Parks Reborn

Celebrate a shoreline renaissance

Comments (0) Wednesday, Sep 8 2004

SAT 9/11

S.F.'s new favorite picnic spot.

Paul McKenzie

Nice guy finishing ahead -- Gary Erickson.

Lance Armstrong at the 2003 T-Mobile race.

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Less than a decade ago, San Francisco's southeastern waterfront was a deserted industrial wasteland, its shoreline strewn with trash, used needles, and old tires that sat within sniffing distance of the toxic Hunters Point Shipyard. But thanks to more than half a million dollars poured into renovations, both the India Basin Shoreline Park and nearby Heron's Head Park have been transformed into tidy wetlands teeming with flocks of birds (and binocular-toting bird-watchers). Help inaugurate the fledgling recreation areas at "Imagine the Way," an event designed to introduce locals to their new patches of public space, with live music, tours from Audubon Society birding experts, circus performers, a guided bike ride, a water show by members of the S.F. Fire Department, and an art stroll among the outdoor sculptures commissioned for the temporary alfresco exhibition space. Wave hello to the brand-new beachfront property at 11 a.m. at Heron's Head and India Basin Shoreline parks, Evans & Hunters Point, S.F. Admission is free; call 621-3260 or visit www.sfneighborhoodparks.org.
-- Joyce Slaton

Bar Fly

WED 9/8

Gary Erickson, inventor of the actually tasty hiker chow the Clif Bar, is also pretty well-known for pursuing responsible company policies and being a really nice guy. He reads from his book Raising the Bar at 12:30 p.m. at Stacey's, 581 Market (at Second Street), S.F. Admission is free; call 421-4687 or visit www.staceys.com.
-- Hiya Swanhuyser

Go, Speed Racer, Go!

SUN 9/12

Why check out the T-Mobile International bike race (formerly known as the San Francisco Grand Prix)? A few reasons: tight, toned tushies; the rare occasion when it's OK to wear spandex; and a chance to gaze at Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. Cycling's elite take on this grueling citywide course to finish out the 2004 Pro Cycling Tour. Stake your spot early -- the Embarcadero start/finish line or the treacherous hills of Fillmore and Taylor streets are best -- since 500,000 viewers are expected to attend. The pedaling begins at 10 a.m. at the Ferry Building, Embarcadero & Market, S.F. Watching is free; visit www.procyclingtour.com.
-- Charyn Pfeuffer

Urban Adaptation

SUN 9/12

Raccoons pilfering your garbage? Pigeons pooping on your roof? Wild animals are fun to watch on the Discovery Channel, but less so when they invade your space. Seek the expert advice of Gary Bogue and Chuck Todd (author and illustrator, respectively, of city wildlife guide The Raccoons Next Door) at a question-and-answer session starting at 2 p.m. at the Muir Woods Visitor Center, Muir Woods Trail (between Muir Woods Road and Panoramic Highway), Mill Valley. Park admission is free-$3; call 561-3030.
-- Joyce Slaton