarkable story of teamwork, late-night grit, and cross-departmental coordination that saved a major international event.
Just days before the big game, the Palace of Fine Arts was buzzing with activity, preparing to host the NFL Honors ceremony and high-profile concerts by Sting and The Killers. However, the night before the awards show, as crews were actively loading in equipment, an emergency leak was discovered along the building’s exterior.
With thousands of guests and a global audience expected the next evening, there was no room for delay.
Rec and Park's Structural Maintenance Division immediately mobilized alongside partners from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. From 7 p.m. until 3 a.m., crews worked through the night to assess, plan, and repair the leak.
The crews who led the response were recognized at the Commission meeting for their quick action and coordination. Thank you to this group who rose to the occasion to ensure public spaces were ready to shine!
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Commemorative Bench Program in San Francisco's Parks Relaunches |
Looking to honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone, recognize a pet, or mark a special occasion while also supporting parks and community programs?
Rec and Park is excited to share that the Commemorative Bench Program is now fully in-house with the department, helping to streamline installation and maintenance of bench plaques, and better support both current and future donors.
If you’re interested, reach out to REC-Commemo...@sfgov.org.
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Rec Fest Makes a Splash at India Basin Waterfront Park |
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the second annual India Basin Waterfront Park Rec Fest last weekend. From grooving to a live DJ and dance fitness classes to hitting the water with Rocking the Boat and Rec and Park’s aquatics team, enjoying spicy fireballs from Chef Bianca and skating with the Shred and Butter team, there was something for everyone.
The event also featured the debut of Zulu Heru’s “Whispers of Waste” art sculpture during a special ceremony. Learn more about the artist below:
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People of the Parks: "Whispers of Waste" by Zulu Heru at India Basin |
India Basin Waterfront Park’s southern portion at 900 Innes Avenue has quickly become one of San Francisco’s most beloved parks. With sweeping Bay views, the restored Shipwright’s Cottage, and new features like two public piers and The Food Pavilion, it’s a place where history, nature, and community come together.
Now, there’s even more to discover.
A new public art installation, “Whispers of Waste” by Bay Area artist Zulu Heru, is now on display. Standing 13 feet tall and crafted from reclaimed metal and industrial materials, the piece draws inspiration from traditional masks of the Senufo people of West Africa.
“When you use scrap metal, these items have their own story. I don’t erase them. I don’t try to clean them up and make them say what I want them to say. I actually bring out their own story,” he said.
Through his work, Zulu hopes to inspire the next generation while honoring African artistic traditions.
He added, “I want to put African masks anywhere I can. I want to let people know this isn’t a primitive artform. It’s high art. It’s contemporary art, and we have people who can uphold it.”
Plan your visit to India Basin and experience “Whispers of Waste” as part of the Big Art Loop, a 34-mile walkable and bikeable trail around the City that puts a spotlight on public art. Learn more about the park and its offerings at the link below.
People of the Parks is a series of short stories, based on conversations with people we meet in San Francisco parks.
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Additional Highlights, News & Announcements |
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Spring Vegetable Workshop at Alemany Farm on March 28 |
Join the Friends of Alemany Farm (700 Alemany Boulevard) for a spring vegetable gardening workshop on Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn the basics of how to start your organic vegetable garden for the spring, with topics including planting techniques, soil preparation, basic irrigation needs and more. For more information and to RSVP, click the link below.
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Skate Jam at Zion Skate Plaza on March 29 |
Grind down to Zion Skate Plaza (751 Stanyan Street) for a skate jam honoring the blind skater Zion Williams Gaines, who passed away in 2023. It takes place on Sunday, March 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature blindfolded skating, a best skate run contest, an art contest, music, kids' zone, book and shoe giveaways, and more. For more information, click the link below.
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Spring Zumba Dance Party at the County Fair Building on March 29 |
Bust a move at Rec and Park’s seasonal Zumba dance party on Sunday, March 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Instructors will showcase their routines during this free two-hour drop-in event at the County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue) in Golden Gate Park. Bring a reusable water bottle and athletic shoes. Learn more about Zumba in the Parks at the link below.
