Golden Gate Park Turns 146

Golden Gate Park, one of the world’s most iconic parks, turns 146 years old on Monday, April 4, 2016. Nearly a century-and-a-half ago, park engineer William Hammond Hall and master gardener John McLaren carved out an urban oasis from a vast, windswept expanse of sand dunes.

The result: a verdant, horticulturally diverse and picturesque public park where city residents can relax and reconnect with nature.

To celebrate the birthday, admission to the Japanese Tea Garden will be free on Monday from 9am to 6pm.

Within Golden Gate Park’s 1,017 acres (174 acres larger than New York’s Central Park) are gardens, playgrounds, lakes, picnic groves, trails, monuments, plus an array of cultural venues, events, and activities. The park includes many opportunities for learning at the newly remodeled California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, Conservatory of Flowers, and San Francisco Botanical Garden.

In addition, JFK Drive is closed to vehicle traffic on certain stretches for park users to walk, run, or roll through the park:
-Saturdays – From April through September, JFK is closed to vehicle traffic from 8th Ave to Transverse Drive
-Sundays and Holidays – JFK is closed to vehicle traffic from Kezar Drive to Transverse Drive

Volunteer to help Golden Gate Park
Volunteers commit dozens of hours to volunteer work parties within Golden Gate Park each weekend. To learn more about volunteer events, contact: recparkvolunteer@sfgov.org