San Francisco Recreation and Park

What San Francisco Recreation and Park does

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department is a municipal government department of the City and County of San Francisco, established in 1870 and operating under the Mayor's Office with oversight from the Recreation and Park Commission. It manages a portfolio of 230+ parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, athletic fields, and open spaces—including Golden Gate Park (23M+ annual visitors), Coit Tower, the Marina Yacht Harbor, the San Francisco Zoo, Sharp Park in Pacifica, and Camp Mather in the High Sierra. Core service delivery spans free public park access, recreation programs (sports leagues, swimming lessons, summer camps), cultural programming (125+ annual free concerts at the Golden Gate Bandshell via the Illuminate LIVE series, public art installations such as the Big Art Loop, and civic events at Union Square and Civic Center), and specialized facilities (tennis/pickleball courts with reservations, soccer fields at Kezar Stadium, golf courses at TPC Harding Park and Golden Gate Park Golf Course). Equity programming includes the Museums for All partnership offering $3 admission at the San Francisco Zoo to Medi-Cal and CalFresh recipients, recreation scholarships, and the Community Opportunity Fund (35+ park improvements since 2008).

Name

San Francisco Recreation and Park

Legal name

San Francisco Recreation and Park Department

Website

https://sfrecpark.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1866

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department manages 230+ parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, pools, and golf courses in San Francisco, including Golden Gate Park. It delivers free public programming and events, funded primarily by city taxes, bonds, and grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Municipal Parks and Recreation Services

NAICS

Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Campgrounds (721211), Golf Courses and Country Clubs (71391), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services (BPAIACAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Campgrounds & RV Parks (Developed Sites) (THAGAOAA), Outdoor Adventure & Action Sports Parks (Ski Resorts, Bike Parks, Skateparks) (MPAKAEAL), Community Sports & Recreation Festivals (Fun Runs, Local Games Days) (MPAGAEAN)

Keywords

• Municipal park management
• Recreation programs
• Public facility reservations
• Community recreation services
• Parks and open space

Headquarters

HQ city

San Francisco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Tax Funding: As a municipal department of the City and County of San Francisco, the department receives public funding through city budgets, bonds (e.g., 2020 Health and Recovery Bond), and tax revenues to operate and maintain parks and recreation facilities.
2. Program Registration Fees: Fees for recreation programs, swimming lessons, sports leagues, and facility rentals generate revenue. Contact: 415-831-6800 for program registration.
3. Permits and Reservations: Revenue from permits for events, facility reservations, tennis/pickleball court reservations (some locations with $5 fee), and special use permits.
4. Concession and Partnership Revenue: Revenue-sharing and concessions from partners operating within parks, including restaurant activations (Super Duper Burgers at Union Square, Assembly Cafe at Civic Center), and partnership-funded programming.
5. Golf Operations: Self-sustaining golf operations at TPC Harding Park and Golden Gate Park Golf Course, with clubhouse concessions and pro shop revenue.
6. Grants and Philanthropy: Federal, state, and private grants support capital projects (e.g., $2M EPA grant for India Basin, $5.1M grant for India Basin, $8.1M federal funding for Buchanan Street Mall, $1M state grant for Great Highway). Community Opportunity Fund leverages philanthropic contributions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The department operates and maintains the City and County of San Francisco's public parks, open spaces, recreation centers, swimming pools, and golf courses, and runs a broad portfolio of community recreation programs including classes, leagues, camps, and special events. It also issues permits for facility use, fields, picnic areas, and special events, and partners with concessionaires for food and amenity services.

Product overview

San Francisco Recreation and Park is a government department that manages a portfolio of parks, recreation facilities, and community programs across San Francisco. The department operates 230+ parks and open spaces including iconic landmarks like Golden Gate Park and Coit Tower, as well as recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, athletic fields, and special facilities. The department offers public programs including free concerts at the Golden Gate Bandshell (Illuminate LIVE series), park permits and reservations, recreation programs for youth and families, and community initiatives like the Community Opportunity Fund and Museums for All program that provides reduced-cost access to cultural institutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Public parks and open-space stewardship Ongoing management and maintenance of San Francisco's portfolio of public parks and open-space areas, for residents and visitors.
• Community recreation programs (classes, leagues, camps, events) Recreation classes, youth and adult leagues, seasonal camps, and community events delivered through city recreation centers for residents.
• Facility and field reservations Reservable use of recreation centers, sports fields, picnic areas, and similar city park facilities by residents, community groups, and event organizers.
• Park and special-event permits Permits authorizing special events, commercial activities, and organized gatherings on city parkland, issued to event organizers and vendors.
• Golf course operations Public golf course play, tee-time reservations, and related golf operations run by the department.
• Swimming pools and aquatic services Public swimming pools and aquatic programming delivered through city recreation facilities for residents and visitors.
• Concession operations and partnership programming Food-and-beverage concessions, amenity services, and sponsored or partner-led programming delivered in coordination with third-party operators on city parkland.

