Highlights, News & Announcements | |
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Happy Thanksgiving from Rec & Park
As we come together to celebrate Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to everyone who has made this past year in our parks extraordinary. Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it's a time to pause, reflect, and cherish the moments that connect us with family, friends, and our communities.
Thank you to our incredible staff—gardeners, custodians, park rangers, structural maintenance yard teams, partnerships, recreation, capital projects, administration, and property management for your dedication to our parks and serving our communities.
This year has been filled with many milestones including the opening of India Basin Waterfront Park at 900 Innes Avenue, the renovation of Richmond Playground, the expansion of Pickleball in our parks through new courts and programming, and much more. These achievements highlight the extraordinary efforts behind making San Francisco's park system one of the finest in the nation.
To our parkgoers, we are grateful for your advocacy, active participation, and quiet appreciation that you bring to our spaces to give them life. We are grateful for the passion and energy you bring to our shared green spaces every day.
As we celebrate this season of gratitude, we invite you to step outside, reconnect with loved ones, and rejuvenate in the beauty of our parks. Explore some of our activity recommendations below and make new memories together.
Thank you all for loving our parks and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
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Coastal Conservancy Awards $1 Million Grant to Great Highway Project
The California State Coastal Conservancy Board last week approved a $1 million grant to address sea level rise along the Great Highway from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard—funding the City of San Francisco will use to support its broader plan to transform the oceanside stretch into a permanent park.
The grant will help plan for the future of the coastline including community input on long-term design; environmental restoration; access and recreation; and safer transportation.
The Great Highway will re-open as a car-free promenade in early 2025, giving people a safe and scenic place to walk, bike, skate and enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean.
Inspired by the success of the JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park, the initial phase of the project will include temporary art, murals, seating, enhanced trash receptacles, water fountains, signage, and year-round programming. Dune restoration projects will also be a key component, improving natural conditions to mitigate future sand displacement and erosion while enhancing the coast’s resilience to sea level rise.
The $1 million grant was secured before voters passed Proposition K earlier this month, setting the stage for transforming the Great Highway into a car-free promenade.
In the meantime, City agencies are working together to secure approvals and ensure key transportation projects are in place to ensure a smooth transition from highway to promenade.
These projects are bolstered by prior traffic calming efforts. In 2022,San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) installed 25 speed humps and 12 stop signs on directly adjacent streets to Great Highway to reduce cut-through traffic behavior and ensure safe traffic speeds on neighborhood streets. For more information, click the link below.
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San Francisco Parks Earn High Marks for Consistency, Equity, & Quality
San Francisco’s parks and plazas continue to set a national standard for maintenance and equity, with the city’s parks achieving an impressive citywide maintenance score of 91% for the fiscal year 2023-2024, according to a new Controller’s Office report.
The findings mark the third consecutive year San Francisco’s parks have maintained the 91% mark. Rec and Park gardeners, arborists and custodians performed high quality work across every part of the city, with the report noting no statistical difference between neighborhoods or supervisorial districts.
Parks scoring above 85% are considered well-maintained, and over 85% of the city’s 171 evaluated parks meet or exceed this benchmark. No public spaces under Rec and Park oversight earned less than 81%.
Three parks tied for first place at 99%: Coso and Precita Mini Park, Fulton Playground, and the recently renovated Richmond Playground! For more information, click the link below.
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Annual Holiday Tree Lighting in Golden Gate Park on December 5
Rec and Park is hosting the 95th annual holiday tree lighting in Golden Gate Park on Thursday, December 5, from 4 to 8 p.m. It will feature carnival rides and games, holiday activities, lighted park attractions, live entertainment, food for sale, and the ceremonial lighting of Uncle John's tree—the historic 100-foot tall Monterey cypress outside of McLaren Lodge (501 Stanyan Street). There will be free valet bike parking.
For accommodations, please contact us at rpda...@sfgov.org or (415) 831-6834. Making your request at least five days before the event will help ensure availability. For more information, click the link below.
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Northwest Lake Merced Pathway Completes Improvement Project
The renovated pathway along the northwest corner of Lake Merced is officially open. As a part of the larger Lake Merced Trail Project, we have replaced fitness stations, benches, and picnic tables; installed a new drinking fountain; and upgraded ADA parking spaces. Additionally, we planted new trees along the edge of the pathway. Thank you to everyone who supported this project and be sure to check it out this Thanksgiving week!
