Presidio Tunnel Tops community events: All the opening season joy!

Opening season at Presidio Tunnel Tops was filled with joy, dancing, food, and celebration—in large part due to the work of the Presidio Activator Council. The Activator Council is made up of Bay Area leaders, activists, and artists representing our communities—many of whom have not historically felt welcomed in national parks. The Activator Council was formed by the Partnership for the Presidio: The Parks Conservancy, Presidio Trust, and National Park Service.

Through special events, projects, and more, the Activators helped make the Presidio Tunnel Tops opening a resounding, welcoming, success. The events were big or small, but each had a huge impact: 

Environmental Justice Summit

Organized in part by Activator Khafre Jay and Hip Hop for Change 

Leaders, musicians, poets, and more came together for a day that was about representation and activism, amplifying the voices and power of people of color in the environmental justice movement. 

Faviana Rodriguez by her art installation, "Ancestral Futurism" Alexandra Grant / Parks Conservancy

'Ancestral Futurism' art installation

Created by Activator Favianna Rodriguez 

Colorful artwork of animals once native to the Presidio covered walkways and walls, meant to "celebrate this region pre-colonization when the Ramaytush Ohlone were the stewards for this land, and when creatures and this ecosystem thrived," according to Favianna. 

Fogo na Roupa performing at Presidio Tunnel Tops Opening Day Will Elder / NPS

Dance and music performances by Fogo na Roupa

Organized by Activator Metzi Henriquez 

The Carnaval dance and percussion company led a procession from the East Meadow to the Outpost after the park's ribbon-cutting and used the Presidio to practice for Carnaval. 

Access to Adventure Day

Organized by Activator Lucas Tobin 

Support for Families and San Francisco Rec and Park's Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Services joined with other groups to connect with families about accessible programs in the city and to explore the accessible features of Presidio Tunnel Tops. 

W.A.R.I.O.R. Welcome Back Wellness Walk Courtesy Magda Gasoma

W.A.R.I.O.R. Welcome Back Wellness Walk

Organized by Activator Mark Smith 

Parks and San Francisco VA Healthcare System staff teamed up to provide an intro to Presidio Tunnel Tops, with a guided walk, picnic, and natural and cultural interpretation of the site for SFVA Veteran patients and family members, as part of the San Francisco VA’s W.A.R.I.O.R. (Wellness and Recovery Incorporating Outdoor Recreation) program.

"It was special to see Veteran patients of all identities and abilities clearly enjoying the physical, mental, and social health and wellness benefits of time spent outdoors together," Mark said. 

Pchum Ben Celebration in Crissy Field Center Courtyard Mike Sun / Presidio Trust

Pchum Ben Celebration

Organized by Activator Mory Chhom 

Members of the Cambodian community from Oakland and San Francisco's Tenderloin came together for a day of ceremony and celebration in honor of Cambodia's second-largest holiday.