Quantifiable outcome

• 92% citywide park cleanliness and maintenance score
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• BXPflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Real estate company committing $2.5 million in-kind donation for Embarcadero Plaza design and $3 million for restroom facilities at Embarcadero Center as part of $40 million waterfront park transformation.
• Downtown SF PartnershipcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Official programming and activations partner for Embarcadero Park under guidance of Rec and Park. Spearheaded community engagement and fundraising efforts, already securing approximately $2 million in private support.
• SF Children & NaturecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Citywide collaborative dedicated to ensuring all kids experience nature-rich childhoods. Partnership created 15 nature play spaces including Randall Museum Nature Exploration Area, transforming child care sites across San Francisco.
• The Skatepark ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 February 2025National nonprofit dedicated to creating skateparks in underserved communities. Partnership for U.N. Skate Plaza expansion adding 2,100 square feet of skateable surface with skateable sculptures by Olympic skateboarder Alexis Sablone.
• ConversecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 February 2025Footwear and apparel brand partnering on U.N. Skate Plaza expansion. Converse contributed to skateable sculptures design by team rider Alexis Sablone and supports community celebration events at the plaza.
• HOKcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Architecture firm leading design of Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Improvement Project, creating concept design for $40 million waterfront park transformation.
• Another Planet EntertainmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024SF-based concert promoter producing free downtown concerts at Embarcadero Plaza, Civic Center Fulton Plaza, and contributing to Golden Gate Park concerts. Partnership driving economic recovery through arts and culture.
• Rocking the BoatcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Nonprofit launching diverse programming centered around boat building at India Basin Waterfront Park, providing youth and public new ways to experience the Bay.
• Bay Wheels (Lyft)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Bike share program expansion into Golden Gate Park with temporary valet stations during Outside Lands and permanent bike share stations across the park.
• KABOOM!coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024National nonprofit partnering on KABOOM! 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity, ensuring equitable connection with nature through play for kids in every neighborhood.
• Children and Nature NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024National organization with which SF Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg serves on the Board of Directors, advancing connection between children and nature.
• California State Park and Recreation CommissioncoreOthers · 1 January 2024SF Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg serves as chairperson of the California State Park and Recreation Commission, reappointed unanimously by the State Senate.
• National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024SF Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg serves on NRPA Board of Directors, bringing expertise leading one of the country's most innovative park systems.
• San Francisco Human Services AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership to operate Museums for All program providing reduced-price admission ($3) to SF Zoo for residents with Medi-Cal or CalFresh cards. Program expanded to 25+ participating museums.
• Bay FCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024National Women's Soccer League team partnering on soccer sculpture installations in parks and Oracle Park match activations. Unveiled soccer mini-pitch at Crocker Amazon Playground.
• IlluminatecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2020Illuminate is a San Francisco nonprofit that produces free public art and music programming. Partnership to produce Illuminate LIVE concert series at Golden Gate Bandshell with 125+ free concerts annually. Also collaborates on public art installations including R-Evolution sculpture, Entwined, WelcomeSF, and 7X7 light installation.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• New York City Department of Parks and Recreation: The largest U.S. municipal parks system, operating 30,000+ acres and 14% of NYC land. Directly comparable as a municipal parks and recreation department with iconic flagship parks (Central Park, Prospect Park), extensive programming, golf operations, and a similar public funding + concessions model.
• Chicago Park District: Municipal operator of 600+ parks, 70+ indoor pools, and major lakefront recreation assets in a dense U.S. city. Directly comparable municipal governance, free public access model, recreation programming, and capital-improvement pipeline funded by bonds and tax revenue.
• Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks: Manages 16,000+ acres of parkland, 184 recreation centers, 13 golf courses, and major venues (Griffith Park, Echo Park) for the City of Los Angeles. Closely comparable in scale, municipal funding structure, and breadth of programming (youth sports, seniors, swimming, golf).
• Seattle Parks and Recreation: Municipal department operating 485+ parks, 25+ miles of shoreline, and major recreation centers and pools in Seattle. Comparable mid-large municipal parks operator with strong emphasis on equity access, free public programming, and capital project delivery.
• Boston Parks and Recreation Department: Operates Boston's 2,200+ acres of parkland including the Emerald Necklace and Franklin Park. Comparable in operating historic urban parks, free public access model, golf course operations, and integration of community programming.
• Philadelphia Parks & Recreation: Municipal operator of 170+ parks including Fairmount Park, recreation centers, playgrounds, and historic sites. Comparable scale of legacy urban park portfolio, recreation center programming, and reliance on municipal budget plus grant funding.
• Denver Parks and Recreation: Manages 300+ parks, 20+ miles of trails, 30 recreation centers, and golf facilities across Denver. Comparable mid-size municipal parks operator with significant capital improvement pipeline, public-private partnerships, and free programming for residents.
• Portland Parks & Recreation: Operates 10,000+ acres of parkland, 200+ parks, and recreation centers across Portland, OR. Comparable urban municipal parks operator with strong equity programming, community engagement processes, and public-private partnership model.

Others

• National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA): The national nonprofit association supporting park and recreation professionals, on whose board the former SF Rec and Park GM Phil Ginsburg served. Comparable as the industry body that convenes municipal park systems, sets standards, and channels federal advocacy and grants.
• Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit focused on creating parks and protecting land for people; active in San Francisco park funding and policy. Comparable as a park-creation and conservation peer that both complements and competes for philanthropic capital flowing into the SF park ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/RecParkSF
• YouTubeyoutube.com/sfrecpark
• Facebookfacebook.com/sfrecpark
• Instagraminstagram.com/sfrecpark

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about San Francisco Recreation and Park