50 Years of Golden Gate National Recreation Area

 

Duration:

4 minutes, 48 seconds

What makes Recreation Areas unique?

 

A Park for the People

"You see the landscape as it was 50 years ago, and as it will be 50 years from now."

— Amy Meyer, "Mother of GGNRA"

Golden Gate National Recreation Area was established on October 27, 1972

The park welcomes over 15 million visitors a year across its more than 82,000 acres of coastal and urban lands, north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge. It includes: Alcatraz Island, the site of a 1969 protest which began the American Indian Civil Rights Movement; Crissy Field and the Marin Headlands, which offer iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city; The Presidio of San Francisco, where military landmarks cross more than 200 years of history and Presidio Tunnel Tops, our newest park site has opened; and our newest addition in San Mateo County, Rancho Corral de Tierra.

1972 - 2022: Honoring Park Lands for the People

These lands are the ancestral home of the Ramaytush Ohlone and Coast Miwok people. Over 50 years ago, people from broad backgrounds partnered with organizations, neighborhoods, and government to create the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Today, non-profit and tribal partners, schools, youth, volunteers, and community members shape and enrich our shared park experiences. Much has changed since the park was founded. During this celebration, we want to engage communities in new ways as we highlight our work to protect fragile ecosystems and combat climate change. This year, and always, GGNRA prioritizes transformative experiences that help visitors understand and reimagine our world. Join us as we celebrate the power of people and encourage the next generations of responsible park stewards.

 

Events

A variety of activities occurred in Golden Gate and surrounding gateway communities throughout 2022 - 2023. Browse our list of anniversary efforts below, follow us on social media and use #GOGA50. Click here for our special events calendar.

 

Golden Gate National Recreation Area closely monitors and responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the park may modify in-person activities. This may change as the year progresses.

Archive

Parkwide 50th Anniversary Clean-Up

Project locations vary throughout the GGNRA, Muir Woods, and Fort Point. Help us celebrate the 50th anniversary by rolling up your sleeves and giving the parks some TLC! Volunteers are the heart of GGNRA, so this is also a celebration of all the volunteers that have shared their time and care over the years to keep these special places healthy and thriving.

Thursday, October 27

Friday, October 28

Saturday October 29

Sunday, October 30

Owl Prowl at Muir Woods
October 27th, 5:30-8:00pm
Whooo there! See and hear the Owls, observe the deer, ladybugs and more fauna of Marin. Hike along up the Camp Alice Eastwood trail led by volunteer, Steffn Bartschat. Registration Required.

The Presidio: Changes Through Time
The Presidio Visitor Center
Every 3rd Sunday | November 20, 2022 - October 2023
This half-mile, level walk shows the historical changes to the Presidio, from the Spanish fort all the way to the new Tunnel Tops. Who benefitted from these changes, and who did not?

Community “Fee Free Day: at Alcatraz”

Saturday, December 03, 2022
Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. In celebration of 50 years, we invite you and your family to explore Alcatraz's history and natural beauty. In partnership with the Parks Conservancy, this event is available to local families and community groups. Registration is required.

Marincello Walk Marin Headlands | Saturday, February 11, 2023
Take an easy hike along the Miwok, Bobcat and Rodeo Valley trails to learn how close the Marin Headlands came to becoming a housing development. Please call 415-331-1540 to make a reservation. Evening Hike Program “Owl Wars” Muir Woods National Monument | Saturday, February 11, 2023 On this strenuous 5-mile dusk hike we will look and listen for the owls that call Muir Woods home. Registration is required, call the Muir Woods office during business hours (8 am - 5 pm) to reserve your spot.

 

Archive

Twitter Chat w/ Alcatraz Island

Wednesday, October 26th 2022 from 6-7pm PST
GOGA will be hosting an Anniversary #ParkChat (More info on Twitter chats). The questions will occur at 5 min intervals starting at 6:0opm PST. Join the conversation.

Next 50 Years of Golden Gate: Poster Contest

October 27, 2022 - March 21, 2023
A classroom art contest to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Local 4th grade classrooms in Title 1 schools are eligable to enter. Address the contest theme with originality and creativity: one piece of art per classroom can be entered. The contest winners has been announced.

Tri-Park Scavenger Hunt

October 2022 - August 2023
Get to know your parks. Take this virtual scavenger hunt about three unique Recreation Areas: Glen Canyon and Gateway. Enter your completed worksheet to receive a special prize (while supplies last).

 

Special Projects

 

Oral History Project

To commemorate this important year and continue the capture of the park’s history the GGNRA’s Museum Program is reinvigorating its Oral History Program. People have made this park a success and these oral history interviews will celebrate the power and contributions of those people.

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A Park for the People, Photo Exhibition

December 2022 - August 2023

Presidio Visitor Center, Main Post
An exhibit that celebrates the past, present and future of this unique national park. Encompassing centuries of overlapping cultures, and history - Golden Gate is home for many. Take a look back at where it all began; where it is today, and what's next. Features photography from GGNRA's Volunteer Photographers and Park Archives.

Check out the exhibit and get your special edition 50^th Anniversary passport stamp

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Learn About GGNRA

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  50 Years of GGNRA

  Parks for the People

  Learn how one of the most visited parks in the nation came to be.

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  Out and About

  Places To Go

  Whether its a full days trip, or you only have two hours: here are some great spots to visit.

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  Partners

  Parks Conservancy

  Our partner supports NPS efforts to preserve and protect Golden Gate into the future.

 

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News Releases

Member of the media? or interested in writing about Golden Gate National Recreation Areas's 50^th Year?

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Media Coverage

10.26.22 | KRON-TV KRON4 News at 8am | Camila Barco | Golden Gate National Recreation Area's 50th Anniversary

10.26.22 | KRON-TV KRON4 News at 9am | Camila Barco | Golden Gate National Recreation Area's 50th Anniversary (Charlie Strickfaden interview)

10.26.22 | KNTV-SF (NBC) NBC Bay Area News at 11AM | Golden Gate Recreation Area 50th Anniversary

10.26.22 | KRON-TV KRON4 News at Noon | Camila Barco | 50th Anniversary of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

10.26.22 | KTVU-SF (FOX) – KTVU FOX 2 News at Noon | GGNRA Celebrating 50th Anniversary

10.26.22 | KCBS-AM (repeated through day) | Radio Clip

10.26.22 | KRON-TV KRON4 News at 3pm (and repeated hourly) | Camila Barco | 50th Anniversary of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

10.26.22 | KTVU-SF (FOX) – KTVU FOX 2 News at Noon, 5pm, 11pm | GGNRA Celebrating 50th Anniversary

10.26.22 | KNTV-SF (NBC) – NBC Bay Area News at 6 and 11 | Golden Gate Recreation Area 50th Anniversary

10.26.22 | KBCW-TV CBS Bay Area Now | 50th Anniversary Celebration

10.27.22 | KTVU-SF (FOX) – KTVU Mornings on 2 | Allie Rasmus | 50-Year Anniversary for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area