what’s new: summer at the presidio, june - august, 2019 docum… · media contact lisa petrie:...

Media Contact Lisa Petrie: (m) 415-707-9489

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What’s New: Summer at the Presidio, June - August, 2019 San Francisco’s Urban National Park Offers Family-friendly Fun

Presidio of San Francisco (April 26, 2019) – Summer is a great season for discovery and play in the

Presidio, San Francisco’s urban national park. A green oasis located within city boundaries and adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge, the park encompasses close to 1,500 acres—the largest urban park in the U.S. The Presidio provides an escape into nature, with sand dunes and forests, beaches and hiking trails, communal lawns and picnic tables for outdoor gatherings, Rob Hill campground, a fresh water lake, and sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge. In addition to its stunning natural surroundings, the Presidio offers free, family-friendly programming and opportunities to connect with the park’s art, history, science, and culture. Docents are on hand to provide a deeper experience of the park’s history, including tours of the Main Post, the Archaeology Lab, art walks, and the Presidio Officers’ Club, and nature walks explore the Presidio’s wilds.

Family Fun Kids can start at the Presidio Visitor Center to begin their park exploration with a map of the StoryWalk® trails which encouraging kids to get outdoors and read a book at the same time. Pages from children’s books are sprinkled along the trail creating a literary treasure hunt. Stories in the Presidio include Bikes For Sale written by Carter Higgins and illustrated by Zachariah OHora, I Wrote You a Note written and illustrated by Lizi Boyd, and Where’s Rodney? by Carmen Bogan. Young scientists can also check out an Explorer Backpack containing an adventure map and cards that

guide fun discoveries of unique places, creatures, and plant life all around the park. It’s packed with

tools like a magnifying glass, binoculars, activity cards, and a compass to help along the way. Drop in to

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.presidio.gov/


the Presidio Visitor Center daily from 10am–2pm to check out a free backpack. Supplies are limited, but

backpacks may be reserved in advance by calling (415) 561-4323. Adventures typically take two hours

and backpacks must be returned by 4:30pm.

Outdoor Events Family bike riding is always an option at the Presidio, with its 25 miles of trails and rental opportunities at the Sports Basement and Roaring Mouse. For a guided tour, the YMCA offers Y Bike Learn to Ride programs one Sunday per month, and guided monthly Family-friendly Bike Rides. The annual Presidio Kite Festival returns on Saturday August 10 from 11 pm to 5 pm, with partner Highline Kites. The free all-day event features a free build your own kite booth, hands-on learning from kite experts, a kite art exhibition, giant kites, mega team flying, Taiko drummers, and food trucks. Stargazing returns on July 11 when the SF Amateur Astronomers bring their giant telescopes and help people of all ages see the night sky’s most interesting astronomical beauties up close. Historic Commemoration Pasados del Presidio, June 28-29, honor the heritage of early American cultures at the Presidio—

Ohlone, Spanish, and Mexican—and the founding of El Presidio de San Francisco in 1776. Afternoon Fun

For Kids on Friday June 28, from noon to 3 pm offers hands-on activities like tortilla-making, adobe

brick-making, music and dance by Ballet Folklórico Mexicano and more, with our partners at the

National Park Service.

On Saturday June 29 at 10:30 am, Los Californianos, descendants of the original founding families of the

Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition (1775-76), return to the Presidio to recognize the journey of their

ancestors. The public program includes formal remarks, a procession by the Amigos de Anza horse

mounted riders, and a roll call of the people who made the original 1200+ mile trek from Sonora,

Mexico. Two 60-minute Guided History Tours (June 29 from 1 pm and 3 pm) focus on the park’s rich

Spanish and Mexican heritage. Learn about the early expeditions of people and animals to this area of

California and the indigenous world they encountered; the adobe walls of the Spanish fort; Spanish

cannons; and the foundations of the original Presidio. Meet at the Welcome Desk at the Presidio

Officers’ Club.

Cultural Dance Performances at Presidio Picnic

San Francisco’s favorite family picnic, Presidio Picnic, offers the ultimate Sunday spread: blending the

national park setting with the international cuisine reflective of our diverse Bay Area cultures. Presidio

Picnic celebrates a different cultural heritage each month, with ethnic dance performances on the 3rd

Sunday of the month. Presidio Picnic runs each Sunday from 11 am – 4 pm through October 21.

