Rec & Park eNews - April 30, 2025

Wed Apr 30 22:38:12 PDT 2025

Updates, news & events in San Francisco parks

###  Highlights, News & Announcements

### An April to Remember in our Parks

As we close out a busy April, we're excited to share photos from some of our most recent events. From Spring Fling at Crocker Amazon Playground to the 5th Anniversary of the JFK Promenade, we're grateful to the people, volunteers, staff and supporters who make our parks a place of fun and community! We look forward to seeing everyone out in our parks as the weather gets warmer.

###  SF Bay Sox Players Breaking Barriers in JV Baseball Championship, Umpiring

Last week, the San Francisco high school JV baseball championship took place at Big Rec in Golden Gate Park. The game featured four of our
Bay Sox Girls Baseball (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/gj8vht)
players--two from Lincoln High School and two from Lowell High School. Although Lowell won decisively, it was a historic moment to see all four Bay Sox players on the field together. Khloe (pictured left) started at second base and Lola (pictured left center) at catcher for Lincoln. Simone (pictured right center) played outfield for Lowell while Sally was unfortunately out due to injury.

In another milestone earlier this month, Simone and Lola made history as the first female umpire duo to officiate a Pony 14U game in our San Francisco Youth Baseball League. One of the teams was also coached by Bay Sox alumnus Justice Alcantar.

Thank you to these players for continuing to break barriers for the next generation of girls and women in baseball! Learn more about the Bay Sox Girls Baseball Program at the link below.

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### Final Design Unveiled for Bernal Heights Playground Renewal

We're excited to unveil the final design for the
Bernal Heights Playground renewal. (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/c49vht)
Developed with input from hundreds of community members, the design features natural-looking equipment made from durable Robinia wood, reflecting the community's preference for nature-inspired elements. It includes a variety of challenging play features for all ages including monkey bars, climbing elements, and a large slide. Additionally, there are toddler-friendly components such as animal spring riders, accessible swings, a merry-go-round, and a playhouse. We've also made the sandbox more accessible and added a shade structure on the west side for extra comfort. For more information, click the link below.

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### Union Square Programming to Ramp Up Ahead of Summer

Get ready for a whirlwind of fun at Union Square as the weather heats up. Since February, the Square has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and recreational hub, offering a lineup of free weekly and monthly events--and it's only getting bigger! This summer, there will be
13 free weekly events and daily amenities (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/8obwht).

>From live music and chess to Tai Chi, sketching classes, and toddler dance parties, there's something happening every single day through October 20. Mondays kick off with Mahjong and sketching, Tuesdays bring toddler fun and blues music, and Wednesdays are all about wellness with morning Tai Chi and evening cardio dance. Thursdays are packed with live indie music and crafternoons, Fridays turn into dance parties offering salsa, swing, tango and square dancing, and weekends are stacked with juggling, family STEM activities, and global culture days.

Union Square is reclaiming its role as the City's living room--a place to dance, play, relax, and connect. Whether you're a nearby resident or just passing through, this is where the city comes alive. Grab your friends, bring the family, and make some memories.

Free programming is made possible by a grant from the Office of Mayor Daniel Lurie and the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development to Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, in cooperation with Rec and Park and support from the Union Square Alliance. For more information and to stay up-to-date, visit Union Square Alliance's Instagram page at the link below.

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### Lottery for Senior Camp Mather Getaway Open Through May 2

Registration for the Senior Camp Mather Getaway lottery is open and runs through Friday, May 2 at 5 p.m. This four-night trip will take place from August 17 to 21, providing an opportunity for ages 55 and up to relax, lounge, enjoy nature, and have a good time. This year's theme is pirates--so don your finest gear, hoist the Jolly Roger, and set sail for four days of treasure hunts, campfire tales echoing through the pines, and high-seas adventure. For more information, including cost, requirements and how to register, click the link below.

[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/49cwht)

### Radio Africa & Kitchen at the India Basin Food Pavilion in May

Join
En2Action (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/k2dwht)
for its pop-up Series at the
India Basin Waterfront Park (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/0uewht)
Food Pavilion (900 Innes Avenue) in May.

