Wednesday, August 27, 2014

SF Park and Rec annoucements August 27


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Free Intro to Fishing Class at Lake Merced on August 30      
Come and fish at San Francisco's beautiful Lake Merced on Saturday, August 30, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  This free class for fledgling anglers, ages 8 and up, will cover basic fishing techniques taught by our experienced staff.  Lake Merced is home to common species such as rainbow trout, catfish, black bass, carp and sunfish.  We provide the equipment; all you need is a fishing license if you're 16 or older.  This class can accommodate up to 12 students, first-come, first serve.  Meet at the Lake Merced Boathouse at 1 Harding Drive.  Fishing licenses can be purchased via the California Fish & Wildlife website at dfg.ca.gov/licensing or at your local fishing shop.  For more information, email rex.biteng@sfgov.org.
Street Soccer USA Recognized at Rec and Park Commission Meeting         
After hosting its 2014 Street Soccer USA Cup at Civic Center Plaza August 15-17, members of Street Soccer USA (Rob Cann, far right, and Hattie Chandler, fourth from left) stopped by the Recreation and Park Commission meeting on August 21, along  with members of the SF Street Soccer team, to receive certificates of appreciation from GM Phil Ginsburg (fifth from right) and Commission Vice-President Allan Low (far left). Street Soccer USA has found a way to reach out to our most vulnerable communities and provide life-skills and employment programs that are helping to build bridges across the divide. Street Soccer USA is helping our citizens in SOMA, Western Addition and the Tenderloin by working in collaboration with Rec and Park to create safe places to play soccer and provide positive programming for underserved youth and adults.  
Fourth Annual Chinatown Ping Pong Tournament at Willie "Woo Woo" Wong Playground 
On August 17, Rec and Park took part in the Fourth Annual Chinatown Ping Pong Tournament, featuring a field of 74 teams in three divisions.This event is a testament not only to the growing popularity of sports like table tennis, but to the strong community bonds that exist between residents, non-profit organizations, elected officials, schools and businesses in the Chinatown area, and Rec and Park is delighted to be a part of that community.
The New York Times Features SF's Alice Marble Tennis Courts  
The U.S. Open is in full swing, but that doesn't mean you have to be a spectator.  Grab your racket and head out to the Alice Marble Tennis Courts, which were recently featured in the New York Times, "The Alice Marble Tennis Courts, which are part of George Sterling Park in the Russian Hill neighborhood, sit atop a reservoir at Hyde and Lombard Streets and offer views of the San Francisco Bay. The public courts are named for an American champion who won 18 Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles from 1936 to 1940." Tennis, anyone?
Teens, Join the Rec and Park Team!        
Teens, looking for an after school job this year? Work in our parks, our recreation centers or offices. Learn new skills, meet people, and make some money at the same time!

Applications for school-year 9910 Public Service Trainee-Workreation Program positions will open online at www.jobaps.com/sf starting on Monday, August 25 at 9 a.m. through Friday, September 5, at 11:59 p.m.
  • Online Applications are only accepted via www.jobaps.com/sf (available under 9910 Public Service Trainee.  Note: there are other 9910 Public Service Trainee positions from other agencies/departments, so please make sure to check that the application you select indicates "RECREATION AND PARKS"
  • Ages 14 through 17 year olds; can be 18 years old but would still need to be enrolled in high school
upcomingevents
David Johnson Retrospective Photo Exhibit Kicks off September 6    
The Harvey Milk Photo Center presents a new exhibit of David Johnson's photography running from September 6 - October 19. David Johnson, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., was the first African American student of Ansel Adams at the California School of the Arts. In Adams' school he was advised to photograph his own neighborhood and document the faces and places with which he was most familiar. He subsequently became an important chronicler of black life in San Francisco in the middle part of the 20th century. Please join us for the opening reception on September 6 from 1-4 p.m. at the Harvey Milk Photo Center.  For more info, click here
Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival on September 6     
The Southeast Asian Arts and Culture Coalition present the Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 6, 2014. The exhibition helps promote and preserve the arts and culture of the Southeast Asian American communities in San Francisco. There will be representatives from the Burmese, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai, and Vietnamese communities. For more information, please email contact@seaacc-sf.org 
Mission Rec Rebels Fall Tryouts, September 10-14 
Fourth- to eighth-grade girls are invited to the Mission Recreation Center Rebels fall tryouts, September 10-14. MRC is one of the most recognized, most comprehensive instruction-based Girls AAU Basketball programs in the west. Repetition is the key to success, and all of our teams train consistently on a structured and designed curriculum which dramatically impacts player development through the season.

