Rec & Park eNews - July 15, 2026

[San Francisco Recreation & Parks]

Your weekly scoop on San Francisco parks


###  Highlights, News & Announcements

### One City Day Brings Together Volunteers to Better San Francisco

Thank you to
Mayor Daniel Lurie and First Lady Becca Prowda for an incredible One City Day (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/k6cqnx)
last Saturday! More than 4,000 people signed up to participate in over 170 projects in their communities including cleaning medians and parks, weeding and planting trees, removing graffiti and more.

We're grateful to all of the city leaders, departments, community organizations, and, most importantly, the volunteers who came together to improve our neighborhoods and parks. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible.

Let's keep the volunteer spirit going! Click the link below for year round volunteer opportunities in our parks.


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### 18th Annual William Hammond Hall Awards Honor Rec & Park Staff

Congratulations to the recipients of this year's William Hammond Hall (WHH) Awards, who were recognized by members of the Recreation and Park Commission, union leaders, colleagues, family and friends during a ceremony at the TPC Harding Park clubhouse.

The Recreation and Park Commission established the WHH Awards by resolution in 2007. The awards are hosted by the Commission and named for William Hammond Hall, the father of Golden Gate Park, in recognition of his vision for public parks and his understanding of how parks improve our health, happiness and sense of community. The award recipients' contributions and commitment to our parks are a reflection of what Hall embodied and recognize their excellent work.

Thank you to our award recipients for all that you do for San Francisco and our parks! A special thanks to the event co-sponsors LiUNA! Local 261; UA Local 38, Plumbers and Pipefitters; and the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council for making this awards ceremony possible. Watch the full ceremony at the link below.

Photo Credit: Alain McLaughlin via
OL News (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/greqnx)


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### Grateful Dead Exhibit, Concert by Band Legend's Son Coming to GGP

Mayor Daniel Lurie last week announced "Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park," a new immersive exhibition that will transform the County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue) in Golden Gate Park into an immersive celebration of the music, art, and community that made the Grateful Dead a defining part of San Francisco's cultural identity.

"Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park," opens September 5 and invites visitors to step inside the story of one of San Francisco's most influential bands. Opening weekend festivities will culminate Monday, September 7, with a free performance by Grahame Lesh and Friends, the group headed by the son of Grateful Dead founding member Phil Lesh, in Robin Williams Meadow between 2 and 6 p.m. Following opening weekend, the ticketed exhibition will remain on view through October 25.

Created by the Haight Street Art Center in partnership with the award-winning immersive performance company Third Rail Projects and Rec and Park, "Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park" is anchored by Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters' legendary "Furthur" bus and Jerry Garcia's BMW, alongside original artwork, rare memorabilia and multimedia installations.

The exhibition builds on "Forever Grateful," now on view at the Haight Street Art Center (215 Haight Street) through September 20, where more than 400 paintings, original lithographs, photographs, instruments, vinyl records and rare ephemera chronicle the Grateful Dead's journey from 1965 to 1995. Learn more at the link below.


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### 30th Annual Urban Youth Arts Festival at Precita Park on July 18

Celebrate the 30th Annual Urban Youth Arts Festival at Precita Park (3200 Folsom Street) on Saturday, July 18 from noon to 5 p.m. Hosted by Precita Eyes Muralists, the festival begins with the unveiling of a new tile mosaic mural on the park's restroom,
which was recently installed (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/s4gqnx), from noon to 1 p.m., followed by an afternoon of live performances, DJ sets, free spray-painting supplies and more. Learn more at the link below.


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### Lake Merced West Community Meeting at the Boathouse on July 29

Join Rec and Park for a community meeting about the future of the Lake Merced West site on Wednesday, July 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. The meeting, held in the community room at the Lake Merced Boathouse (1 Harding Road), will provide an update on current site conditions, discuss potential recreational uses and goals for the property, outline the upcoming request for proposals process and gather community feedback. Learn more at the link below.


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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 fitness court through youth activities and tours while connecting with neighbors and learning more about the new outdoor fitness space.



### Urban Ag Day Returns to Alemany Farm

Rec and Park recently hosted the first Urban Ag Day of the summer at Alemany Farm, where 80 youth from Rec and Park summer camps explored urban agriculture with a variety of hands-on activities. Campers planted seeds, harvested beans, searched for birds, met grazing goats and made their own butter while connecting with nature and learning where food comes from. Special thanks to the Agricultural Institute of Marin, Alemany Farm, Exploratorium, Randall Museum, San Francisco Beekeepers Association, City Grazing, San Francisco Children & Nature, Greenagers and the many volunteers who helped make this event possible.



