Mayor Daniel Lurie today celebrated the groundbreaking of the Twin Peaks Promenade Project, marking a major step forward in the work to improve one of the city’s most scenic open spaces. Led by Rec and Park, the project will transform a stretch of Twin Peaks Boulevard that has been closed to vehicles since 2020 into a pedestrian- and cyclist-first promenade designed to support walking, biking and recreation, while improving accessibility for all visitors.

The project will feature a new linear park featuring two parallel trails: a paved path providing a smooth, accessible route for strollers, wheelchairs, bicycles, skateboarders, and scooters, and a second trail made of natural park tread for walking and jogging.

The project will add new amenities, including seating areas and inviting scenic overlooks. Additionally, bike racks and concrete seat walls, which double as informal skate features, add both function and flexibility to the space. The plan also includes native plantings local to Twin Peaks that will help restore surrounding habitat. As part of both the Bay Area Ridge Trail and the Creeks-to-Peaks Trail, the improved promenade will strengthen connections across San Francisco’s broader trail network and ensures Twin Peaks remains a key hub for outdoor recreation and exploration.

The Twin Peaks Promenade Project is part of the larger Twin Peaks Trails Improvement and Promenade Project, which began in 2013 and has transformed the park’s trail system.

During construction, the portion of existing closed roadway and the trail to Crestline Drive will remain closed. All other trails will remain open, including the trails up Noe and Eureka peaks. Trail users seeking access to Twin Peaks from Crestline Drive will be directed to another trail that extends to Christmas Tree Point.

Partners on the Twin Peaks Trails Improvement and Promenade Project include the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), the Bay Ridge Trail Council, Livable City, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and the California Native Plant Society, Yerba Buena Chapter.

The $3.2 million promenade project was funded with more than $500,000 from the 2020 Health and Safety Bond, $1.2 million from the Proposition 68 California State Parks’ Regional Parks Program, more than $1.4 million from the California State Parks Grant Regional Trails Program, and $37,000 from the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. For more information, click the link below. 

Save the date! Dirtybird Records announced last week its third annual “Back 2 Baysics” show at Embarcadero Plaza (Market and Steuart streets) on Saturday, June 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. This all-ages show is hosted in partnership with Another Planet Entertainment and Rec and Park, with the lineup to be announced at a later date. The show is part of the free downtown concert series, which is entering its third year. RSVP by texting “FERRY” to (415) 446-1025 or click the link below.

In honor of Earth Month, Rec and Park’s Natural Resources Division was recognized earlier this month at the Recreation and Park Commission for its vital role in caring for the city’s parks. Of the department’s 3,500 acres across 230 parks, more than 1,100 acres of natural areas across 32 parks, including Twin Peaks, Lake Merced and Glen Canyon Park. A dedicated team of 17 staff work daily to protect and restore these landscapes, safeguarding endangered species like the Mission blue butterfly and the San Francisco garter snake.

The team also fosters community stewardship by partnering with volunteers and organizations such as the Friends of the Oak Woodlands, Sutro Stewards and the California Native Plant Society. Learn more about this team and its work at the link below. 

In honor of National Volunteer Week last week, we want to express gratitude to the volunteers who give their time and energy to support parks and recreation across San Francisco. From building trails and planting native species to supporting programs and events, their work strengthens our parks and communities. Thank you for helping make San Francisco’s park system one of the best in the world.

Interested in volunteering? Explore upcoming opportunities at the link below.

As part of San Francisco Climate Week, Rec and Park’s Greenager program joined the Climate Action Youth Summit Career Mixer at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts last Friday. The event connected young people interested in climate careers and environmental leadership with resources and pathways in climate action. Greenager staff shared program information and engaged directly with youth about opportunities to get involved in stewardship and sustainability efforts across San Francisco. Learn more about the Greenager program at the link below.

Last week, Rec and Park Commission President Kat Anderson and Vice President Joe Hallisy joined San Francisco Heritage and the Friends of the Geneva Office Building and Powerhouse to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Geneva Car Barn and Powerhouse, a historic landmark that now serves as a hub for arts, culture and community. The event included a book release on the building’s history, as well as a presentation. Once part of the city’s first electric railway system, portions of the site have been preserved and reactivated, including the Powerhouse, which opened as an arts center in 2020 following a renovation and now hosts year-round programming by the Performing Arts Workshop. Learn more about the facility and its offerings at the link below.