Fall/Winter teams will train each week in:
  • Multiple team practices 2x per week
  • Skills and Performance training
  • Strength, Speed and Agility Training
  • Structured Curriculum
  • Qualified Coaches committed to child's growth and development
  • 7 to 10 Tournaments
TRYOUT DATES:

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th  
5pm-7pm       4th, 5th and 6th graders
7pm-9pm       7th and 8th graders
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH
5pm-7pm       4th, 5th and 6th grader
7pm-9pm       7th and 8th graders
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th
9am-11am 4th 5th and 6th grader
11am-1pm 7th and 8th graders

MISSION RECREATION CENTER is located at 2450 Harrison St.

For more information, please contact jacqueline.randolph@sfgov.org. 
34th Annual Comedy Day on September 14 
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Thank You, SF Rec and Park Employees!                      
In honor of Labor Day, here's to all of the men and women who work to keep our parks clean, safe and fun. 
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Monday, August 18, 2014

San Francisco Rec and Park news


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Giant Sweep Volunteer Day at McLaren Park and Louis Sutter Playground on August 16 
San Francisco is naturally one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Unfortunately, some people think it's OK to trash it. The Giant Sweep anti-litter campaign aims to stop that behavior and build a team to keep San Francisco clean and beautiful.

In February 2012, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and the World Champion San Francisco Giants launched Giant Sweep, a citywide campaign that brings together local schools, residents, businesses and community groups to create a culture of clean.

Join SF Public Works and Rec and Park for a Giant Sweep Volunteer Day of Service event at McLaren Park and Louis Sutter Playground on Saturday, August 16, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will include park beautification projects followed by a picnic lunch. RSVP at recparkvolunteer@sfgov.org.
Street Soccer USA National Cup Event at Civic Center, August 15-17        
Street Soccer USA plays for more than just winning or losing. It plays to better itself, to better its community, and to better the world. Its mission is to improve health, education, and employment outcomes for the most disadvantaged through sports. Street Soccer USA also seeks to raise awareness about the challenges of poverty in America so that as a country we can develop a more level playing field for all.  

Join us at the 4v4 Street Soccer USA Cup 2014 in Civic Center Plaza where program teams from 16 cities will celebrate their goals on and off the field.
  • PLAY: Play in the Cup and registration fees support Street Soccer USA's program during the year
  • VOLUNTEER: Signup to volunteer with you and your kids to learn about how soccer in changing the lives of at-risk and homeless youth in SF
  • CHEER: Come to the Opening Ceremonies on Friday August 15th at 12:00pm and cheer on the teams throughout the weekend
Saturday in the Park McLaren 2014 Concert Series       
The Friends of the Amp (Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park) kicked off the 2014 Saturday in the Park McLaren Concert Series this past Saturday.  These free concerts feature an eclectic mix of genres, including R&B, Classic Rock, Bluegrass, International Music and the Blues.  All concerts begin at 1 p.m.  For more information on concert dates and performers, click here.
Golden Gate Park Hosts 7th Annual Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival   
This past weekend over 200,000 people from all over the world flocked to our cherished Golden Gate Park for the 7th annual Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival. With headliners like Kanye West, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and The Killers- there was truly something for every type of music lover. The weekend was not just about the music, however, as Outside Lands stands out among other music festivals because of the wide variety of local wine, beer, and cuisine. Check out http://www.sfoutsidelands.com/home/ for more information on the festival as well as photos and history. 
Fall Registration Going On Now!  
This fall, get out and play with SF Rec and Park.  Log onto sfreconline.com today to browse our catalog of nearly 1,400 classes and programs, including yoga and fitness classes for adults, dance classes for seniors, and art and sports programs for kids. We have something for everyone! 
upcomingevents
2014 Annual Dahlia Show, August 16-17   
Free Fishing Classes at Lake Merced on August 16 and 30      
Come and fish at San Francisco's beautiful Lake Merced. Free intro fishing class on Saturday, August 16 and Saturday, August 30 from 8am to 11:30am. First 12 people only. Anyone above 16 years old must have a California fishing license which can be purchased at the California Fish and Wildlife Website. You will find common fish specias such as Rainbow Trout, Catfish, and Black Bass.
B-Magic Annual Back to School Celebration at Youngblood Coleman Park on August 16  
Sunday Storytime Hour in Outer Space on August 17!       
The Cartoon Art Museum is continuing its monthly children's storytime on Sunday, August 17th from 11am-12pm. This month's theme is "outer space" and is free with admission to the Cartoon Art Museum (children 6 and under are free). For more information, please visit the event website
Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival on September 6     
The Southeast Asian Arts and Culture Coalition present the Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 6, 2014. The exhibition helps promote and preserve the arts and culture of the Southeast Asian American communities in San Francisco. There will be representatives from the Burmese, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai, and Vietnamese communities. For more information, please email contact@seaacc-sf.org 
Trail Restoration Weekend at McLaren Park, August 22-24   
McLaren Park is San Francisco's second largest park, but has been underappreciated for years. Access to the park is difficult from the community on the park's southern border, so V-O-Cal is tackling the creation of a brand new trail in the area of the park that runs along Visitacion, giving locals a nice off-road access into the body of the park. You can be part of the effort!