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Twin Peaks Trail Improvement Project Moves Forward
Construction on two out of three new trails at Twin Peaks is complete! The trail at Noe Peak and the switchback to the south are now open.
Areas with erosion control fabric have been seeded and native seedlings are already beginning to sprout. Please help protect natural areas by staying on trail.
Trail closure and demolition of the trail to Crestline Drive will start later in December. San Francisco Conservation Corp will be removing the existing stairs and construction on the new steps will begin.
We hope you will enjoy a hike over the holiday weekend!
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Winter Closures in our Parks
As we move into December, a number of parks will begin their annual winter closure:
- Dolores Park North Field - December 2 to February 28, 2025
- Duboce Park Dog Play Area - December 2 to February 28, 2025
- Holly Park Baseball Field - December 2 to February 28, 2025
- St. Mary's Dog Play Area - December 2 to February 28, 2025
- Upper Douglass Dog Play Area - December 2 to March 28, 2025
These winter closures will help the turf at these parks to rest and recover ahead of spring 2025. Stay tuned for updates and additions to this list.
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Marina Project Virtual Community Meeting on December 5
Join Rec and Park for a virtual community meeting on Thursday, December 5 from 6 to 7 p.m. Receive updates and review changes to the project since the last meeting in summer 2023. Design changes are based on new studies and the rules set by the Board of Supervisors to limit expansion of the West Harbor, while still achieving the main project goals: environmental remediation, improving public access to the waterfront, and ensuring the marina is financially sustainable. For more details, including Zoom information, click the link below.
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Golden Gate Park Senior Center Community Meeting on December 12
Join us for the second community meeting for the Golden Gate Park Senior Center Project on Thursday, December 12 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the center (6101 Fulton Street). This project will create an outdoor recreation space adjacent to the Senior Center to support and increase capacity for group fitness activities. Learn more about this project, talk to Rec and Park staff, and offer your feedback on the two design options for this new recreation space. We welcome people of all ages and abilities to help inform us about the features you would like to see in the park. For more information, click the link below.
For questions or comments, email the project manager at sanjana...@sfgov.org.
For translation or language services, as well as accessibility requests, please call Pete Moore (415) 496-6204 or email pete.j...@sfgov.org. Providing at least 72 hours advance notice will help to ensure availability.
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Kezar Pavilion Renovation Project- Community Meeting on December 16
San Francisco Recreation & Parks, in collaboration with the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), is excited to announce the renovation of Kezar Pavilion. This iconic facility will be transformed to support expanded recreational activities and serve as a vital disaster response center in the event of a major emergency.
Join us to explore the final concept design for this legendary venue. In addition, staff from the San Francisco Arts Commission will share exciting, new opportunities for public art at Kezar, while staff from DEM will offer valuable tips on household disaster preparedness. We invite you to be a part of Kezar Pavilion’s next chapter!
For questions or comments, email the project manager at alexi...@sfgov.org.
For translation or language services, as well as accessibility requests, please call Pete Moore (415) 496-6204 or email pete.j...@sfgov.org. Providing at least 72 hours advance notice will help to ensure availability.
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Rec and Park's Annual Budget Meeting on January 7
Join Rec and Park for an annual budget meeting that will take place virtually on Tuesday, January 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. We will discuss preliminary plans for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. Learn about our department's budget instructions for the next two years, and let us know what priorities you have for your neighborhood parks. To register for the meeting, click the link below.
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Civic Center Tree Lighting on December 4
The annual Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting takes place on Wednesday, December 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. It will feature live entertainment, a makers village, toy giveaway, and the lighting of Civic Center’s 50-foot noble fir at 5:30 p.m. For more information, click the link below.
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Hip Hop on the Plaza on December 6
Check out All the Way Live Foundation's Hip Hop on the Plaza at Fulton Plaza (Fulton Street between Larkin and Hyde streets). The next will be held on Friday, December 6 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and will feature a breaking workshop and dance session with Bboy Vitamin D and DJ Powerserge. For more information, click the link below.
