Highlights, News & Announcements |
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Community Fitness Day at Victoria Manalo Draves Park on July 23 |
Get active at Victoria Manalo Draves Park (16 Sherman Street) during Community Fitness Day on Thursday, July 23 from 1 to 2 p.m. Explore the park's new outdoor gym through youth activities and tours while connecting with neighbors and learning more about the new outdoor fitness space.
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Help Shape the Future of Lake Merced West on July 29 |
Be part of the next chapter for one of San Francisco's most unique waterfront sites. Join Rec and Park on Wednesday, July 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Lake Merced Boathouse (1 Harding Road) to help envision the future of the nearly 10-acre former Pacific Rod and Gun Club property. Following environmental cleanup by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the site is ready for new recreational uses that expand public access and celebrate its unique waterfront setting. Learn about the upcoming request for proposals process and share your ideas at the link below.
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Save the Date: Grand Opening of the New Gene Friend Rec Center on August 13 |
Save the date for the grand opening of the new Gene Friend Recreation Center (77 Harriet Street) on Thursday, August 13 at 11:30 a.m. The project completely rebuilt the former facility with a larger, modern recreation center featuring expanded community spaces, two full-size basketball courts, an outdoor playground and other amenities for children, families and seniors. Learn more about the project at the link below and stay tuned for more event details.
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Daytime Disco with Poolside Returns to Union Square on September 20 |
Another Planet Entertainment (APE), in conjunction with Rec and Park, announced the next installment of its free 2026 concert series with the return of Daytime Disco, the signature dance party from Poolside, the recording project of producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jeffrey Paradise. The free event will feature a performance by Poolside and other special electronic music guests at Union Square (333 Post Street) on Sunday, September 20 from 1 to 5 p.m. The concert series aims to ensure downtown San Francisco remains a destination for live music, entertainment and the arts. Learn more and RSVP for the free concert at the link below.
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Pilot Dune Education & Play Area, Shipwreck Cove, Coming to Sunset Dunes |
Friends of Sunset Dunes and Rec and Park announced last week that a brand-new, state-of-the-art pilot dune education playground for children of all ages and abilities is planned to open at Sunset Dunes in late summer or early fall. The pilot installation will be used to gather real-world, interactive feedback from park users that will further inform the community engagement process initiated by Rec and Park in 2025.
This dune education playground, called Shipwreck Cove, will feature a multi-level ship, a climbable crow’s nest with slide, sand play features, a circular xylophone cove and more. Shipwreck Cove is designed by Something Labs, an independent collective of engineers and builders who create exhibits at the Exploratorium, with contributions from CMG Landscape Architecture. It draws inspiration from the storied history of shipwrecks along Ocean Beach and highlights the unique natural sand ecosystem around the park. It will also feature new seating areas for parents and caretakers and a community gathering space with tables and benches.
Shipwreck Cove will be installed with support from volunteers and is fully funded by private donations. The pilot playground was issued a one-year permit from Rec and Park last week. Learn more at the link below.
Image credit: Alex Kieve/Something Labs
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Portsmouth Square Transformation Moves Forward, Plan for Traffic Impacts |
A major upgrade of Portsmouth Square is moving ahead, creating a bigger, brighter gathering place with a new clubhouse, expanded playground and more room for community events. To make way for these improvements, Kearny Street between Clay and Washington streets will experience temporary lane closures beginning July 30 and full weekend closures Aug. 1-2 and Aug. 8-9 while crews safely demolish the pedestrian bridge. Residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, as traffic detours and Muni reroutes will be in place during construction. Portsmouth Square is one of three transformative City projects to undergo construction in Chinatown. To learn about these projects and all associated transportation impacts, click the link below.
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Precita Park Celebrates New Restroom & Community Mural |
Last weekend, Rec and Park and Precita Eyes Muralists celebrated the unveiling of a new community-created tile mural on Precita Park's recently opened restroom during the park's 30th Annual Urban Youth Arts Festival. The project to install the all-gender accessible restroom was made possible through a cooperative purchasing agreement and also includes a drinking fountain, landscaping improvements and a trash receptacle, bringing a long-awaited amenity to the community.
Led by Precita Eyes Muralists and sponsored by Precita Valley Neighbors, the mosaic mural features 180 handcrafted tiles designed by community members. Each tile is unique, but together they form a stunning butterfly inspired by themes of nature, animals and transformation
Photo Credit: Brandon Irvin
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Four Park Projects Completed; Alta Plaza Tennis Courts Close for Renovation |
We're excited to share several recently completed improvements across our parks. At Boat Playground in Golden Gate Park, damaged wood features, including in the park's iconic boat, were repaired. Other projects include a resurfaced basketball court at Youngblood Coleman Playground, resurfaced basketball and tennis courts at Laurel Hill Playground, and new playground safety surfacing at St. Mary's Square. Get out and play at these refreshed parks soon!
Additionally, the two east tennis courts at Alta Plaza Park are closed for a resurfacing project through late September. During construction, nearby courts are available at Presidio Wall Playground (Pacific Avenue and Spruce Street), Lafayette Park (Gough Street and Washington Street) and Hamilton Recreation Center (1900 Geary Boulevard). This project was made possible by generous donations from San Franciscans for Sports and Recreation and the Friends of Alta Plaza Park.
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Rocky Henley to Manage New York Heights Team in Inaugural WPBL Season |
As the San Francisco Bay Sox girls baseball teams compete in the Baseball for All Nationals this week in Rockford, Illinois, co-founder and coach Rachelle "Rocky" Henley has been named manager of the New York Heights for the inaugural season of the Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL). A fixture in Rec and Park athletics, Rocky has coached generations of young athletes through the San Francisco Youth Baseball League, Junior Giants and the Bay Sox, while also leading programs in golf, flag football, basketball, volleyball and more. She even coached the department's adult softball team to two city championships. Thank you, Rocky, for continuing to be a pioneer in women's sports, and best of luck this season in the Big Apple! Learn more about the WPBL at the link below.