When Sunset Dunes opened a year ago, it made history as California’s largest pedestrianization project, creating a 2-mile, 50-acre oceanside park stretching from Sloat Boulevard to Lincoln Way.

Since then, it’s become a vibrant gathering place where people of all ages come to play, relax, bike, skate, walk, run, and connect by the coast.

Longtime San Francisco residents Susan (left) and Carol Jean (right) recently stopped by to take it all in.

Susan, who lives nearby, shared that the park offers a “sense of freedom and calm” as she strolled with her dog along the ocean.

“Sunset Dunes is my favorite park,” added Carol Jean, noting the joy and energy she sees in visitors.

The two especially loved the park’s creative installations, which they said bring people together and strengthen the sense of community.

“There’s so many structures here to admire,” Carol Jean said, adding that her favorite is the Wave Heart, located at Judah Street. “You can look through the heart and express your love for everyone.”

People of the Parks is a series of short stories, based on conversations with people we meet in San Francisco parks. See upcoming events and programs at Sunset Dunes at the link below.

As May approaches, we're in the midst of 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, please take the following precautions:

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@sfgov.org.

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

Join Rec and Park’s Cultural Arts team and the Young People’s Teen Musical Theatre Company for its production of “She Loves Me” at the Randall Museum (199 Museum Way). Closing weekend runs May 1 to 3, with shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

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

Join the Friends of Duboce Park (Duboce and Scott streets) for its World Labyrinth Day event on Saturday, May 2 from noon to 2 p.m. People around the globe will “Walk as One at 1” as part of this global meditation for peace. The event begins with a short presentation at 12:15 p.m., followed by the community walk at 1 p.m. Be part of this worldwide wave of peaceful energy. Learn more at the link below.

Bring the kids to Noe Valley Town Square (24th Street between Vicksburg and Sanchez) for SF Tikes Academy’s “STEAM in the Square” on Sunday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to noon. Designed for children ages 4 to 6, this free event features hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art and math in an outdoor setting. Learn more at the link below.

Celebrate community at the Balboa Family Carnival on Sunday, May 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Balboa Park (51 Havelock Street). Hosted by Family Connections Centers and community partners, this free, family-friendly event features carnival games, prizes and activities for all ages. Learn more at the link below.

Visit Sharon Art Studio (300 Bowling Green Drive) for an open house on Sunday, May 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. The event features live demonstrations in ceramics, stained glass, jewelry, metal and more, along with a community art showcase and sale. Attendees can meet instructors and experience the studio’s vibrant arts community. Learn more at the link below.

Join us for free weekly concerts in our parks, including with Illuminate Live and the Golden Gate Park Band at the bandshell, as well as Illuminate Live at Fulton Plaza. See upcoming shows below:  

Fulton Plaza (Fulton Street between Larkin & Hyde streets)

April 30 | noon-3 p.m. - Mateo Peligroso, Streetwriter, & The Berrios Trio

May 5 | noon-3 p.m. - Gaby, Junior Correa, & Matt Reagan

 

Golden Gate Bandshell (75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive)

May 1 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday Happy Hour featuring Silverset & Victor & The Callers

May 2 | 2-6 p.m. Bay Beats at the Bandshell Presented by the San Francisco Public Library featuring Mayya, Naked Roommate, & Noelle & The Deserters

May 3 | 1-2:30 p.m. - Golden Gate Park Band Opening Concert: Polish Culture Celebration

May 3 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. - Reggae Sunday featuring Adam Twelve & resident DJs Guid8nce, Sep & Irie Dole

May 6 | 4-7 p.m. - Midweek Melodies featuring Alie Halla, Dan Agnello, & Outer District

Our Video of the Week comes from Mayor Daniel Lurie, who joined the San Francisco 49ers Foundation at Civic Center Plaza to kick off a youth flag football event bringing together young people from across the city for skills training, games and mentorship. The event highlights a partnership between the Mayor’s Office, City departments, including Rec and Park and the San Francisco Police Activities League, as well as community organizations, to expand youth programming and create safe, positive opportunities that build confidence and connection. Learn more at the link below.