Rec & Park eNews - April 15, 2026

[San Francisco Recreation & Parks]

Your weekly scoop on San Francisco parks


###  Highlights, News & Announcements

### PloverFest Rescheduled for April 26; Park Marks First Year with 1.7 Million Visits

Although
PloverFest (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/k2pdrw), the event to celebrate the first anniversary of Sunset Dunes, was rescheduled to April 26, data has been released on the park's first year.

A full year of walking, strolling, and rolling along the coast has added up to more than 1.7 million visits at Sunset Dunes, as Rec and Park marked the park's one-year anniversary with the release of first-year data.

Since April 12, 2025, the 2-mile oceanfront park has been used every day of the year, averaging 4,900 daily visits (3,800 on weekdays, 7,200 on weekend days and holidays).

Over the past year, visitation grew steadily, with the park's biggest days occurring in early 2026 during an unusually warm winter. The park's largest single-day attendance (18,700 visits) came during the San Francisco Half Marathon on Feb. 1, 2026, while the busiest non-event day (12,400 visits) happened on March 8, 2026, a sunny Sunday marking the start of Daylight Saving Time.

Sunset Dunes recorded its 500,000th visit during Outside Lands' weekend in August 2025, one of the busiest times of year on the west side. By November 10, 2025, the park had surpassed 1 million visits, and by February 23, 2026, it had reached 1.5 million.

More than half of all visits (53 percent) occurred on weekdays, reflecting regular, day-to-day use by nearby residents as well as broader citywide use.

Sunset Dunes converted the former Upper Great Highway into a 2-mile promenade from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard. The park officially opened April 12, 2025, following several years of temporary closures and a voter-approved decision to establish a permanent park.

For more information, click the link below.


[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/0uqdrw)




### Earth Month in Our Parks: Bug Day at the Randall Museum on April 18

The bugs are back at the Randall Museum (199 Museum Way) on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the incredible insect extravaganza at the Randall's free Bug Day event, featuring hands-on science and art activities, games, live music and more. Bug costumes are encouraged. Learn more
at this link (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/gnrdrw)
and
watch Mayor Daniel Lurie (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/wfsdrw).

See our list of Earth Month events in our parks:

  *
EarthFest (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/c8sdrw)
at the San Francisco Zoo (Sloat Blvd and the Great Highway) on April 18 & 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  *
Bernal Heights Earth Day Stroll (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/s0tdrw)
on Sunday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  *
16th Anniversary Celebration of the EcoCenter (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/8sudrw)
(32 Jennings Street) in Heron's Head Park on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  *
Earth Day Celebration (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/olvdrw)
at the Bernal Heights Recreation Center (500 Moultrie Street) on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to noon
  *
Earth Day Celebration (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/4dwdrw)
at Jefferson Square Park (950 Gough Street) on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to noon
  *
Earth Day Celebration (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/k6wdrw)
at Alemany Farm (700 Alemany Boulevard) on Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  *
Dia De Los Ninos, Dia De Los Libros (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/0yxdrw)
at Parque Ninos Unidos (3090 23rd Street) on Sunday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.



[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/grydrw)




### Peace, Love & Volo Field Day Returns to Golden Gate Park on April 20

Join Volo Sports for its annual Peace, Love and Volo Field Day in Golden Gate Park at Robin Williams Meadow and Hippie Hill on Monday, April 20 from 1 to 6:30 p.m. Stop by for an afternoon of free pickup volleyball and soccer, and wear your brightest tie-dye or grooviest flower power fashions to join the fun. For more information, including how to sign up for a pickup session, click the link below.


[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/wjzdrw)




### A Friendly Reminder: No 4/20 Party at Hippie Hill

Planning to head to Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park on 4/20? Just a quick heads up to save you a trip--the big celebration is no more. Most of the space will be taken up by the previously scheduled Volo Field Day.

Volleyball and soccer will be in place throughout the area, and park rangers will be coordinating with public safety partners to help manage the park and keep things moving safely. As always, we appreciate everyone doing their part to take care of the park and each other.



### Summer Concerts Community Meeting at the County Fair Building on April 20

Join Rec and Park, Another Planet Entertainment, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, San Francisco Police Department, and District Supervisors for the annual summer concerts
% link:https://sfoutsidelands.com/ name="noopener noreferrer" content="" %]
in Golden Gate Park community meeting on Monday, April 20 in the County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue) at 6 p.m. Swing by to receive information and provide feedback for the park's summer concerts, including Outside Lands Music Festival taking place from August 7 to 9.