On Thursday evenings, starting May 16 through September 19, Presidio Twilight will light up the main

post with fire-pits, cabanas, delicious selections from mobile food vendors, live music, lawn games, and

sweeping views of the sun setting over the Golden Gate Bridge. Presidio Picnic and Presidio Twilight are

offered by the Presidio Trust in a partnership with Off the Grid.

Exhibitions Due to its overwhelming popularity, the Presidio Trust’s award-winning exhibition Exclusion: The Presidio’s Role in World War II Japanese American Incarceration, has been extended through spring of 2020. The exhibition explores the complicated history of Lieutenant General John L. DeWitt signing the 108 Civilian Exclusion Orders from the Presidio’s Building 35 in spring 1942—orders that unjustly

https://www.presidio.gov/events/presidio-picnic


https://offthegrid.com/event/presidio-picnic/2019-4-14-11am

https://www.presidio.gov/officers-club/exhibitions/exclusion

https://www.presidio.gov/officers-club/exhibitions/exclusion

incarcerated 120,000 Japanese Americans, purportedly in the name of national security. Exclusion is found in the historic Presidio Officers’ Club Museum along with permanent exhibitions on the Presidio’s cultural history, a cozy communal fireplace and event space, Arguello Restaurant, and Earth Wall a sculpture by noted artist Andy Goldsworthy. Three additional sculptures by Goldsworthy can be viewed on a self-guided tour, or on one of the Presidio’s docent-led walks. The Presidio houses the largest collection of Goldsworthy’s works in North America. These exhibitions are free.

The Walt Disney Family Museum presents Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World, a celebration of animation’s most beloved and recognizable character. Guest curated by legendary animator Andreas Deja, Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World features more than 400 objects, including rare and never-before-seen original sketches, character model sheets, and concept artwork, together with nostalgic merchandise, vintage photographs, and a variety of Mickey’s earliest and most recent animated short films. The exhibition is a testament to Mickey’s transcendent influence, from cartoons and comic books to real-life appearances at Disney Parks worldwide. May 16, 2019 through January 6, 2020.

Transportation in the Park The free PresidiGo Shuttle takes visitors from two locations in downtown San Francisco to the Presidio, and PresidiGo’s Around the Park service offers visitors two routes within the park. San Francisco MUNI buses access the Presidio as well. Options for bike rental include Sports Basement and Electric JUMP Bikes. See: https://www.presidio.gov/transportation Attention Calendar Editors: Although our events are free, due to space limitations, we advise patrons to register via the web links. See all of our summer 2019 events here: www.presidio.gov/events. Photos are available upon request.

Ongoing Events

Exclusion: The Presidio’s Role in World War II Japanese American Incarceration Date: Every Tuesday to Sunday, through June 2020 Time: 10 am to 5 pm Place: Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco Phone: 415-561-4400 Price: Free During World War II, the Presidio of San Francisco – the Army's Western Defense Command – played a pivotal role in the unjust incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans. This special exhibition invites visitors to investigate the choices – both personal and political – that led to this dark chapter in American history, and to reflect on what we have learned that helps us to address present-day issues of mass incarceration, immigration reform, and racial profiling. In collaboration with the Fred T. Korematsu Institute and the National Japanese American Historical Society (NJAHS). Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/exclusion-the-presidios-role-in-world-war-ii-japanese-american-incarceration-2018-06-1 Presidio Picnic Date: Sundays, through October Time: 11 am to 4 pm; Cultural Dance Performances the 3rd Sunday at 12 noon and 2 pm Place: Main Parade Ground, Sheridan Avenue, San Francisco Phone: 415-561-4323

https://www.presidio.gov/officers-club

https://www.presidio.gov/places-internal/Shared%20Documents/Goldsworthy-Brochure.pdf

https://www.presidio.gov/places/walt-disney-family-museum-and-cafe

https://www.presidio.gov/transportation

https://www.presidio.gov/officers-club/exhibitions/archaeology-lab-research

https://www.presidio.gov/officers-club/exhibitions/archaeology-lab-research

Price: Entrance is free, food available for purchase San Francisco’s favorite family picnic blends the best of the international food scene with the best of this

national park. Enjoy cultural dance performances from Bay Area groups on every third Sunday: June 16,

July 21 and August 18 at 12 noon and 2 pm. Co-sponsored by the Presidio Trust and Off the Grid.

Presidio Picnic is presented by the Presidio Trust in a partnership with Off the Grid.