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Additional Upcoming Events | |
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Regular Programming & Series |
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Art & Media Classes with Rec & Park this Spring |
Rec and Park is offering a selection of spring art classes for youth. See a couple options below and click the class name links to register.
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Art Exploration (Ages 7–9)
Fridays at Palega Recreation Center (500 Felton Street) through May 22 from 4 to 5 p.m. Through this hands-on class, students will create two- and three-dimensional artwork using materials such as paint, markers and recycled items, while developing creativity through both independent and collaborative projects inspired by natural and urban environments.
- Creative World’s Studio: Imaginative Art (Ages 10–13)
Saturdays at Mission Arts Center (745 Treat Avenue) from April 11 to May 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Students will create imaginary scenes, transform everyday objects into abstract art, and explore mixed-media projects including drawing, painting, collage and light sculpture, while building visual storytelling and foundational art skills.
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For a full list of art classes, click the link below.
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Illuminate LIVE at the Golden Gate Bandshell on March 27, 28, 29 & April 1 |
Head to the Golden Gate Bandshell (75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive) in Golden Gate Park for free concerts with Illuminate LIVE. In honor of Women's History Month, March's concert slate features women or women-fronted musical groups. See the upcoming schedule below:
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March 27 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday Happy Hour featuring the Tracy Cruz Band
- March 28 | 10:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. 5th Annual Kids featuring Charity and the JAMBand & Teacher Barb & The Musicmakers
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March 29 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. Reggae Sunday featuring DJ Ay Que Linda & resident DJs Guid8nce, Sep & Irie Dole
- April 1 | 4-7 p.m. Midweek Melodies Wednesday featuring Joe Andrews, Jon Bennett, & The Sean Conneries
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Teqball at St. Mary's Recreation Center on Saturdays |
As we stride into spring, serve up something new at St. Mary’s Recreation Center (95 Justin Drive) with drop-in Teqball on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Experience one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, blending the precision of soccer with the strategy of table tennis. For more information, call the center at (415) 695-5006.
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Volunteer at the Golden Gate Park Rose Garden on March 28 |
Volunteer at the Golden Gate Park Rose Garden every fourth Saturday of the month, with the next workday on March 28 from 9 a.m. to noon. Spend the morning caring for roses, maintaining the garden and connecting with community. Every rose has its thorn, so wear long sleeves or a sweatshirt. For more information and to sign up, click the link below.
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Youth Classes at Moscone Recreation Center this Spring |
Rec and Park is offering a variety of spring classes for youth at Moscone Recreation Center (1800 Chestnut Street). See a couple options below and click the class name links to register.
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- Rec and Parkour (Ages 4–13)
Saturdays at the center through April 18 and from May 2 to 23. Sessions are from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. Participants will build physical and mental strength through movement-based activities that use indoor and outdoor environments to develop confidence, creativity and foundational parkour skills. -
Girls Basketball Fundamentals (Ages 11–14)
Fridays at the center from April 10 to May 15 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Designed for middle-school girls, this class teaches the basics of basketball, including dribbling, passing, shooting and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment.
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See all classes at the facility at the link below.
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Junior Giants Registration Begins on April 1 |
With opening day for the San Francisco Giants today, we’re excited to share that registration for Junior Giants opens on Wednesday, April 1. This free, non-competitive baseball and softball summer league is for ages 5 to 13 and features lessons on integrity, confidence, teamwork, leadership and more.
Interested in coaching? The league is also recruiting parent volunteers, including head coaches, assistant coaches and team parents. For more information on coaching in the league, as well as to register beginning April 1, click the link below.
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Additional Programming & Series |
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Supervisor Bilal Mahmood Gives High-Level Update on Japantown Peace Plaza |
Our Video of the Week comes from District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood and gives a high-level update on the Japantown Peace Plaza project from the top of its pagoda. The video gives an overview of the project with Rec and Park Project Manager Marien Coss, while community leader Jon Osaki highlights the park's significance to the neighborhood. The plaza is anticipated to reopen this summer! Stay up-to-date at the link below.
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