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Rec & Park Staff & Volunteers Recognized by Commission |
Last week, the Recreation and Park Commission recognized staff and volunteers who help make our parks thrive. Staff who made One City Day possible were honored for months of planning and preparation, from Rec and Park's Volunteer team, which coordinated volunteer events across the city, to its Operations team, which prepared parks for thousands of volunteers.
Continuing the spirit of volunteerism, the Commission also recognized Golden Gate Park Nursery volunteers Lisa Roberts, Mary Lou Heslet and Anna Bolla, whose years of dedication have helped grow and care for the plants that beautify parks throughout San Francisco. Thank you all for your commitment to our parks and city.
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Additional Highlights, News & Announcements |
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Orchids in the Park at the County Fair Building on January 25 & 26 |
Join the San Francisco Orchid Society for Orchids in the Park at the County Fair Building (1199 Ninth Avenue) in Golden Gate Park on Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore beautiful orchid displays, shop rare plants from local and international vendors, attend hands-on workshops and connect with fellow orchid enthusiasts. For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link below.
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"Embassy of the Refugee" at Fulton Plaza on July 25 |
Experience the public unveiling of "Embassy of the Refugee" at Fulton Plaza (Larkin and Fulton streets) on Saturday, July 25 from 1 to 8 p.m. The free event will feature performances by internationally acclaimed artists, Native cultural practitioners, musicians and community organizations activating artist Kaleb Duarte's sculptural installation at the Pioneer Monument. Learn more at the link below.
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Cinema in the Square: "The Princess Diaries" at Union Square on July 25 |
Head to Union Square (333 Post Street) for the third Cinema on the Square movie screening with “The Princess Diaries” on Saturday, July 25. The pre-show begins at 6 p.m. featuring movie trivia, prizes, performances, and popcorn, followed by the film at approximately 8:30 p.m. Details at the link below.
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India Basin Family Day & Talent Show on July 26 |
Bring the family to India Basin Waterfront Park (900 Innes Avenue) for Family Day and Talent Show on Sunday, July 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy the park's inaugural community talent show, free boat rides with Rocking the Boat, Afro-Colombian cuisine from Sukulenta, live art demonstrations by Makina Murals, Wang Willy's Coffee Cart, free school supplies, bounce houses and more. Learn more at the link below.
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Circus Bella Presents "AH HA!" at Union Square on July 26 |
Head to Union Square (333 Post Street) on Sunday, July 26 for two free performances by Circus Bella at 1 and 3 p.m. Enjoy "AH HA!," the acclaimed circus company's latest production featuring acrobatics, aerialists, juggling, clowns and live music for audiences of all ages. Learn more at the link below.
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Additional Upcoming Events |
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Regular Programming & Series |
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Free Concerts in Our Parks: July 23, 24, 25, 26, 28 & 31 |
Join us for free weekly concerts in our parks, including Illuminate Live and the Golden Gate Park Band at the bandshell, as well as Illuminate Live at Fulton Plaza. See upcoming shows below:
Fulton Plaza (Fulton Street between Larkin & Hyde streets)
July 23 | noon-3 p.m. - JimBo Trout, JoJo, & Sushi and Strawberry Jam
July 28 | noon-3 p.m. - Jamie Wilson, Mardi Morillo, & Nick Maitoza
Golden Gate Bandshell (75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive)
July 24 | 4:30-7 p.m. - Friday Happy Hour featuring Talley Up
July 25 | Noon-4 p.m. - Blue Lew and Sven & the Masterful Orchestra
July 26 | 1-2:30 p.m. - Golden Gate Park Band Concert: A Bonnie Scottish Celebration
July 26 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. - Reggae Sunday featuring DJ Crossfire & King Tappa & resident DJs Guid8nce, Sep, & Irie Dole
July 31 | 4-7 p.m. - Midweek Melodies featuring KOI, Redemption Breaking, & Solid Air Duo
The Whale's Tail (14th Ave East Meadow & the JFK Promenade)
July 25 | noon-6 p.m. - Davia Schendel, Owen Quincy, Vagabond Empire, & Vinyl Nite
July 26 | noon-6 p.m. - Ben Lang, BTU: Buffum-Tuttle Unit, & Jesse Loren Strickman
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Refuse Refuse Volunteer Day at Lake Merced on July 25 |
Volunteers are invited to join Refuse Refuse San Francisco for a cleanup and habitat restoration day at Lake Merced on Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. The group will meet at the Penguin's Prayer statue parking lot at Lake Merced Boulevard and Brotherhood Way before heading out for a morning of stewardship and shoreline cleanup. To sign up, email in...@refuserefusesf.org with the event name or click the link below.
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Yoga Class at Francisco Park on July 26 |
Join the Francisco Park Conservancy for a community yoga class at the Park (Bay and Larkin streets) on Sunday, July 26 from 10 to 11 a.m. Bring a yoga mat, blanket, or towel and enjoy a morning of movement on the lawn. The free class is open to all experience levels. Learn more at the link below.
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Additional Programming & Series |
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Vote for Golden Gate Park's Naga for Best Public Art |
Our Video of the Week comes from KTVU and spotlights Golden Gate Park's Naga as it competes in the international CODAawards. The 100-foot sea serpent sculpture at Rainbow Falls Pond is among this year's Top 100 projects, with public voting now underway for the People's Choice Award. Cast your vote at the link below.
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