Stow Lake Boathouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stow Lake Boathouse |
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Stow Lake Boathouse, replacement for original boathouse built in 1893.
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| Origin | |
| Coordinates | 37°46′14″N 122°28′38″W / 37.7706°N 122.4771°W |
| Operator(s) | San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department |
| Year built | 1946-1949 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Recreation & Boating |
The Stow Lake Boathouse is a fun place in San Francisco where you can rent boats. It's located in the beautiful Golden Gate Park, right by Stow Lake. People visit to enjoy the water and the park's scenery.
Contents
Where to Find the Boathouse
The Stow Lake Boathouse sits right on Stow Lake. This lake is on the eastern side of Golden Gate Park. The park itself was built starting from the east. Stow Lake and Strawberry Hill were some of the first parts created.
History and Design of the Boathouse
The First Boathouse
The first Stow Lake Boathouse was built in 1893. This was just before the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894. That big event was held right in Golden Gate Park. The first boathouse had a rustic, natural look. It was designed by Arthur Page Brown. He was a famous architect who also designed the San Francisco Ferry Building. This original boathouse was much bigger than the one you see today. It had a special window above the roof and a porch that went all the way around.
Building the Current Boathouse
Sadly, the first boathouse was destroyed by a fire in 1937. A new one was built between 1946 and 1949. This new design was by architect Warren C. Perry. He gave it an "alpine chalet" style. This means it looked like a cozy mountain house. This style was popular in San Francisco in the 1920s. The new boathouse was built by Wellnitz and DeNarde. They also helped fix up the Murphy Windmill in 1948. The current Stow Lake Boathouse was the first building finished in Golden Gate Park after World War II. Building it took a while because of the tough economy after the 1930s and the war.
Who Runs the Boathouse?
Managing the Boathouse Over Time
The San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department owns the Stow Lake Boathouse. This department manages all public parks in San Francisco. The boathouse has rented boats since it first opened in 1893. Back then, it was called the Strawberry Lake Boathouse. We don't know who ran it at first. But in 1943, a person named Calvin V. Tilden leased the property. His son, Calvin B. Tilden, took over in 1971. The Tilden family ran the boathouse for many years.
Changes in Management
In 2011, the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department decided to change who ran the boathouse. This caused some people to protest. A group called the Save Stow Lake Boathouse Coalition was formed. They were worried that a big company might take over. They feared a new company would change the boathouse too much. They wanted to keep its old-fashioned charm. However, the city approved a new lease. Ortega Family Enterprises took over in February 2011. This company runs many businesses in national parks. Ortega Family Enterprises did make some changes. They added a small indoor café. They also painted the outside and updated the kitchen. But they tried to keep the original look of the boathouse.
Protecting the Boathouse as a Landmark
In 2011, a group called the Historic Preservation Commission looked at the boathouse. They thought it was important enough to be a landmark. A landmark is a place that is special and protected because of its history or design. They decided to consider the boathouse as part of a larger plan. This plan was to make all of Golden Gate Park a landmark.
