2024 was eventful to say the least. From Brat summer to Moo Deng and the rise of look alike contests, there are plenty of pop culture moments to recap, but here at SF Parks Alliance, we’re looking back on some of the most memorable moments in SF parks throughout the year.
Stow Lake was renamed Blue Heron Lake
At the start of the year San Francisco Recreation and Park Commissioners approved changing the name of Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park to Blue Heron Lake. William W. Stow, the lake’s original namesake, was a State Assembly Member in the 1800s who was openly an antisemite.
A bag stuffed with $50k was found in a planter box
In February, volunteers at Garden for the Environment in the Inner Sunset discovered a bag stuffed with $50k in a planter box.
China Basin Park opened in Mission Bay
15 years in the making, China Basin Park finally opened in Mission Bay. The new five-acre waterfront park features a bike and walking path that connects SoMa and Downtown with Dogptach and Bayview.
Annual 420 Festival on Hippie Hill was cancelled
Due to budget shortfalls, this year’s 420 Festival on Golden Gate Park’s Hippie Hill was cancelled. Instead, Volo, in partnership with Rec and Park held a Peace, Love and Volo Field Day on April 20 in Robin Williams Meadow.
New SF Live series drew thousands to parks for free concerts
This new free outdoor concert series put on by Illuminate, San Francisco Parks Alliance, Noise Pop, and Union Square Alliance brought six months of free shows to SF parks and public spaces. Shows included Eagles of Death Metal at Potrero del Sol Park, Remain in Light at China Basin Park, and more!
A record heat wave brought San Franciscans to the beach
In October San Francisco experienced a record heat wave with highs reaching 97 degrees. With little to no air conditioning in residential homes across the city, San Franciscans took to the beach to cool down.
India Basin Waterfront Park opened in Bayview-Hunters Point
San Francisco Parks Alliance alongside India Basin Waterfront Park partners opened the first portion of India Basin Waterfront Park this fall, one of the most significant park projects in modern San Francisco history. The $200 million environmental justice investment connects Bayview-Hunter’s Point residents to a healthy shoreline, providing waterfront access for the first time in generations, transforming a former brownfield into a thriving public space.
The Northern Lights illuminated the Bay Area sky
Thanks to some unusually strong solar storms, the aurora borealis lit up parts of the Bay Area sky this October. San Franciscans took to the Presidio and Crissy Field to catch a glimpse of the lights over the Golden Gate Bridge.
San Franciscans voted yes on Proposition K to create a permanent Ocean Beach Park
In this year’s November election San Franciscans voted to convert Upper Great Highway into a permanent park. The space is planned to close to cars in early 2025.
A tornado warning downed trees in parks across San Francisco
This December San Franciscans were abruptly woken up by a tornado warning. While damages were minimal, winds reached highs up to 60mph, toppling trees in parks across the city.