### People of the Parks: Union Square Programming

>From shopping and dining to seasonal celebrations, there's always something happening in Union Square.

For more than a year, artist Leah has been leading "Crafternoons" every Thursday,  bringing a different hands-on project each week for people of all ages. But she says the best part isn't the crafts--it's the people.

"Some come back every week, while others are visitors from out of town," Leah said. "Hanging out and doing crafts with them, or even just chit-chatting, is something I look forward to."

Every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Biederman Redevelopment Ventures offers free programming in Union Square, from tai chi and cardio dance to karaoke and arts and crafts.

Leah has seen Union Square come alive as more people stop by to create and connect.

"I think this area needed to be revitalized," she said. "Having a space where people can take a moment, whether it's during a busy travel day or a lunch break, is really important."

Stop by Union Square to meet Leah or check out one of BRV's many free activities at the link below.

People of the Parks is a series of short stories, based on conversations with people we meet in San Francisco parks.


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### Additional Highlights, News & Announcements

  *
AIDS Walk (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/kakqnx)
on Sunday, July 19;
road closures in Golden Gate Park (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/02kqnx)

  *
Free summer meals (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/gvlqnx)
from DCYF for all children and youth ages 18 and under through August 14
  *
Tips for coexisting with coyotes (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/wnmqnx)
during pupping season in our parks
  *
Tickets Available for Flower Piano (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/cgnqnx)
at the San Francisco Botanical Garden September 10-20





### Upcoming Events

###  USL Playoffs at Kezar Stadium on July 17; SF City FC Playing in First Playoff

Get ready for a weekend of soccer at Kezar Stadium (670 Kezar Drive), which will host a United Soccer League (USL) Two playoff doubleheader on Friday, July 17. Ventura County Fusion takes on Project 510 at 4:30 p.m., followed by San Francisco City FC making its historic postseason debut against FC Tucson at 7:30 p.m. The winners will face off in the Western Conference semifinal at Kezar Stadium on Sunday, July 19. For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link below.


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### Micro Litter Cleanup Day at Dolores Park on July 18, Win Outside Lands Tickets

Join Rec and Park and LoveDolores for the annual Microlitter Cleanup at Dolores Park (Dolores Street and 19th Street) on Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Help refresh one of San Francisco's busiest parks during the summer season by removing tiny pieces of litter that can harm the environment. Volunteers who stay for the full cleanup and are present for the 11:45 a.m. drawing will have a chance to win two Saturday tickets to Outside Lands. Sign up at the link below and help keep Dolores Park clean and beautiful!


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### Bastille Day Festival at Embarcadero Plaza on July 18

Celebrate Bastille Day at a free, all-day festival at Embarcadero Plaza (Market and Steuart streets) on Saturday, July 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy French food, wine, beer, art, culture, entertainment and more. Learn more at the link below.


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### Back to the Plaza III Skate Festival at UN Skate Plaza on July 18

Head to UN Skate Plaza (1140 Market Street) for the Back to the Plaza III Skate Festival on Saturday, July 18 from noon to 5 p.m. This free, all-ages event features skate competitions for best trick, best run and longest manual, along with music by A1 and friends. Learn more at the link below.


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###  Additional Upcoming Events

  * Cinema on the Square: "
% link:https://dothebay.com/events/2026/7/25/cinema-on-the-square-the-princess-diaries-tickets name="The Princess Diaries" content="The Princess Diaries" %]" Screening at Union Square (333 Post Street) on Saturday, July 25 beginning at 6 p.m.
  *
Family Day & Talent Show (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/kerqnx)
at India Basin Waterfront Park (900 Innes Avenue) on Sunday, July 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  *
Highlarious Comedy Series (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/06rqnx)
at India Basin Waterfront Park (900 Innes Avenue) on Wednesday, July 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.