### "She Loves Me" at the Randall Museum April 24-26 & May 1-3

Join Rec and Park's Cultural Arts team and the Young People's Teen Musical Theatre Company (YPTMTC) for their production of "She Loves Me," which premieres at the Randall Museum (199 Museum Way) on Friday, April 24 from 7:30 to 10 p.m., with additional performances April 25 to 26 and May 1 to 3.

Based on the play "Perfumerie," this classic musical, set in a perfume shop, is a charming romantic comedy that follows two feuding clerks, Georg and Amalia, who unknowingly fall in love as anonymous pen pals. For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link below.


[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/cc0drw)




### Crocker Amazon Baseball & Softball Fields Renovation Workshops on April 26

Join Rec Park staff to review and discuss the concept design for the
upcoming revitalization (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/s40drw)
of the baseball and softball fields at Crocker Amazon Playground. Workshops will take place at the park's clubhouse (Moscow Street and Italy Avenue) on Sunday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be two workshop sessions offered to accommodate different schedules, with the first from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and the second from noon to 1:30 p.m. These sessions will be hosted in an open forum format and project team members will be available to discuss various components of the project and answer questions. These sessions will be outdoors and will happen rain or shine. For more information and to RSVP, click the link below.


[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/8w1drw)




### Embarcadero Plaza & Sue Bierman Park Renovation Community Meeting April 28

Rec and Park is hosting its third community meeting on the Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation Project at Codi (Three Embarcadero Center, Street Level) on Tuesday, April 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. We want to hear your thoughts and ideas about the future of this important public space!

Rec Park and the Offi­ce of Economic Workforce Development (OEWD) are working with the San Francisco Downtown Development Corporation (DDC), BXP, and the Downtown SF Partnership on a public-private partnership that will transform Embarcadero Plaza and the adjacent Sue Bierman Park into a cohesive, vibrant public park. For more information and to RSVP, click the link below.


[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/op2drw)




### Ultimate Impact's Muhammad Awais Selected for Ultimate U-20 National Team

Congratulations to Muhammad Awais (pictured right) for being selected to the
U-20 National Team for the 2026 World Flying Disc Federation (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/4h3drw)
(WFDF) World Junior Ultimate Championships (WJUC) in Logroño, Spain this July.

Muhammad started playing ultimate frisbee through Ultimate Impact (UI), a year-round youth development organization with programming centered around the sport of ultimate frisbee. Muhammad, who grew up in the Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco, has participated in UI programming for more than seven years. Through the organization's work and their long-standing partnership with Rec and Park, Muhammad and many other youth have had a safe place to practice and play at the Crocker Amazon Fields each Wednesday.

In addition to Muhammad's accomplishments, over the past few years, nine Ul youth have represented the Bay Area at the
Youth Club Championships (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/ka4drw)
in Aurora, CO, with five youth coming home as national champions. We're rooting for Muhammad to come home as a world champion!

UI provides free, year-round (in-school, after school, and summer) youth development programming at more than 20 locations in southeast San Francisco. Using ultimate frisbee as the framework, UI provides safe and fun spaces for physical and mental health, community-building, skills-building, team building, and leadership development. Learn more on how to get involved at the link below.


[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/024drw)




### Friends of Kimbell Community Garden Host First Volunteer Day; Next on June 13

Last month, the Friends of Kimbell Community Garden hosted their first volunteer workday, during which community members helped spread mulch, clear weeds and debris, and more. Congratulations to this group on this milestone and thank you for loving our parks!

Interested in volunteering? Their next workday is on Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information and to sign up, click the link below.


[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/gv5drw)




### Camp Mather Limited Cabin & Tent Availability for First & Second Weeks

Camp Mather has limited cabins and tent sites available for Week 1 (May 31 to June 3) and some availability for Week 2 (June 3 to 6). Options include 4-, 5-, and 6-person cabins and 6-person tent sites for Week 1, and a 5-person cabin, 6-person cabins, and 6-person tent sites for Week 2.

