Golden Gate Park turned 150 years old this month, and while the party at the park may have been canceled, the celebration is underway online.
Golden Gate Park’s 150th birthday was on April 4th, and the city had planned a huge party to celebrate.
“We were hoping to welcome at least 150,000 people into the park on that day for 150 different community activities,” said San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg, “there was going to be music and community events in every corner of the park, andhe park was going to be car-free that day.”
That party wasn’t to be however, as the COVID-19 pandemic undermined those particular plans, but Ginsburg said the shelter in place order hasn’t stopped the party because Golden Gate Park is always there whether in times of joy or crisis.
“The park is here for us now, and it was here for us during the AIDS crisis. It was here for us for a couple of earthquakes. It’s actually been here for us during other pandemics.” said Ginbsurg.
The city has launched a Golden Gate Park 150th birthday website that features podcasts, webcam video, a portal where can share memories of the park, and a virtual concert series with footage from performances in the park over the past few years.
The concert series features footage from past performances in the park. The featured concert this week is singer-songwriter Joan Osborne’s 2019 Hardly Strictly performance, going live Saturday evening. The website also gives visitors a look at what’s happening in the park while the city shelters at home.
“We have five new bison including one new female bison, and she’ll be available to watch on a webcam.” said Ginsburg.
The website will remain in place even after the pandemic ends, so people all over the world can continue to enjoy the park virtually.