### Regular Programming & Series

###  Free Concerts in Our Parks: July 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 & 24

Join us for free weekly concerts in our parks, including
Illuminate Live (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/gzsqnx)
and the
Golden Gate Park Band (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/wrtqnx)
at the bandshell, as well as Illuminate Live at Fulton Plaza. See upcoming shows below:

Fulton Plaza (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/ckuqnx)
(Fulton Street between Larkin & Hyde streets)

July 16 | noon-3 p.m. - Alex Walsh, Erston Pearcy, & T-ranch

July 21 | noon-3 p.m. - Jonathan Burnside, Oceanography, & Young Sun

Golden Gate Bandshell (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/scvqnx)
(75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive)

July 17 | 4:30-7 p.m. - Friday Happy Hour featuring Dave Dieni Trio

July 19 | 1-2:30 p.m. - Golden Gate Park Band Concert:
Musical Treasures (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/84vqnx)

July 19 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. - Reggae Sunday featuring DJ Trueverse and resident DJs Guid8nce, Sep, & Irie Dole

July 24 | 4-7 p.m. - Midweek Melodies featuring Dan Dectis & Jenerator

The Whale (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/oxwqnx)
(14th Ave East Meadow & the JFK Promenade)

July 18 | noon-6 p.m. - Alvie and The Breakfast Pigs, John Tardiff, Junior Correa, & Nick Maitoza

July 19 | noon-6 p.m. - JoJo, Karney Duo, Small Town Depression, & Sushi & Strawberry Jam



### Tennis Coalition of SF: Neighborhood Rally Series at Sunset Rec Center July 26

Join the Tennis Coalition of San Francisco for its Neighborhood Rally series at Sunset Recreation Center (2201 Lawton Street) on Sunday, July 26 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Enjoy pro-led warmups, social doubles and the chance to meet fellow tennis players at one of the city's neighborhood courts. Designed for intermediate recreational players (NTRP 2.5-3.5) and no partner is required. Learn more and register at the link below.


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### Additional Programming & Series

  *
Daily activities and classes at the Civic Center Plazas (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/kiyqnx)
  *
Event and program schedule (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/0azqnx)
for the Gardens of Golden Gate Park
  *
Free daily programming (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/g3zqnx)
in Union Square
 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/wv0qnx)(333 Post Street)
  *
Harvey Milk ART + PRIDE Exhibit (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/co1qnx)
at the center (50 Scott Street) through July 31
  *
Indoor Archery Open Range (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/sg2qnx)
sessions at Mission Recreation Center (2450 Harrison Street) on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m.
  *
San Francisco Bay Area Basketball Pro-am (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/882qnx)
at Kezar Pavilion Monday through Thursday beginning at 8 p.m.
  *
Drop-in Teqball (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/o13qnx)
at St. Mary's Recreation Center (95 Justin Drive) every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  *
Saturday Morning Drop-In Playtime (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/4t4qnx)
at St. Mary's Recreation Center (95 Justin Drive) every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon
  *
Weekend programming (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/km5qnx)
at the Randall Museum (199 Museum Way)
  *
Drop-In Saturday Wheelchair Basketball (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/0e6qnx)
at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) every Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m.
  *
Swing into Stories (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/g76qnx)
at Helen Wills Playground (1401 Broadway), on Tuesday, July 21 from 9:30 a.m. to noon
  * "
% link:https://sfrecpark.org/DocumentCenter/View/29335/Glen-Park-Movie-Nights-Summer-26 name="Rango" content="Rango" %]" screening at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) on Tuesday, July 21 at 6 p.m.
  *
Traditional Chinese Dance Class (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/wz7qnx)
at Sunset Dunes & Judah Street every Wednesday at 11 a.m.
  *
Women (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/cs8qnx)
at Minnie & Lovie Ward Rec Center (650 Capitol Avenue) every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.





### Video of the Week


 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/sk9qnx)


### Tom Harrison Receives Inaugural William Hammond Hall Legacy Award

Our
Video of the Week (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/8carnx)
comes from SFGovTV and features the presentation of the inaugural William Hammond Hall Legacy Award. The new award honors individuals whose lasting contributions have strengthened Rec and Park and left a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.

Former Recreation and Park Commissioner Tom Harrison received the award in recognition of his 40 years of service to Rec and Park and the City. Harrison served as a gardener, union leader and commissioner, helping shape generations of employees through his advocacy, mentorship and support for initiatives such as the Gardener Apprenticeship Program. Thank you, Tom, for all you've done to help shape our staff, parks and city!

Photo Credit: Alain McLaughlin via
OL News (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/o5arnx)




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Job Openings (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/kqcrnx)


 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/0idrnx)


Rec and Park Gear (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/gbernx)


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Volunteer with Us (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/cwfrnx)




San Francisco Recreation and Parks |
sfrecpark.org (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c4tzxk/wfcl20hc/sogrnx)


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