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/presidio-picnic Presidio Twilight Date: Every Thursday, May 16 through September 19 Time: 5 pm to 9 pm

Place: Main Parade Ground, Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA

Phone: 415-561-4323

Price: Entrance is free, food available for purchase

San Francisco’s largest community campfire includes lantern-lit dining cabanas, fire pits, live music, lawn

games, delicious international selections from innovative mobile food vendors from around the Bay

Area, and views of the sun setting over San Francisco Bay.

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/presidio-twilight

Presidio Visitor Center Date: Open 7 days a week Time: 10 am to 5 pm Place: 210 Lincoln Blvd., on the Presidio’s Main Post, San Francisco Phone: 415-561-4323 Price: Free Visit what was once a former jail house, and is now the welcoming spot for all Presidio visitors. View displays on the park’s history and nature, learn about the day’s activities, get advice from expert multilingual staff, pick up a map or a self-guide, or purchase what you may need to set off on your Presidio adventures. Link: http://www.presidio.gov/places/presidio-visitor-center Presidio Officers' Club Date: Open Tuesday – Sunday, closed Mondays Time: 10 am to 5 pm Place: 50 Moraga Avenue, on the Presidio’s Main Parade Ground, San Francisco Phone: 415-561-4400 Price: Free San Francisco's most historic building is now home to the Presidio's museum and other permanent exhibitions tracing the Presidio's past and present, an installation by artist Andy Goldsworthy, free live performances and talks, history tours, and school field trips. It's also a wonderful place to gather, featuring Arguello, a Mexican restaurant by award-winning chef Traci Des Jardins, as well as special event venues. Link: https://www.presidio.gov/officers-club/exhibitions/permanent-exhibitions


https://www.njahs.org/

https://www.presidio.gov/events/exclusion-the-presidios-role-in-world-war-ii-japanese-american-incarceration-2018-06-1

http://www.presidio.gov/places/presidio-visitor-center

https://www.presidio.gov/officers-club/exhibitions/permanent-exhibitions

June

Event: Volunteer at National Trails Day in the Presidio

Date: Saturday, June 1

Time: 9 am to 12:30 pm

Place: Robb Hill Campground

Celebrate National Trails Day by maintaining trails and restoring trailside habitat, forest, and landscaped

areas. All ages are welcome! Registration is required.

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/volunteer-at-national-trails-day-in-the-presidio

Event: Presidio Officers’ Club Saturday Tour


Time: 11 am

Place: Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Avenue

Phone: 415-561-4400

Price: Free

Our guided tour will surprise and inspire you with stories of adobe walls, seafaring scientists, Buffalo

Soldiers, Army nurses, Philippine-American War veterans, a secret Japanese language school, Vietnam-

era dissenters and much, much more.

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/presidio-officers-club-saturday-tours-2019-06-1

Event: Archaeology Lab Tour

Date: June 1

Time: 1 pm


Phone: 415-561-4400

Learn about the Presidio’s archaeological process and excavations during this one hour tour. See

standing Spanish adobe in the Presidio Officers’ Club before moving to the state-of-the-art lab and

collections facility where artifacts are cleaned, catalogued, studied, and curated. It’s a unique

opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes workings of an archaeology lab and talk directly to the

archaeologists.

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/archaeology-lab-tour-2019-06-1

Event: Y Bike Learn to Ride Program

Date: June 2

Time: 11 am to 2 pm

Place: Main Parade Ground, Anza and Sheridan

Phone: 415-561-4323

Get your kids riding on two wheels with free, safe, and friendly instruction from the Presidio Community

Y. Bikes and equipment are provided. All ages are welcome; no reservations are required. Co-sponsored

by the Presidio Trust.

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/y-bike-learn-to-ride-program-2019-06-16

https://www.presidio.gov/events/volunteer-at-national-trails-day-in-the-presidio

https://www.presidio.gov/events/presidio-officers-club-saturday-tours-2019-06-1

https://www.presidio.gov/events/archaeology-lab-tour-2019-06-1

https://www.presidio.gov/events/y-bike-learn-to-ride-program-2019-06-16

Event: Guided Walking Tour of the Main Post

Date: June 6

Time: 1pm to 3 pm

Place: Presidio Visitor Center, 210 Lincoln Boulevard

Phone: 415-561-4400

Price: Free

Explore the historic Main Post on this two-hour walking tour. Learn about the Presidio’s layered history

through stories of the people and places that have shaped it. The walk is on paved surfaces with some

moderate inclines and uneven sections.

