Reminder: eNews from SF Recreation and Parks- December 18, 2024

[SF Recreation and Parks]

Email from SF Recreation and Parks Updates, news and events in San Francisco parks   Highlights, News & Announcements Coastal Commission Greenlights Transformation of Great Highway The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously last week to grant permit approval for the City of San Francisco to convert the Great Highway from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard to a full-time park that will prioritize pedestrian and bicycle access, enhance public safety, and restore vital coastal dunes. The Commission’s approval marks a critical step in the process to open the 2-mile stretch as a fulltime park, anticipated in early 2025. In November, San Francisco voters passed Proposition K to ban private vehicles from the stretch and transform it into recreational space. City and state agencies are currently working together to implement key transportation improvements to ensure a smooth transition from highway to promenade. For more information, click the link below. Great Highway Transformation Approved   Cost-Effective Park Improvements Coming via Cooperative Purchasing The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department is marking two major milestones this week as it implements cooperative purchasing legislation for the first time since it took effect on August 1. The legislation, introduced by Mayor London Breed, empowers city departments to harness cost-saving efficiencies by joining cooperative purchasing programs used by thousands of government agencies nationwide. Recreation and Park Commissioners are set to approve the park system’s first cooperative purchasing agreement with a synthetic turf supplier on Thursday. The $4.99 million contract is anticipated to save six figures and significantly shorten the timeline for the first project it will support. If approved, the first project under this agreement will be a $3.7 million turf replacement at the heavily used athletic fields of Raymond Kimbell Playground, last renovated in 2010. The cooperative purchasing legislation is projected to save the City between $130,000 and $160,000 on the project and shorten its timeline by three to five months compared to traditional contracting methods. Meanwhile, Precita Park’s planned makeover, which includes a prefabricated restroom, accessible pathways, upgraded planting, and new amenities, is expected to benefit from the cost- and time-saving measure. The prefabricated restroom, priced at $262,000, represents significant savings of approximately $713,000 compared to the $975,000 cost of a custom-built restroom completed several years ago. The project timeline will also be significantly reduced, shrinking from roughly 17 months to just nine. For more information, click the link below. Cost-Effective Park Improvements   Mayor Breed Announces 200 Events in Union Square Next Year Earlier this week, Mayor London Breed announced a new plan to bring 200 events to Union Square next year to help boost the City’s Downtown retail and hospitality heart. The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) has contracted with Biederman Redevelopment Ventures Corporation (BRV), a leading placemaking consulting firm, to reimagine Union Square with daily programming and activations, starting in early 2025. The partnership is the latest development in the Mayor’s broader revitalization efforts to reinvigorate San Francisco’s premier retail and hospitality district and builds on the success of City-funded activations, such as free concerts, Winter Wander-land, and Union Square in Bloom. Recent efforts to boost Union Square initiated by Mayor Breed as part of the City’s Roadmap to San Francisco’s Future and in partnership with the Union Square Alliance and other neighborhood stakeholders include: Winter Wander-land, which includes Winter Walk featuring holiday decor, vendors, activations, and performances and the Holiday Ornament Trail along Powell Street. Winter Walk runs through December 22. Last year, Winter Wander-land drew more than 1.6 million people during the holiday season. In 2024, Union Square hosted eight free SF Live concerts, drawing more than 20,000 people. Union Square Alliance’s signature events, Tulip Day, a beloved event for visitors and residents alike, drew 50,000 attendees on the day, and the added Union Square in Bloom season from March to August, where the district saw roughly 7 million visitors in that timeframe enjoying the beautiful blooms and entertainment. Learn more from the San Francisco Chronicle at the link below. 200 Events in Union Square   India Basin Holiday in the Park on December 20 Join the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI), as well as India Basin Waterfront Park and community partners for the third annual India Basin Holiday in the Park event on Friday, December 20 at India Basin Waterfront Park (900 Innes Avenue) from 4 to 8 p.m. In addition to the free toy giveaway, the event will feature free holiday arts and crafts, hot chocolate, photobooth, and raffle prizes, as well as the Only Loud Squad small business market that features local small businesses to help you with some last-minute holiday shopping! See the event map at this link. For attendees driving to the event, we recommend parking at Arelious Walker Drive, a block south of the park.   To register for the toy drive, click this link. For more information, click the link below. India Basin Waterfront Park   Summer Jobs for Teens: Apply for Workreation Starting December 26 Rec and Park will begin accepting applications for its Workreation program for summer 2025. The application period will open on Thursday, December 26. Over the past 60+ years, the Workreation program has provided young people with early work experience in our parks. Teens, 14-17, who either live or go to school in San Francisco, are eligible to apply for a Workreation job for summer positions in day camps, recreation centers or parks.  For more information and to apply on December 26, click the link below. Questions? Email workreation at sfgov.org or call (415) 831-6812. Youth Employment Programs   2025 Camp Mather Lottery Open through January 3 Lottery registration for Camp Mather's 101st season is currently open and will run through Friday, January 3, 2025. Family Camp will run in weeklong sessions from June 1 through August 16, with Inclusion Week from June 15 to 21.   