You must have, or create, an account, at
sfrecpark.org/register (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/wn6drw)
to book. Call Camp Mather reservations at (628) 652-2900, where staff can book you right away and collect the $200 deposit. Openings are first come, first served. For more information, click the link below


[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/cg7drw)




### Coyote Pupping Season in our Parks

As we kick off April, it means that we're entering coyote pupping season. While coyotes are generally wary of humans, parent coyotes may become territorial if you or your pet come close to their den area.

To foster a safe coexistence between you and our natural neighbors (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/s87drw), please take the following precautions:

  * Never feed coyotes or any wildlife
  * Keep dogs on leashes in our parks, unless in a designated off-leash dog play area
  * Only admire coyotes from a distance



If you encounter a coyote, slowly back away, carrying any small children or pets. Do not run. You may also scare the coyote away by appearing large and making loud noises.

If you encounter a coyote or see someone putting out food for a coyote, report it to Animal Care and Control (ACC) at (415) 554-9400, or by email at acc at sfgov.org (mailto:acc at sfgov.org).

For more information, visit ACC's coyote page at the link below.


[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/808drw)




### Additional Highlights, News & Announcements

  *
Request for Proposals for Union Square West Café (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/ot9drw); Proposals due by Thursday, April 30 at 3 p.m.
  * "
% link:https://www.famsf.org/exhibitions/monet-venice name="Monet & Venice" content="Monet & Venice" %]" at the de Young Museum (50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive) through July 26





### Upcoming Events

### "PSYCHOPOMP" at the San Francisco Botanical Garden April 16-26

Join We Players at the San Francisco Botanical Garden (1199 9th Avenue) for "PSYCHOPOMP," an immersive, site-specific theatrical experience running Thursdays through Sundays, April 16 to 26, with performances from 5 to 8 p.m. This guided outdoor journey leads participants through interactive performance stations where mythic figures from global traditions serve as supernatural guides. Note that attendees will be standing and walking for this two-hour experience. For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link below.


[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/4laerw)




### Ikebana International Demonstration at the County Fair Building on April 17

Join Ikebana International's San Francisco Bay Area Chapter for its presentation at the County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue) in Golden Gate Park on Friday, April 17 beginning at noon. Ron Brown and Alka Bhargava will demonstrate the similarities and differences between the Sogetsu and Ichiyo schools of ikebana. Learn more at the link below.


[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/keberw)




### Jimmy Green World Championship of Spey Casting at Angler Lodge April 17-19

Join the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club (GGACC) for the Jimmy Green World Championship of Spey Casting. It takes place at Golden Gate Park's casting ponds (1232 John F. Kennedy Drive) from Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19. In addition to showcasing product exhibits and casting demonstrations, the best Spey Casters from a variety of countries will be competing in this distance casting competition. For more information, click the link below.


[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/06berw)




### SF District Attorney's Wellness Activation at Union Square on April 21

Join the San Francisco District Attorney's Office Victim Services Division at Union Square (333 Post Street) for a Wellness Activation on Tuesday, April 21 from 1 to 4 p.m., in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This free community event will feature a range of healing-centered activities led by local partners, including grounding exercises, mindfulness practices, and paced breathing designed to support stress relief and overall well-being. For more information and to register, click the link below.


[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/gzcerw)




### Additional Upcoming Events

  *
Storytime in the Park (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/wrderw)
at Francisco Park (Bay & Larkin streets) on Friday, April 24 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
  *
Dahlia Tuber & Plant Sale (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/ckeerw)
at the County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue) in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, April 25 at 10 a.m.
  *
19th Annual DogFest (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/scferw)
at Duboce Park (Duboce Avenue & Noe Street) on Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  *
Francisco Park (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/84ferw)
(Bay & Larkin streets) on Sunday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.





### Regular Programming & Series

### Free Concerts in our Parks on April 16, 19, 21 & 22

Join us for free weekly concerts in our parks, including with
Illuminate Live (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/oxgerw)
and the
Golden Gate Park Band (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/4pherw)
at the bandshell, as well as Illuminate Live at Fulton Plaza. See upcoming shows below:


Fulton Plaza (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/kiierw)
(Fulton Street between Larkin & Hyde streets)

April 16 | noon-3 p.m. - Aireene Espiritu, Eva Jay Fortune, & Season of Us

April 21 | noon-3 p.m. - Jamie Wilson, Mardi Morillo, & Nick Maitoza

Golden Gate Bandshell (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/0ajerw)
(75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive)

April 19 | 1-2:30 p.m. - Golden Gate Park Band Opening Concert:
The Soul of the City Since 1882 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/g3jerw)