Radio Africa and Kitchen is at the park this month on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chef Eskender Aseged brings his bold, fresh, and modern African menu that celebrates community and local ingredients.

To start your week right, enjoy an assortment of drinks and pastries every Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, click the link below.

[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/gnfwht)

### Traffic Improvements Near Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park Begin May 12

Rec and Park, in partnership with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), is making roadway and curb changes in Golden Gate Park along northbound Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, near Shakespeare Garden, to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion caused by vehicles entering the parking garage on Music Concourse Drive.

Work will take place from May 12 to 16 between Nancy Pelosi and Concourse drives. Crews will install a new northbound right-hand turn lane for vehicles entering Music Concourse Drive, add a northbound lane for garage entry, restripe the bike lane, and adjust lane widths. This work will remove 14 parking spaces between Nancy Pelosi and Concourse drives. Red curbs and signage will be added to improve safety and visibility. There will be no changes to existing blue zones.

### Call for Artists: Buchanan Street Mall Memory Walk, Apply by May 23

Artists and artist teams with strong ties to the Fillmore are invited to apply for Phase 1 of the
Buchanan Street Mall (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/wfgwht)
Memory Walk--a public art initiative celebrating the neighborhood's rich history, culture and legacy. Selected applicants will design interpretive elements that reflect the stories, people, and memories of the community. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 23. Applications can be submitted online or in-person. For more information on how to apply, application support including upcoming office hours, and other details, click the link below.

Additional questions? Contact the Trust for Public Land at BayAreaParks4People at tpl.org (mailto:BayAreaParks4People at tpl.org)

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### Summer Volunteer Internship Opportunity at the Dahlia Dell

The Dahlia Society of California is seeking two young adult interns to volunteer at the Dahlia Dell in Golden Gate Park. Interns will work Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from early June through mid-August, under the guidance of master gardener Deborah Dietz. This hands-on opportunity includes learning how to weed, deadhead and disbud dahlias, while helping prepare for the Dahlia Show from August 16 to 17 at the County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue) in Golden Gate Park.

Applicants must be 16 to 26 years old, reliable, and comfortable getting dirty, crawling, bending and lifting up to 25 pounds. They must be available and committed to all Saturdays during the internship session, willing to be fingerprinted by mid-May and complete a volunteer application shortly after expressing interest. The time commitment is about 20 hours over 10 Saturdays, plus additional hours for the Dahlia Show.

This opportunity is open until filled and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified candidates. To apply, email brenda.cartagena at sfgov.org (mailto:brenda.cartagena at sfgov.org) and explain why you'd like to be considered. For questions, email dahliasocietyofcalifornia at gmail.com (mailto:dahliasocietyofcalifornia at gmail.com). To learn more about the Dahlia Dell, click the link below.

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### Upcoming Events

###  Civic Center Soundtrack Series at Fulton Plaza on May 1 & 6

Civic Center Soundtrack, a free concert series by Illuminate Live, is at Fulton Plaza (Fulton and Larkin streets) between San Francisco Main Library and the Asian Art Museum. These diverse musical performances will be held every Tuesday and Thursday. See the upcoming shows:

         May 1 | Noon-3 p.m. - MonMon Lady, Randy Trio, and Sax Andy and Sushi

         May 6 | Noon-3 p.m. - Jo Jo, JW Blunt, and Kale Frank

For the full concert schedule, click the link below.

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### Harvey Milk Photo Center: "Echoes of Resilience" Opening Reception on May 2

Head over to the Harvey Milk Photo Center (50 Scott Street) for the opening event for its newest exhibit: "Echoes of Resilience: Reclaiming History." The event takes place on Friday, May 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. The exhibit showcases powerful photography by Bay Area artists Harvey Castro and Izzi Valencia, highlighting communities facing climate disasters, cultural erasure, and labor injustice. Castro's "Los Olvidados" series documents the aftermath of natural disasters in Guatemala and Puerto Rico, while Valencia's work centers on Indigenous organizing efforts and the vital, often overlooked contributions of Oaxacan agricultural workers in Napa and Sonoma. For more information, click the link below.