Join us for the weekend or for just a day. Work on the trail or help in camp with registration, providing food for over 100 volunteers, setting up shower tents, serving beer and more... You won't want to miss it! Sign up now! Download theFact Sheet for directions and other important information.
  • Make a lasting contribution
  • Tools, gloves, instructions and meals provided
  • Volunteer one day or the whole weekend
  • Optional camping Friday and Saturday nights
  • No previous experience necessary
  • Opportunities available on trail or in base camp
  • Ages 14 and over welcome

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Natural terrain play reduces child stress - CU Boulder

Natural-terrain schoolyards reduce children’s stress, says CU-Boulder study

July 22, 2014 • 
Playing in schoolyards that feature natural habitats and trees and not just asphalt and recreation equipment reduces children’s stress and inattention, according to a University of Colorado Boulder study.
Working on class assignments or gardening in such settings also provide stress-reducing benefits for youth, according to a paper published in the journal Health & Place. The study is one of the first of its kind to focus on the relationship between student access to green settings and stress.
“Many schools already offer stress management programs, but they’re about teaching individuals how to deal with stress instead of creating stress-reducing environments,” said Louise Chawla, CU-Boulder professor of environmental design and lead author of the study. “Schools are where children spend a major part of their life hours, so it’s an important place to look at for integrating daily contact with the natural world because of the many benefits it brings.”
Natural-terrain schoolyards -- with dirt, scrub oak and water features, for example -- foster supportive relationships and feelings of competence, the researchers found.
Combination schoolyards that have at least some natural-habitat landscaping, even if they include built structures as well, can have positive impacts on children, said Chawla, who also is the director of CU-Boulder’s Children, Youth and Environments Center.
Co-authors of the paper included three former doctoral students: Kelly Keena and Illène Pevec, both who were at the University of Colorado Denver; and Emily Stanley, who was at Antioch University New England in Keene, N.H.
For the study, a variety of settings were observed including elementary-school students’ recess in wooded and built areas; fourth- through sixth-grade students’ use of a natural habitat for science and writing lessons; and high school students’ gardening for volunteerism, required school service or coursework.
The sites were located at a private elementary school in Baltimore that serves children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities; a public elementary school in suburban Denver with students from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds; and four public and private entities for teenagers -- a college preparatory school, a public high school, an alternative school and an afterschool program -- throughout Colorado.
Together the researchers logged more than 1,200 hours of observation. They interviewed students, teachers, parents and alumni and coded keywords from the interviews for their findings, among other methods.
Over three school years at the Baltimore elementary school recess site, 96 percent of students in the first through fourth grades chose to play in the woods when they had the option of heading either there, to a playground or to an athletic field. In the woods, the younger children freely engaged in exploratory and sensory-based activities. The older children cooperatively organized activities like building forts and trading found objects.
Teachers at the Baltimore elementary school reported that the students returned from recess with longer attention spans. Some parents said the experience was empowering and critical to their child’s well-being and social and emotional balance.
Students at the Denver elementary school, who completed assignments in a natural habitat, found the process to be an escape from stress in the classroom and at home, according to the study. Twenty-five percent of the students spontaneously described the green area as “peaceful” or “calm.”
There also were anecdotal observations at the Denver school. In one case for example, a group of menacing schoolmates were unable to provoke a student in the green space whose temper normally was quick to escalate, according to the author.
“In more than 700 hours of observations at the Denver school’s green outdoor space, zero uncivil behaviors were observed,” said Chawla. “But there were many incidences of arguments and rudeness indoors, as there are at many schools.”
Among the teenage participants throughout Colorado who gardened, 46 percent referred to calm, peace and relaxation in addition to other positive descriptors when reflecting on their experiences. They also gave four main reasons for their favorable reactions: being outdoors in fresh air; feeling connected to a natural living system; successfully caring for living things; and having time for quiet self-reflection.
For schools that are interested in providing natural habitats for students but only have built outdoor spaces, Chawla suggests tearing out some areas of asphalt or creating joint-use agreements with city parks and open space.
“Schools are really prime sites for an ecological model of health and for building access to nature into part of the school routine as a health measure,” said Chawla.
Contact:
Louise Chawla, 303-492-5228
louise.chawla@colorado.edu
Elizabeth Lock, CU-Boulder media relations, 303-492-3117
elizabeth.lock@colorado.edu
- See more at: http://www.colorado.edu/news/releases/2014/07/22/natural-terrain-schoolyards-reduce-children%E2%80%99s-stress-says-cu-boulder-study#sthash.3yhtdsMa.dpuf