To register for the lottery, you will need a Rec and Park account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one at sfrecpark.org/register or call us at (628) 652-2900 for assistance. San Francisco residents will need to upload a verification of residency after lottery registration has been submitted, with the deadline for this on January 3 of 2025. For more information, including rules and regulations, as well as fees, click the link below. Additionally, listen to this piece from KALW on Camp Mather and its 100 years of summer. Camp Mather   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. Virtual Budget Meeting   Let'sPlaySF! Initiative Survey Open through January 31 The Let’sPlaySF! Initiative, a partnership between Rec and Park and the San Francisco Parks Alliance to transform 13 of San Francisco’s most timeworn playgrounds into dynamic hubs for creativity and family life, is nearing its goal. The initiative, funded by the 2012 Park Bond, San Francisco Parks Alliance, and philanthropic partners, has renovated 11 playgrounds, with two more transformations on the way. Those renovated already have turned into cherished community spaces that are heavily utilized by children and families. Please take this survey to let us know how Let’sPlaySF! playgrounds have brought joy to your neighborhood and communities. The deadline for feedback is on Friday, January 31, 2025. For more information, click the link below. Let’sPlaySF! Initiative Survey   Upcoming Events Outer Sunset Dog Parade on the Great Highway on December 21 Join the Friends of Ocean Beach Park and Outer Sunset Neighbors for a dog parade on the Great Highway on Saturday, December 21. The event will begin at the Great Highway and Taraval Street at 9:45 a.m. with dog costumes and ugly holiday sweaters highly encouraged. Note that all dogs must remain on leash. For more information, click the link below. Friends of Ocean Beach Park   The Lineage Dance Battle at Fulton Plaza on December 21 Join All the Way Live Foundation, San Francisco Arts Commission and Creative Grounds for the rescheduled The Lineage dance battle at Fulton Plaza (Fulton Street between Larkin and Hyde streets) on Saturday, December 21 from 2 to 7 p.m. There will be 2 vs. 2 dance battles with cash prizes for dance teachers and students. Note participants must enter this free competition as a teacher/student team. For more information, click the link below. All the Way Live   Jingle on the Way on the Great Highway on December 22 Join the Friends of Ocean Beach Park for its rescheduled Jingle on the Way at the Great Highway and Judah Street on Sunday, December 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 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. Friends of Ocean Beach Park   Lakeview/OMI Kwanzaa Celebration on December 27 Join the OMI Cultural Participation Project, Village Project, Rec and Park, and community partners for its Lakeview/OMI Kwanzaa celebration on Friday, December 27 at Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center (650 Capitol Avenue) beginning at 6 p.m. Kwanzaa, which is celebrated annually from December 26 through January 1, pays tribute to the rich cultural roots of Americans of African ancestry. The event will feature live performances, food and drink, community resources, and cultural celebrations. For more information, click the link below. OMI Cultural Participation Project   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. Union Square Ice Rink   Programming and Regular Series Winter Class Registration Now Open Rec and Park's winter class registration is now open! Classes range from woodworking for tots (with grownups), audio production, senior improvisation classes and more! View the winter class catalog at this link. For more information and to register, click the link below. Class Registration   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 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. Civic Center Plazas   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. Bean Sprouts Family Days   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.     Natural Resource Division Volunteer Days on December 21 & 28 Join Rec and Parks' Natural Resource Division for upcoming volunteer days including two on Saturday, December 21 at the Interior Greenbelt from 9 a.m. to noon and Glen Canyon Park from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The last volunteer day of 2024 will take place on Saturday, December 28 at Mt. Davidson from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Learn about the importance of these natural areas and the wildlife they support. 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 recparkvolunteer at sfgov.org. Volunteer Calendar   Mobile Rec at Jose Coronado Playground on December 21 Mobile Rec comes to Jose Coronado Playground (2502 Folsom Street) on Saturday, December 21 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. Mobile Rec   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.   Sundays at the Beach on the Great Highway: Mat Yoga on December 22 Join the Friends of Ocean Beach 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 Mat Yoga on Sunday, December 22 from noon to 1 p.m. on the Great Highway at Judah Street. For more information, click the link below. Mat Yoga   Movie Night at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center on January 7 Join our staff at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) for classic movie nights! The next will take place in 2025 on Tuesday, January 7, beginning at 6 p.m. and will feature the 1930 film "The Payoff." Come out to meet your neighbors and to enjoy these vintage films. For more information, contact Glen Park Recreation Center at (415) 239-4007.   Video of the Week Winter Wander-land in Union Square through December 22 Our Video of the Week comes from the Union Square Alliance and highlights Winter Wander-land, which includes a Winter Walk featuring holiday decor, vendors, activations, and performances and the Holiday Ornament Trail along Powell Street. Winter Walk runs through Sunday, December 22. Be sure to head out there for a traditional San Francisco holiday experience! Learn more at the link below. Winter Wander-land     SF Rec and Park Job Openings Get Your SF Rec and Park Swag Here Volunteer with SF Rec and Park   San Francisco Recreation and Parks | sfrecpark.org         SF Recreation and Parks | McLaren Lodge-Golden Gate Park 501 Stanyan Street | San Francisco , CA 94117 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice
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