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### Illuminate Live at the Bandshell on May 2, 3, 4 & 7

Join us for free concerts with Illuminate Live at the Golden Gate Bandshell (75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive) between the
California Academy of Sciences (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/4dkwht)
and
de Young Museum (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/k6kwht)
in Golden Gate Park. See the upcoming shows:

May 2 | 4:30-7:30 p.m.

836M presents The Language of the Birds with the San Francisco Girls Chorus, Marjan Vahdat, the Living Earth Show, David Coulter, and Sahba Aminikia

May 3 | Noon-4 p.m.

The San Francisco Public Library presents Bay Beats featuring Mae Powell, Piwai, and The Grease Traps

May 4 | 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Reggae Sunday featuring DJ Guid8nce, DJ Sep, Irie Dole, and Spliff Skankin

May 7 | Noon-4 p.m.

Market to Bandshell featuring Missing Pieces, Slow Coast, and The Alleylots

For the full concert schedule, click the link below.

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### World Labyrinth Day Celebration at Duboce Park on May 3

Join the Friends of Duboce Park (Duboce and Scott streets) for its World Labyrinth Day event on Saturday, May 3 from noon to 2 p.m. People around the globe will "Walk as One at 1" for World Labyrinth Day, a global meditation for peace. The Friends of Duboce Park will have a short presentation at 12:15 p.m. by board member Janet Scheuer on labyrinth history, followed by a community walk at 1 p.m. Be part of this worldwide wave of peaceful energy. For more information, click the link below.

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### 4th Annual Lion & Dragon Dance Competition at Portsmouth Square on May 3

Come out to Portsmouth Square (745 Kearny Street) for the the 4th Annual Lion and Dragon Dance Competition on Saturday, May 3 beginning at 1 p.m. More than 150 talented students from 7 high schools will be contending for the Inter-league Grand Champion title. Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month as these students showcase the skill, coordination, teamwork, and creativity of this vibrant cultural tradition. For more information, click the link below.

[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/wjnwht)

### Golden Gate Park Band: Honoring Polish Culture on May 4

Join the
Golden Gate Park Band (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/ccowht)[](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057077484845&__cft__\[0\]=AZVUiIsrkOpzblQPq0b0p9FQ8J_ZR3hIYnScMs_suXGifP3HxRqi4ks61xKc4iZs0ERIZELn7d9oQrQt_pgbP4cuaroSoS5OHYHIl3W2Ih2LyHbLDDDB-sTFOwcBSSVw5da1NkIox9m6axckx9OsYAw5DOLz34qNB44iEfKyIh3N4akJRgYxLufsgEf20oSxnCw&__tn__=-\]K-R) for its show honoring Polish Culture with the Lowiczanie Polish Folk Ensemble of San Francisco on Sunday, May 4 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Golden Gate Bandshell (75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive). This free concert will feature a number of folk songs and dances. For more information, click the link below.

[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/s4owht)

### Sharon Art Studio Open House on May 4

Head over to
Sharon Art Studio (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/8wpwht)
(300 Bowling Green Drive) for its open house on Sunday, May 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. Meet the studio's instructors, participate in art activities, see live demonstrations, and take guided tours of this vibrant space. Additionally, see the work of Sharon Art Studio teachers, assistants, and students--with some art pieces available for purchase. For more information, click the link below.

[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/opqwht)

### The Art of the Rose Mother's Day Show in Golden Gate Park on May 11

Come out for the
San Francisco Rose Society (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/4hrwht)'s 84th annual Mother's Day show at the County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue) in Golden Gate Park on Sunday, May 11 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. There will be a variety of roses on display, including those designed by society members. There will also be Rosarians that can answer all of your rose questions. Bring mom for a rosy Mother's Day! For more information, click the link below.

[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/kaswht)

### Silent Roller Disco at Jackson Park on May 16

Lace up your skates and join the
Friends of Jackson Park (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/02swht)
(17th and Arkansas streets) and Church of 8 Wheels for a free silent roller disco for ages 18 and up on Friday, May 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. It will take place at the park's basketball court, where you can skate the night away under the stars or just dance! Skates and headphones will be provided. For more information, click the link below.