April 19 | 4:20-7:30 p.m. - Reggae Sunday featuring Los Rakas, Razteria & resident DJs Guid8nce, Sep & Irie Dole

April 22 | 4-7 p.m. - Midweek Melodies featuring Cowboy Beauty Queen & John Elliott



### Volo Kids Soccer & Flag Football at Youngblood Coleman April 25-May 28

Sign up for free youth sports programming at Youngblood Coleman Playground (1398 Hudson Avenue) with the Volo Kids Foundation, offering
soccer (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/wvkerw)
and
flag football (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/colerw)
for ages 5 to 13 on Saturdays from April 25 to May 28. Flag football runs from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by soccer from 11 a.m. to noon. All participants receive a free player shirt, equipment, coaching, and a post-program snack. Register for these programs at their respective links above.



### Additional Programming & Series

  *
Daily activities and classes at the Civic Center Plazas (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/sgmerw)
  * "
% link:https://www.harveymilkphotocenter.org/events/a-fearless-eye/ name="A Fearless Eye" content="A Fearless Eye" %]" at the Harvey Milk Photo Center through May 16
  *
Event and program schedule (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/88merw)
for the Gardens of Golden Gate Park
  *
Free daily programming (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/o1nerw)
in Union Square
 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/4toerw)(333 Post Street)
  *
Indoor Archery Open Range (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/kmperw)
sessions at Mission Recreation Center (2450 Harrison Street) on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. through May 28
  *
Hip Hop on the Plaza (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/0eqerw)
at Fulton Plaza (Fulton Street between Larkin & Hyde streets) on Friday, April 17 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
  *
Mobile Rec (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/g7qerw)
at Jose Coronado Playground (2502 Folsom Street) on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  *
Weekend programming (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/wzrerw)
at the Randall Museum (199 Museum Way)
  *
Drop-In Saturday Wheelchair Basketball (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/csserw)
at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) every Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m.
  *
"Grease" (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/skterw)
screening at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) on Tuesday, April 21 at 6 p.m.
  *
Swing into Stories (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/8cuerw)
at Helen Wills Playground (1401 Broadway at Larkin) on Tuesday, April 21 from 9:30 a.m. to noon
  *
Traditional Chinese Dance Class (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/o5uerw)
at Sunset Dunes & Judah Street every Wednesday at 11 a.m.
  *
Zumba and Shake the Fog! (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/4xverw)
at Sunset Dunes & Irving Street on Saturday, April 25 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.





### Video of the Week


 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/kqwerw)


### Hella Cool Gigs: Japanese Tea Gardener

Our
Video of the Week (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/0ixerw)
comes from KTVU's Hella Cool Gigs segment at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. KTVU's Crystal Bailey learns more about the dynamic history of Japanese gardening and the iconic tea garden from Lead Gardener Steven Pitsenbarger. Plan your trip to the garden at the link below.


[if mso]> <![endif] (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/gbyerw)




 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/w3yerw)


Job Openings (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/cwzerw)


 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/so0erw)


Rec and Park Gear (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/8g1erw)


 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/o91erw)


Volunteer with Us! (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/412erw)




San Francisco Recreation and Parks |
sfrecpark.org (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/ku3erw)


 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc/0m4erw)
% link:https://x.com/RecParkSF name="https://x.com/RecParkSF" content="" %]
% link:https://www.instagram.com/sfrecpark name="https://www.instagram.com/sfrecpark" content="" %]
% link:https://www.youtube.com/user/sfRecPark name="https://www.youtube.com/user/sfRecPark" content="" %]


[Manage](https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/1989673/1967018/627962794/173585470378/?s=ZyNovCCDttFdz4RB93YUEeMN42KgunUNwOUQL3Vf6S4) your preferences | [Opt Out](https://t.e2ma.net/optout/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc?s=6DPydxaJG9-MXJdYbbS4KUdi9urhR-LZovv8JOAzH-o) using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? [Sign up](https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/1989673/1967018.627962794/) to receive our future emails.
View this email [online](https://t.e2ma.net/message/8gp5nk/wfcl20hc).

501 Stanyan Street | San Francisco, CA 94117 US

This email was sent to house at digitalkingdom.org.
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mail.digitalkingdom.org/pipermail/house/attachments/20260416/ccc6ba4d/attachment-0001.htm>