The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is a wealth of resources and activities for those of us in the Bay Area. If you've ever walked Crissy Field, grabbed a green tea at the Warming Hut, or marveled at the rather amazing Alcatraz tours, that's the GGNPC, the non-profit arm of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
The GGNPC is up to more good, having just completed a brand new Presidio Visitor Center, set to open this Saturday, February 25th (rain or shine.) The William Penn Mott, Jr. Presidio Visitor Center blends both ultra-modern technology and design with San Francisco history in its role as a gateway for the historic Army base's thousands of visitors.
"It is located at the intersection of the history of the Main Post, the nature of Crissy Field, and the scenery of the Golden Gate—a perfect blending of the nationally significant qualities of the Presidio," explained GGNPC Executive Director Greg Moore. The GGNPC will partner with the National Park Service and the Presidio Trust to run the center.
William Penn Mott Jr. was the 12th director of the National Park Service and a Bay Area local. Mott is credited with transforming the NPS and fostering the inclusion of non-profits (like the GGNPC) into the running of parks. After leaving the NPS, Mott led the plan to turn the Presidio from an Army base into a National Park until his death in 1992. You can check out a detailed biographer of Director Mott right here.
Visitors can expect to find information at the visitor's center, sure. But there's a lot more to be explored at this new resource. Architects from Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and exhibit designer Macchiato have created a large-scale model of the Presidio, touchscreen interpretive panels, a video wall showing on-going and current events and activities, and an array of interactive exhibits. Plus, there's shopping.
The William Penn Mott, Jr. Presidio Visitor Center is located at 210 Lincoln Boulevard (at Anza) and starting this Saturday, will be open from 10am to 5pm 7 days a week.
Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.