Community Corner
Golden Gate Park Marks 154th Birthday
An estimated 25 million people visit the park annually.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — San Francisco celebrated on Thursday the 154th birthday of its beloved Golden Gate Park with fun-filled activities, entertainment, a birthday cake, and an event by Mayor London Breed with other city officials and community members.
"This park is part of the cultural fabric of San Francisco. It's a place to celebrate, relax, play sports, bird watch, see bison, catch a concert, and even swing dance!" Recreation and Park Department general manager Phil Ginsburg said. "Golden Gate Park is one of the city's most sacred public spaces. To be able to witness first-hand the transformation it's gone in regard to improving access and upgrading amenities has been an honor."
Scott Beck, San Francisco Travel president and CEO, said the city's most visited park stands as a "testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and unwavering spirit of our city."
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"Like San Francisco, over a century and a half, Golden Gate Park has evolved and adapted with the times. It is a vibrant hub and beloved sanctuary for residents and visitors alike — a place of beauty, recreation, art, and inspiration," he said.
Breed said Golden Gate Park's birthday this year is significant as the park has been nominated by USA Today's 10Best Reader's Choice Awards for "Best City Park", along with 19 other city parks nationwide. The mayor and Ginsburg encouraged city residents to vote for the park online.
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"Golden Gate Park is the city's crown jewel, drawing San Franciscans, people from across the Bay Area and around the world to enjoy in its splendor," said Breed. "What better way to celebrate a birthday than by being nominated as one of the best parks in the nation. Golden Gate Park isn't just a park -- this expansive and beautiful open space serves as a unique urban oasis like no other, providing nature, beauty, art, entertainment, and so much more. I want to thank Rec and Park and city staff for their dedication and maintaining of one of the City's most precious assets."
Polls close at 9 a.m. on Monday. The top 10 parks will be announced on Wednesday.
According to the mayor's office, an estimated 25 million people visit the park annually.
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