San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department

The San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department is the city agency responsible for governing and maintaining all city owned parks and recreational facilities in San Francisco, California. The Recreation & Parks Department also runs Sharp Park in Pacifica, California and Camp Mather in Tuolumne County, California. Current facilities include 4113acres of total recreational and open space with 3400acres of that land within San Francisco. The department runs 179 playgrounds and play areas, 82 recreation centers and clubhouses, nine swimming pools, five golf courses, 151 tennis courts, 72 basketball courts, 59 soccer fields, numerous baseball diamonds, and other sports venues.HistoryThe San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department began in 1871 when city officials responding to residents' demands for a large public park established the Park Commission to oversee the development of Golden Gate Park. As San Francisco grew over of the years, parks and facilities were added all over the city. Separately the city was running playgrounds, athletic fields, and recreational facilities under the direction of the Recreation Commission. In 1950 the two commissions were merged and the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department was born.OrganizationThe General Manager is appointed by the mayor of San Francisco. General Manager Phil Ginsburg oversees a staff of 850, consisting of gardeners, foresters, recreation leaders, lifeguards, park patrol officers, custodians, electricians, and painters, from the historic headquarters inside McLaren Lodge at the east end of Golden Gate Park.