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SF Marina Small Craft Harbor Winter Wonderland on December 13
Head over to the San Francisco Marina Small Craft Harbor's (3950 Scott Street) Winter Wonderland on Friday, December 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. In addition to the lighted boat parade, the event will feature refreshments, live music, train rides and Santa. It will also celebrate 100 years of this scenic facility. See you dockside!
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7th Annual Tenderloin People's Holiday Tree Lighting on December 13
Join the Tenderloin People's Congress on Friday, December 13 for the Seventh Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Boeddeker Park (246 Eddy Street) beginning at 4 p.m. There will be music, live entertainment, special guests and more. See you at the park!
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Winter Craft Day at the Randall Museum on December 14
Join the Randall Museum (199 Museum Way) for its Winter Craft Day on Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature free admission and family entertainment, as well as the opportunity to make your own holiday gifts and decorations including gnome sculptures, decorated laser cut ornaments, personalized handmade cards, wooden trains, and more! For more information, click the link below.
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Jingle on the Way on the Great Highway on December 14
Join the Friends of Great Highway Park for its Jingle on the Way at the Great Highway and Judah Street on Saturday, December 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature holiday karaoke and sing-alongs, cargo bike Santa, miniature train rides and more! For more information, click the link below.
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Harvey Milk Center for the Arts Holiday Craft Fair on December 15
The Harvey Milk Center for the Arts (50 Scott Street) is hosting its annual holiday craft fair on Sunday, December 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will include numerous local artists offering their unique handmade holiday gifts for sale to the public. There will also be family friendly craft activities, a free photo booth, and hot apple cider. For more information, email hmcae...@sfgov.org or call (415) 554-8742.
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Ice Rink Back in Union Square through January 20
The heart of San Francisco has transformed into a winter wonderland with the return of the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente. It will be open through Monday, January 20, 2025.
Surrounded by festive lights and the vibrant atmosphere of San Francisco's shopping district, the rink offers a unique outdoor skating experience for all — from families and friends to couples and colleagues. For more information, click the link below.
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Programming and Regular Series | |
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Register for San Francisco Youth Baseball League's 2025 Season
It's not too early to think about the 2025 San Francisco Youth Baseball League (SFYBL) season! Registration has begun for those looking to hit the diamond this winter and spring. For more information and to register, click the link below.
Questions? For Rec and Park teams, email sf...@sfgov.org. For independent teams, email or in...@sfybl.com.
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Host your Holiday Party at the TPC Harding Park Clubhouse
Get ahead on your holiday plans for December and host your holiday party at TPC Harding Park's clubhouse (99 Harding Road). With roast chicken and grilled tri-tip as options, contact Jeanne White at jeann...@pgatourtpc.com for more information.
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HMPC: Observations at the Water's Edge Open through November 30
Join the Harvey Milk Photo Center (HMPC) for its exhibit "Observations at the Water's Edge" on display at the center (50 Scott Street) through Saturday, November 30. The exhibit features a small sampling of imagery culled from artist Arthur Tress' recent projects including his 30 years spent living in and documenting his life in Cambria and a recent project documenting Mare Island.
This diamond-shaped body of work captures the essence of Tress' ongoing obsession with shape, line, and composition. He draws inspiration from beach surroundings and the people he encounters on his photographic journey. Many images in this exhibition were photographed during the making of his film "Water’s Edge." For more information, click the link below.
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Activity & Class Schedule for Civic Center Plazas
Check out all of the amazing drop-in activities and scheduled classes available at the reimagined UN Plaza and surrounding Civic Center area. From the Heart of the City Farmers' Market and live music at Fulton Plaza to free skateboarding lessons at UN Plaza, we have something for everyone to get out and play in San Francisco's core. See the workout class schedule from Rae Studios at UN Plaza, as well as the full amenity list and schedule at the link below.
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Bean Sprouts Family Days at the San Francisco Botanical Garden
Join the San Francisco Botanical Garden (1199 9th Avenue) for Bean Sprouts Family Days, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the first Saturday of the month from noon to 4 p.m. Dig, water, pick, and explore in the Botanical Garden’s space for kids. Grab tools at the welcome station or bring your own to enjoy hands-on activity stations and help tend the Garden. Heavy rain will cancel programs. All programs are free of charge with admission and no preregistration is required. For more information, click the link below.