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/guided-walking-tour-of-the-main-post-2019-06-6

Event: Prickles, Spikes, and Thorns

Date: Saturday, June 8 Time: 11 am to 12 pm Place: Meet at 1331 Wool Court Phone: 415-561-4323 Price: Free Sharp edges abound in nature: they’re found on shrubs, vines, trees, and even insect galls. Come on a

walk with a Presidio naturalist to learn how many plants evolved spiny parts and other methods of self-

preservation -- and how some animals use these defenses to their advantage. This half-mile walk

includes uneven terrain with a mild slope and one staircase.

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/prickles-spikes-and-thorns

Event: Guided Art Hike: Andy Goldsworthy in the Presidio

Date: Second Saturdays: June 8

Time: 10:30 am to 1 pm

Place: Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Ave., San Francisco Phone: 415-561-4323

This guided hike visits four installations by the world-renowned artist: Spire (2008), Wood Line (2010),

Tree Fall (2013), and Earth Wall (2014). The three-mile hike is moderate with a few uphill stretches and

surfaces that include sand and rocky areas. Rain or shine. Registration is required.

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/guided-art-hike-andy-goldsworthy-in-the-presidio-2019-06-8

Event: Presidio Experience Tour

Date: Third Thursdays: June 20

Time: 1 pm to 3 pm


Phone: 415-561-4323

Price: Free

Get to know the Presidio during this two hour, in-depth experience. Start with a scenic shuttle ride

around the park and hear illuminating stories about the Presidio’s past and present. Then enjoy a guided

tour of the Officers’ Club for a deeper dive into the diverse people and world events that have shaped

the Presidio since 1776. Registration is required.

Event: Family-Friendly Bike Ride

https://www.presidio.gov/events/guided-walking-tour-of-the-main-post-2019-06-6

https://www.presidio.gov/events/prickles-spikes-and-thorns

https://www.presidio.gov/events/guided-art-hike-andy-goldsworthy-in-the-presidio-2019-06-8


Time: 10 am to 11:30 am

Place: Start at the Presidio Visitor Center, 210 Lincoln Boulevard

Phone: 415-561-4323

Join Presidio Trust staff and National Park Service rangers for a gentle four-mile bike ride. Roll through

the history and nature of the Presidio at a family-friendly pace that’s fun for all. Bring your own bike,

rent one from Sports Basement at Crissy Field, or pick up one of many dockless JUMP e-bikes found

throughout the Presidio. Registration and bike helmets are required. Appropriate for ages 8 and up.

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/family-friendly-bike-ride-2019-06-22

Event: Pasados del Presidio: Afternoon Fun for Kids

Date: Friday, June 28

Time: 12 pm to 3 pm


Phone: 415-561-4323

KIDS! Ever wonder what Early California was like? Join us to see history come to life through hands-on

activities, a tortilla-making demonstration, and more. Music and dance by Ballet Folklórico Mexicano

and others. Presented in partnership with the National Park Service.

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/pasados-del-presidio-afternoon-fun-for-kids

Event: Pasados del Presidio: Los Californianos Commemoration of the Anza Expedition



Place: Pershing Square, across from the Presidio Officers’ Club

Phone: 415-561-4323

Descendants of the founding families of the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition (1775-76) return to the

Presidio to recognize the journey of their ancestors and the establishment of El Presidio de San

Francisco. This program includes formal remarks, a procession by the Amigos de Anza horse-mounted

riders, and a roll call of the people who made the original 1,200 mile trek from Sonora, Mexico in 1776.

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/pasados-del-presidio-los-californianos-commemoration-of-the-

anza-expedition

Event: Pasados del Presidio: Special Guided Tours


Time: 1 pm + 3 pm

Place: Meet at the Welcome Desk in the Presidio Officers’ Club

Our one hour guided tour will surprise you with stories and artifacts focusing on the Presidio’s rich

Spanish and Mexican heritage. Learn about the early expeditions of people and animals to this area and

the indigenous world they encountered. View the adobe walls of the original El Presidio de San Francisco

Spanish fort, see historic cannons, and hear about recent archaeological discoveries. The walk is mostly

on paved surfaces with some moderate inclines and uneven sections.

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/pasados-del-presidio-special-guided-tours-2019-06-29

July

https://www.presidio.gov/events/family-friendly-bike-ride-2019-06-22


https://www.presidio.gov/events/pasados-del-presidio-afternoon-fun-for-kids

https://www.presidio.gov/events/pasados-del-presidio-los-californianos-commemoration-of-the-anza-expedition

https://www.presidio.gov/events/pasados-del-presidio-los-californianos-commemoration-of-the-anza-expedition

https://www.presidio.gov/events/pasados-del-presidio-special-guided-tours-2019-06-29


Date: July 6

Time: 1 pm


Phone: 415-561-4400





archaeologists.



