Mayor Lurie Appoints Sarah Madland As General Manager Of Recreation And Park Department

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today appointed Sarah Madland as general manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (Rec and Park). Madland brings more than two decades of city service to the role, where she will oversee San Francisco’s world-class park system and work to expand access to recreation programs, community spaces, and neighborhood amenities that help San Franciscans of all ages stay active and engaged in their communities. In her time at Rec and Park, Madland has launched programs such as Love Dolores and San Francisco Children and Nature and helped expand a citywide volunteer network supporting parks across San Francisco.  

Her appointment builds on Mayor Lurie’s and the city’s work to expand welcoming public spaces and affordable recreation opportunities for families and young people. Just last week, the mayor cut the ribbon on a project to create a safer route for people walking, biking, and rolling in Mission Rock, improving conditions for families in the area. That project continues significant work to revitalize the city’s eastern waterfront, including through the expansion of the India Basin Waterfront Park. Last month, the city broke ground on the Twin Peaks Promenade Project, transforming a stretch of Twin Peaks Boulevard into a pedestrian- and cyclist-first street that will support walking, biking, and recreation. Mayor Lurie has also leveraged public spaces to drive the city’s economic recovery, bringing more free entertainment including a free concert series returning to Golden Gate Park through the summer and fall as well as free concerts and food trucks in Civic Center Plaza. Each year, San Francisco’s parks host music, arts, and cultural events that attract visitors, whose spending contributed hundreds of millions in tax revenue to our city last year. 

“Our parks offer exceptional, affordable opportunities for San Francisco families, powering our Family Opportunity Agenda and helping to drive our economic recovery. The next era for Recreation and Parks will ensure that every family, in every neighborhood, feels these spaces belong to them,” said Mayor Lurie. “Sarah Madland understands that the ‘rec’ in Rec and Park matters just as much as the parks themselves, and that is the type of leadership she will bring to our world-class park system.” 

“As we look ahead, recreation and parks remain essential to how people connect with their communities and each other,” said Madland. “Our responsibility is to deliver programs and public spaces that are welcoming, reliable, and responsive to what San Franciscans need, so every person feels a sense of belonging in their neighborhood recreation center and park.”  

Recreation and parks are central to Mayor Lurie’s Family Opportunity Agenda, offering accessible, year-round programming for all ages at more than 25 community recreation centers across the city, including youth sports, summer camps, after-school care, aquatics, fitness, and senior activities. 

Madland’s appointment follows a competitive national search that drew more than 150 candidates from across the country, with community and stakeholder feedback underscoring the need for a leader with deep knowledge of San Francisco and a clear understanding of the essential role recreation and parks play in everyday life. 

“The commission spent a tremendous amount of time making sure the search process was rigorous, ethical, transparent, and focused on finding the very best leader for San Francisco’s parks system,” said Kat Anderson, Recreation and Parks Commission President. “We interviewed outstanding candidates from both inside and outside the city, and Sarah Madland rose to the top, because she combines vision, operational experience, political skill, and a genuine love for San Francisco’s parks and neighborhoods. We’re very lucky to have her.” 

 “San Francisco Recreation and Park is an extraordinary partner to the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, and we’re thrilled to welcome Sarah Madland into this important leadership role,” said Jamie Bruning-Miles, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater San Francisco. “Together, we create healthier, safer, and more connected communities by bringing public agencies and community organizations together around a shared purpose. Programs like Bayview Safety Swim and Splash show what that partnership makes possible by ensuring every child and family has access to opportunity, support, and belonging. We look forward to working with Sarah to build on this momentum and strengthen community well-being across San Francisco.”  

“This is a great moment for San Francisco parks” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “Sarah brings seasoned leadership, strong working relationships across government, and deep commitment and passion to this role that will keep the city’s world-class parks and recreation programs moving forward.” 

“I am confident Sarah will be an exceptional General Manager. She is accessible, passionate about her work, and deeply cares about her team at Rec and Park, said Anni Chung, Executive Director of Self-Help for the Elderly. “At our very first meeting, I asked for her support in four areas, and she acted on them immediately. Our community is excited to partner with Sarah as she leads the department forward.” 

“On behalf of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, I'm thrilled to congratulate Sarah Madland on her appointment as General Manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department,” said Rodney Fong, President and CEO, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. “San Francisco’s parks are one of the city’s greatest assets, supporting quality of life for residents, workers, families, and visitors alike. We look forward to working with Sarah to ensure our parks remain safe, welcoming, and vibrant spaces that strengthen neighborhoods and our city’s success.”  

 “Sarah is an inspired choice to lead the Recreation and Park Department! She understands that parks are where San Francisco comes together; for music, culture, recreation, and community,” said Gregg W. Perloff, CEO of Another Planet Entertainment. “Sarah brings energy, creativity, and a real love for this city, and I think she’ll help make San Francisco not only run better, but be more vibrant and fun for everyone who lives and visits here.” 

Sarah Madland has served the city under six mayoral administrations. Prior to her appointment by Mayor Lurie, she spent more than 15 years as the director of policy and public affairs at the Recreation and Park Department. She previously worked on the Board of Supervisors and in the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office. 

Throughout her career, Madland has helped lead some of San Francisco’s most transformative park and recreation initiatives. She has worked to ensure the long-term success for the Golden Gate Park JFK Promenade, launched programs such as Love Dolores and San Francisco Children and Nature, and helped expand a citywide volunteer network supporting neighborhood parks across San Francisco. She also led public investment efforts that secured more than $500 million for park improvements, contributing to San Francisco becoming the first city in the nation in which every resident lives within a ten-minute walk of a park. 

A mother of three and a youth soccer coach, Madland brings a spirit of teamwork, encouragement, and community building to her work.