From its setting in a national park, Crissy Field Center offers a wide variety of programs and amenities that connect the diverse population of the Bay Area to urban environmental issues. Our mission is to encourage new generations to become bold leaders for healthy communities, thriving parks, a more environmentally just society.

Working in partnership with the National Park Service and Bay Area communities, the Center actively engages people with their environments by focusing on the convergence of the urban and natural environment through multicultural perspectives. Since its opening in May 2001, the Center has served over 400,000 people through school field trips, public workshops, after school programs, summer camps, and more.

Housed in a historic and sustainably renovated building, the Crissy Field Center’s facilities include a media lab, resource library, arts workshop, science lab, gathering room and teaching kitchen in addition to a café and bookstore. The Center is also a green business certified building and all proceeds from the cafe and bookstore support the Center's education programs.

Overlooking a restored tidal marsh, the Center is a wonderful place to sit, relax, and enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate or to take part in a dynamic and fun educational experience. We hope to see you soon!

Through funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Doyle Drive improvement project has been fast-tracked—and that means Crissy Field Center must move its operations from the current location at 603 Mason St. by the end of September. The Crissy Field Center is directly adjacent to Doyle Drive and will not be able to function effectively during this highway replacement project.

In the past few months, Parks Conservancy and National Park Service staff have thoroughly reviewed all possible options for the relocation of Center staff, facilities, and programs. The proposed temporary site at Crissy Field’s East beach which will house Center operations for three to four years, was selected through a meticulous and comprehensive selection process.

Planners assessed the options with an eye toward minimizing environmental impacts, protecting natural and cultural resources and recreational use, and maintaining the quality and integrity of Center programming. Based on these criteria, temporary “green” structures at the eastern edge of Crissy Field offered the best solution. Plans are being developed to minimize impact on current site users while maintaining access to the marsh that is vital to youth programs.

NOTE: Summer camps and other programming this summer will NOT be affected. Center programs will continue on a reduced schedule in fall 2009.

Crissy Field Center staff members thank you for your patience and understanding as we strive to serve the community through consistently high-quality environmental education programs at our new location. Please call the Crissy Field Center at (415) 561-7752 if you have any questions. 

 

You can also find details and submit your comments online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/goga, or via e-mail to goga_planning@nps.gov, or in writing to the Superintendent, Fort Mason Building 201, San Francisco, CA 94123. Public comments must be submitted or postmarked by June 12, 2009.

Built in 1939 as the original commissary for the Presidio, Building 603 reflects the Spanish revival style. In the 1960's Building 603 was converted to photography laboratory that modified the building by adding multiple interior walls and included darkrooms, an auditorium and projection room. In the mid-1970's, as the military downsized its operations on the Presidio the building was vacated. In 2000, Building 603 was remodeled as the Crissy Field Center.

Crissy Field Center first took a green step forward during the dismantling of Building 603. Construction workers were able to salvage fixtures and equipment for use by others.

• Stainless steel sink, wooden cabinets, and green chalkboards are re-used at the Presidio Native Plant Nursery.
• The projection mirror was installed at the Presidio Visitor Center Theater.
• Cast iron radiators, metal pipes went to Presidio Salvage Warehouse to melt down for re-use.
• Auditorium seating was donated to a non-profit dance group that brings performing arts to children.
   

Crissy Field Center then used as many green elements as possible into the design and construction.

First Floor Recycled Building Materials:

• Concrete floors were removed of all asbestos containing tiles and adhesives.  The exposed raw concrete floor was then stained and sealed.
• Ceramic tiles in restrooms are made from recycled glass.
• Wood countertops are made from certified sustainable maple.
• Paint is low VOC content.
• Carpet in Gathering Room carpet is made from materials using sustainable practices. The carpet is formaldehyde-free and was installed with a low VOC adhesive.
• Cabinets are made of harvested wheat, compressed and are formed with a formaldehyde-free bonding agent.
• The Center's main staircase is padded with recycled tires, as is the floor of the elevator.
• The Café table tops, chairs and wood trim are either certified organic or reclaimed wood, which are treated with environmentally friendly, reduced chemical content stains and gloss.
• Lobby lounge chairs are made from 100% post-industrial recycled polyester.

Second Floor Recycled Building Materials:

• Linoleum floor is made of a linseed oil-a renewable resource.
• Paint is a low VOC content.
• Ceramic tiles in restrooms are made from recycled glass.
• The paper towels are made from recycled content and are composted.
• The liquid hand soap is biodegradable, and is made with vegetable and fruit extracts, and naturally occurring minerals.
• The cleaning solvents are biodegradables and have reduced chemical content.
• Tables and cabinets are made of harvested wheat, compressed and formed with a formaldehyde-free bonding agent and edged in certified sustainable solid maple.!

Crissy Field Center employs the following methods to conserve energy. 

• Re-circulating hot water is used to heat the building.
• The boiler is a sealed combustion construction and the rated efficiency is approximately 88%, highest available for its size!
• Interior windows and skylights extend the natural light to the center of the building on the second floor.
• Operable windows and transom windows in classrooms are placed to encourage natural cross ventilation, and a manual roof damper keeps hot air circulating around the skylight.
• Concrete walls provide efficient building insulation.