Date: July 7

Time: 11 am to 2 pm


Phone: 415-561-4323






Date: July 11

Time: 1pm to 3 pm

Place: Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Ave., San Francisco

Phone: 415-561-4400

Price: Free





Event: Presidio Stargazing Party

Date: Thursday, July 11

Time: 7 pm to 10 pm


Phone: 415-561-4323

The SF Amateur Astronomers bring their giant telescopes and help people of all ages see the night sky’s

most interesting astronomical beauties up close. Co-sponsored by the Presidio Trust. Visit

www.timeanddate.com/sun/usa/san-francisco to gauge the start time. Stargazing events are dependent

on visibility; check www.sfaa-astronomy.org at 4 pm on the day of the event to confirm the event is

occurring.




http://www.timeanddate.com/sun/usa/san-francisco

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/presidio-stargazing-party-2019-07-11


Date: Second Saturdays, July 13








Date: Saturday, July 13



Phone: 415-561-4323







Date: Third Thursdays: July 18

Time: 1 pm to 3 pm


Phone: 415-561-4323

Price: Free

Get to know the Presidio during this two hour, in-depth experience. Start with a scenic shuttle ride around the park and hear illuminating stories about the Presidio’s past and present. Then enjoy a guided tour of the Officers’ Club for a deeper dive into the diverse people and world events that have shaped the Presidio since 1776. Registration is required.

August


Date: August 1

Time: 1 pm to 3 pm

Place: Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Ave., San Francisco

Phone: 415-561-4323

Price: Free

https://www.presidio.gov/events/presidio-stargazing-party-2019-07-11







Event: From Army Landfill to National Park Nature Site

Date: August 2 and August 3


Place: Meet at Presidio Transit Center, 215 Lincoln Boulevard

Phone: 415-561-4323

Over the course of nearly two decades, the Presidio Trust transformed the Presidio from a military post to a national park, including removing landfills the Army once used to store trash and restoring these sites to beautiful natural landscapes. Come on a walk with a Presidio naturalist to learn how these areas were revitalized and about our goal of sending zero waste to the landfill. This walk will include a moderate slope, some uneven terrain, and stairs. Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/from-army-landfill-to-national-park-nature-site


Date: August 3

Time: 1 pm


Phone: 415-561-4400





archaeologists.



Date: August 4

Time: 11 am to 2 pm


Phone: 415-561-4323





Event: 5th Annual Presidio Kite Festival

Date: Saturday, August 10

Time: 11 am to 5 pm


Phone: 415-561-4323


https://www.presidio.gov/events/from-army-landfill-to-national-park-nature-site



Let your imagination soar at this colorful, family-friendly festival featuring all things kite. The event

features a free “build you own kite” booth, hands-on learning from kite experts, a kite art exhibition,

giant kites, mega team flying, Taiko drummers, and food trucks. Offered in partnership with Highline

Kites.

Link: https://www.presidio.gov/events/presidio-kite-festival


Date: Second Saturdays: August 10








Date: Third Thursdays: August 15

Time: 1 pm to 3 pm


Phone: 415-561-4323

Price: Free

Get to know the Presidio during this two hour, in-depth experience. Start with a scenic shuttle ride

around the park and hear illuminating stories about the Presidio’s past and present. Then enjoy a guided

tour of the Officers’ Club for a deeper dive into the diverse people and world events that have shaped

the Presidio since 1776. Registration is required.


Date: Saturday, August 17



Phone: 415-561-4323






About the Presidio and the Presidio Trust The Presidio Trust is a federal agency that manages the Presidio of San Francisco, a national park at the heart of the 82,000-acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area. In partnership with the National Park Service and the non-profit Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the Presidio Trust brings alive the park’s historic, natural, and recreational assets for the inspiration, education, health, and enjoyment of all people at no cost to taxpayers. Spanning nearly 1,500 acres in a spectacular setting at the Golden

https://www.presidio.gov/events/presidio-kite-festival



Gate, the Presidio is defined by its history, spectacular views, natural habitats, and beautiful opens spaces. It is home to 3,000 residents and 200 tenant organizations, many of which welcome and serve the public. The Presidio Trust is focused on welcoming all to the national park experience, protecting and enhancing the environment, and operating in service to the public. Learn more at www.presidio.gov.

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http://www.presidio.gov/