Plan Ahead for Park Activities During 4th of July Holiday at GGNRA

Date: June 29, 2010
Contact: Howard Levitt, [phone]

(Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Calif.)—Golden Gate National Recreation Area expects heavy use of beaches, trails, and historic sites this Fourth of July weekend. There are several special activities offered. The National Park Service would like to pass on these tips for a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Marin Headlands—Conzelman and East Roads in the Marin Headlands have limited access due to construction.

Project Headlands is progressing, however closures and restrictions continue due to ongoing construction. In the interest of public safety, East Road at Fort Baker will be closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic for the Fourth of July weekend. This closure is subject to change as conditions dictate. Conzelman Road remains closed to vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians from McCullough Road to Field Road. As in previous years, the open portion of Conzelman Road will be strictly controlled to maintain emergency vehicle access and safe conditions.

There are many activities and attractions in the Marin Headlands that do not require the use of Conzelman Road. On July 3, the Nike Missile Site will have an open house from 12:30 until 3:30 PM featuring the two authors of “The Last Missile Site,” Stephen A. Haller and John A. Martini. The Point Bonita Lighthouse will be open Saturday through Monday from 12:30 PM until 3:30 PM. On July 4, Battery Townsley,San Francisco's most extensive and most secret World War II military fortification, will be open for public tours from noon until 4:00PM. Visitors to these areas are encouraged to use the Bunker Road access. On July 4, MUNI 76 will operate throughout the Marin Headlands. Please check www.511.org and follow links for the schedule.

San Francisco—

Ranger programs in the Presidio.  On July 4 from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM, come and learn about the last operational gun of its kind at Battery Chamberlin located on the north end of the Baker Beach parking lot. Another option is a ranger-led walk through the historic Presidio while listening to soldiers’ stories from the past. This walk is moderately strenuous, beginning at 2:00PM and ending at 4:00PM. Meet at the Officers Club, 50 Moraga Avenue.

Fireworks

The use of personal fireworks is prohibited at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, including at Ocean Beach. There are many reasons for this prohibition including public safety and the negative effects of fireworks on wildlife. The Bay Area is home to many species of birds, and July is nesting season for many of them, including Bank Swallows, Double-Crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, and American Avocets. Many fledglings have left the nest yet remain vulnerable to disturbance. Birds may abandon their nests due to illegal fireworks explosions. Park Police and Park Rangers patrolling GGNRA will confiscate, and issue citations for using, illegal fireworks.

Ocean Safety

With sunshine and warm temperatures predicted for the weekend, the water may look tempting. Beware of dangerous rip currents, cold water, and high waves at ocean beaches. Stinson Beach is the park's only designated beach for ocean swimming. Please do not swim at other beaches, including Ocean Beach and Baker Beach. In case of an emergency, call 911 or 415-561-5656.

Beach Fires

Be considerate of neighbors, especially if you use a beach at night. Fires are allowed at Muir Beach and between Lincoln Way and Fulton at Ocean Beach. Remember that beach fires must be smaller than three feet in diameter and extinguished with water, not sand, until it is cold to the touch. Pack out all of your trash when you leave.

Use Public Transportation to the Park

The National Park Service urges visitors to use public transportation to get to the park's many sites. Take MUNI, Golden Gate Transit, SamTrans, or the PresidioGo shuttle to avoid full parking lots (which will fill up early in the day) and to spend more time having fun in the national park. For information on transit options, go to www.511.org and follow links for transit providers. Many transportation agencies will be providing extra buses and rail service.

Glass and Alcohol on the Beaches

For your safety, glass bottles and containers are prohibited on all beaches and will be confiscated. Glass containers are also prohibited on the sidewalks and seawall at Ocean Beach. Consumption of alcohol is not allowed at Ocean Beach, Sutro Baths, and some other park areas. Please practice "Leave No Trace" ethics by packing out what you pack in.

For information on activities in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, visit the park's website: www.nps.gov/goga.