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Chess Club Thursdays in Glen Park
Join the San Francisco Public Library and Rec and Park for chess club Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. Sessions take place at the Glen Park Branch Library (2835 Diamond Street) on the first, third and fifth Thursdays of the month, while sessions on the second and fourth Thursdays take place at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street). These sessions are for players of all skill levels including kids (6 and older), teens and adults. Improve your memory, concentration and logical thinking skills through this time-honored game! For more information, contact Glen Park Recreation Center at (415) 239-4007.
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Natural Resource Division Volunteer Days on December 4 & 7
Join Rec and Parks' Natural Resource Division for upcoming volunteer days including on Wednesday, December 4 from 9:30 a.m. to noon and Saturday, December 7 from noon to 2:30 p.m. in McLaren Park. Learn about the importance of this natural area and the wildlife it supports. A variety of tasks are available for volunteers of all levels of physical ability. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old. See our full volunteer calendar at the link below.
Questions? Email recparkv...@sfgov.org.
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Drop-In Wheelchair Basketball at Glen Park Recreation Center
Glen Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) is hosting a free drop-in wheelchair basketball session every Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. in partnership with BORP Adaptive Sports and Recreation. All ages are welcome. You don't have to have a mobility disability to participate, but you must be able to maneuver a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are available (will fit people at least 5-feet tall). Let's get hooping!
Additional questions? Contact Glen Park Recreation Center at (415) 239-4007.
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Sundays at the Beach on the Great Highway: Chair Yoga on December 1
Join the Friends of Great Highway Park for its Sundays at the Beach programming. These free activities, from Tai Chi to live music, will be hosted four times a month. The next program will be Chair Yoga on Sunday, December 1 from 2 to 3 p.m. on the Great Highway at Irving Street. For more information, click the link below.
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Swing into Stories in San Francisco Parks
The San Francisco Public Library's (SFPL) YouthMobile is coming to parks around the city. Movement and play are essential building blocks in fostering literacy and a love of reading and the SFPL is bringing stories and song to San Francisco's parks through its Swing into Stories program. It takes place at a different park each Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to noon (Storytime begins at 10:30 a.m.) with the next at Garfield Playground (Treat and 26th streets) on December 3. See the monthly schedule here:
1st Tuesday of the month
Garfield Playground (Treat and 26th streets)
2nd Tuesday of the month
Koret Playground in Golden Gate Park (by the carousel)
3rd Tuesday of the month
Hilltop Playground (Newcomb Avenue and Whitney Young Circle)
4th Tuesday of the month
Redwood Grove Playground in McLaren Park (200 John F. Shelly Drive)
Join us for a high-energy story time in our beautiful outdoors!
The YouthMobile offers a diverse selection of children’s library materials available for check-out with an SFPL library card. From the city’s only kid-focused bookmobile, staff circulates materials, creates library cards and provides the public with information about library services and programs. For more information and the Swing into Stories schedule, click the link below.
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Movie Night at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center on December 3
Join our staff at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) for classic movie nights! The next will take place on Tuesday, December 3, beginning at 6 p.m. and will feature the 1949 film "Too Late for Tears." Come out to meet your neighbors and to enjoy these vintage films. For more information, contact Glen Park Recreation Center at (415) 239-4007.
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Explore & Learn at India Basin Waterfront Park on December 10
Join EcoCenter staff and community partners for the free Explore and Learn program. Usually hosted in Heron's Head Park, the program will hit the road this winter and spring. Explore and Learn is a family friendly program for parents and children to connect with nature through stories and outdoor activities. Attendees will participate in live story telling and nature walks. For more information and to register for the next occurrence at India Basin Waterfront Park (900 Innes Avenue) on Tuesday, December 10 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., click the link below.
Additional questions? Call (415) 676-1394 or email ecocen...@sfgov.org.
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Mobile Rec at Sunset Recreation Center on December 14
Mobile Rec comes to Sunset Recreation Center (2201 Lawton Street) on Saturday, December 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy free BMX biking, skateboarding and more. Equipment will be provided. For more information, click the link below.
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Workout with Paul Zager
Our Video of the Week comes from Rec and Park workout instructor Paul Zager, where he leads an hour-long workout at Kezar Stadium. With some holiday eating ahead, follow along with Paul in this video and break a sweat ahead of the turkey, mashed potatoes and more!
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