San Francisco Recreation and Park Department

.@valkyries guard Gabby Williams, a WNBA All-Star, is bringing her career full circle in the Bay Area. Williams, who signed w/ the team this spring, recently reflected on her childhood summers playing w/ the Mission Rec Rebels via @MLNow: tinyurl.com/34c9xr6p

Rec & Park’s summer class registration opens Saturday, May 16 at 10AM. Explore a range of offerings for all ages, from Tiny Tot programs & youth surf experiences to senior fitness & dance classes, along w/ family-friendly activities across SF. Register at sfrecpark.org/register.

Celebrate Southeast Asian New Year at Fulton Plaza (Fulton between Larkin & Hyde streets) on Saturday, 5/16 from 11AM-6PM. Hosted by The Bamboo, this free event features Thai & Southeast Asian food vendors, artisans, performances & traditional ceremonies: tinyurl.com/yeywxyre

Registration is not required. Learn more here: tinyurl.com/skpjhpmv

Head to In Chan Kaajal Community Garden (1300 17th Street) for free seeds & plant starts available for pickup on Saturday, 5/16 from 10AM-1PM. This free event is open to all SF residents & offers a chance to connect w/ the @smsfmastergard, who will be on-site to answer questions.

“I literally woke up in the early morning one day & said to myself the Senior Prom needs to happen again. The community needs it.” Read more via the @sfchronicle about the return of Senior Prom & the work of Katherine Villasin, Rec & Park's citywide senior programs coordinator:

The youth-led event features kid-and-dog teams from across the Bay Area coming together to inspire hope & change, w/ proceeds supporting gun buyback & other prevention programs.

Check out the 3rd Annual Pawz for Pierce’s Playaz at Civic Center Plaza (335 McAllister Street) on Friday, 5/15 from 4:30-6:30PM. This community dog competition raises awareness for gun violence prevention. Learn more here: tinyurl.com/34yt9hh2

Join Ikebana International for its Wonderful World of Men in Ikebana event at the County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue) on Friday, 5/15 beginning at noon. It'll feature demos from male artists in the schools of Aratame, Ikenobo & Sogetsu. Details at ikebana.org.

She also led public investment efforts that secured more than $500 million for park improvements, contributing to SF becoming the first city in the nation in which every resident lives within a ten-minute walk of a park. Learn more here: tinyurl.com/45v55axt

Throughout her career, Madland has helped lead some of SF’s most transformative park & rec initiatives. She's worked to ensure the long-term success for the JFK Promenade, launched programs such as Love Dolores & SF Children & Nature, & expanded a citywide park volunteer network.

Mayor @DanielLurie today appointed Sarah Madland as general manager of Rec & Park. Madland brings more than two decades of city service to the role, where she'll oversee SF’s park system & work to expand access to recreation programs, community spaces & neighborhood amenities.

People of the Parks is a series of short stories, based on conversations with people we meet in San Francisco parks.

“This really is my favorite park,” she said. “It’s great to see it getting better and better.” To learn more about the Twin Peaks Promenade Project, click the link below. sfrecpark.org/m/newsflash/Ho…

With its sweeping 360-degree views of San Francisco and beyond, Twin Peaks holds a special place for Joji, who has been coming here since she was a teenager.   “This is where I come when I need to clear my mind,” she said.