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### Programming & Regular Series

### 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 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/wnuwht)
and surrounding Civic Center area. From the
Heart of the City Farmers (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/cgvwht)
% link:https://illuminate.org/events/ name="noopener noreferrer" content="" %]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 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/s8vwht)
at UN Plaza, as well as the full amenity list and schedule at the link below.

[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/80wwht)

### Bean Sprouts Family Days at the San Francisco Botanical Garden

Come dig, smell, taste, build, and explore with the
San Francisco Botanical Garden (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/otxwht)
(1199 9th Avenue) on Bean Sprouts Family Days presented by Kaiser Permanente. Come out for family fun in the Children's Garden on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon and the first Saturdays of each month from noon to 4 p.m. Programs are included with garden admission and do not require pre-registration. For more information, click the link below.

[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/4lywht)

### Mini Indoor Archery Range Open on Thursdays at Mission Recreation Center

Check out the new mini indoor archery range at Mission Recreation Center (2450 Harrison Street). It's open on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. through May 15. There will be paper and 3D targets with all bow and arrow types welcome. Equipment for loan will also be available. For more information and to sign up for a session, click the link below.

[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/kezwht)

### Heron Watch at Blue Heron Lake in Golden Gate Park on May 3

San Francisco Nature Education (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/06zwht)
is hosting heron watch events at Blue Heron Lake (50 Blue Heron Lake Drive) in Golden Gate Park throughout the spring nesting season in May. They take place on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the next on Saturday, May 3. Bring binoculars if you have them. For more information and to register, click the link below.

[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/gz0wht)

### Mobile Rec at UN Skate Plaza on May 3

Mobile Rec comes to UN Skate Plaza (355 McAllister Street) on Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy free BMX biking, skateboarding and more. Skateboarding equipment will be provided. For more information, click the link below.

[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/wr1wht)

### Drop-In Wheelchair Basketball at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center

Glen Canyon 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 for participants at least 5 feet tall. Let's get hooping!

Additional questions? Contact
Glen Park Recreation Center (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/ck2wht)
at (415) 239-4007.

### Swing into Stories at Garfield Playground on May 6

The San Francisco Public Library's (SFPL) YouthMobile is coming to parks around the city. Movement and play are key to 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 Avenue and 26th Street) on May 6.

The YouthMobile offers a diverse selection of children's library materials available for checkout with an SFPL library card. For more information and the Swing into Stories schedule, click the link below.

[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/sc3wht)

### Movie Night at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center on May 6

Join our staff at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) for classic movie nights! The next will take place on Tuesday, May 6 beginning at 6 p.m. and will feature the 1932 film "The Monster Walks." Come meet your neighbors and enjoy these vintage films. For more information, contact
Glen Park Recreation Center (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/843wht)
at (415) 239-4007.

### Video of the Week

 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/ox4wht)

### Birdman Tony Hawk Swoops into U.N. Skate Plaza

Our
 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/4p5wht)
% link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voMuYghMji8 name="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voMuYghMji8" content="" %]
% link:https://www.instagram.com/p/DJDApgrzLp8/ name="Video of the Week" content="Video of the Week" %]
comes from skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, who dropped in to UN Skate Plaza recently to do vert tricks and sloppy kickflips (in his own words). Hawk's organization,
The Skatepark Project (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/ki6wht)
(TSP), provided support in January to add new skate elements and redesign paving at UN Skate Plaza to make the space more accessible and fun for skaters of all levels.

TSP is a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to outdoor recreation and free play in underserved communities by creating safe and inclusive skateparks, and activating them. Learn more about the project to expand UN Skate Plaza at the link below.

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 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/g37wht)

Job Openings (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/wv8wht)

 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/co9wht)

Rec and Park Gear (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/sgaxht)

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Volunteer with Us! (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/o1bxht)

San Francisco Recreation and Parks |
sfrecpark.org (https://t.e2ma.net/click/02ssqj/wfcl20hc/4tcxht)

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