NIKE NEWS





Site SF 88





FALL, 2015






Here we are. Another three months have passed. It was a busy summer at SF-88! Thanks to all of you who volunteered and shared the stories of The Cold War and Nike Missiles with our many visitors this past summer season.

Comings and Goings:

As the summer had passed us by, we said good-bye to some of our staff here in The Marin Headlands. Kit Krupp, one of our Seasonal Rangers left to go to Ireland to pursue his education. Bowie Hagan also left for the pursuit of learning enrolling at Georgia State to work on his Masters. Jana Ng will be leaving at the end of September to pursue her interest in the plant world. Our other seasonal Ranger, Alex Duncan, a true Nike aficionado will be here for the next couple of months pursuing his interests in Nike and other matters. As of this writing, Lucy Scott remains as Marin Headlands Lead Ranger and Volunteer Coordinator. A decision as to who will get that position on a permanent basis should be forthcoming shortly. Thank you to those that have left us for other pursuits for all of their contributions and insights.

One of the first days for me at SF-88! A lot has transpired since that day. Thank you to all of you who have made this not a job, but rather a labor of love. To be able to share with others all of the hard work, fantastic stories and history has been and continues to be one of my greatest experiences!

Future Visions

A team comprising staff from Interpretation and Education, Cultural Affairs and Facilities have been meeting regularly examining the needs and visions for Nike Site SF-88 over the next five (5) years. The group known as “The Geo Team” has been examining what is needed at the site to insure its future. I have listed below a short list of some of the things that have been identified by the group to be worked on.
Fiscal Year 2015 - Restore Kennel Building
Assembly Building Paint
Rodent Abatement
Magazine “A” Doors
Vegetation and Landscaping
Fiscal Year 2016 - Assembly Building Roof
Missile Rail Restoration
Drain Work
Sentry Station Restoration
I have only listed a few items for the remainder of this year and continuing on through next year. There is a recognition that much needs to be done at SF-88. I wanted to share with all of you who are involved that action is underway to get the site in the best condition possible.

Additionally, we are looking at the Generator Building becoming a welcome center and a small museum. It will involve some work, but that idea is being looked out. All of involved with this team, welcome your ideas and suggestions. Please feel free to contact me with any ideas you have.


Upcoming Special Group Tours:
October 3: Nike Historical Society Picnic- 11:30 A.M.
October 9: Sierra View- 10:30 A.M.
November 6: Sandia- 9:00 A.M.- the date has changed back to the original date.

Site Hours:
We are continuing with our regular hours of Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12:30-3:30. With current staffing levels, I am hopeful of keeping this up through the rest of the fall at least.


What Is Happening At The Site:
I am sure everyone has noticed that the sinkhole has been totally repaired. Thanks to Mike Ryan, Pat Kocer and all of those that helped in getting this project completed.

On October 3, the Nike Historical Society will be having their annual picnic at SF-88. The group has graciously said that all of the SF-88 volunteers and staff will be getting lunch!

The Assembly Building has been off-limits for the last few weeks while some work was going on. Hopefully, the building will be open for the October Open House.

The September Open House which coincided with the Labor Day Holiday brought a record number of visitors. The counter was smoking and parking was truly scarce. We had 863 visitors on Saturday, September 5! I know that each and every one of them left with a new understanding of what SF-88 represents and the role of the National Park Service in preserving this important piece of history.

We will be working on a different type of program at Nike called “Facilitated Dialogue.” This involves the asking of questions and facilitating a dialogue among our visitors. Nike Site SF-88 is a great site to hear different points of view. I will talk more about Facilitated Dialogue in the weeks ahead.

Let us not forget our July 4 BBQ!! What a great time was had by all. Many thanks to Greg Brown for bringing the BBQ and acting as Head Chef. I think this is something we should do a couple of times per year. What do you all think?

A special thanks to Gordon, Don, Jerry, Alec, Ed, Greg and David for coming out and helping with so many of our group tours. It is greatly appreciated.


ON T.V. And In The News:

  • In the recent PBS T.V. Show “The Bomb,” SF-88 was prominently displayed.
  • SF-88 will be featured in a new documentary to be aired on KOFY-TV in San Francisco.
  • The San Jose Mercury News recently ran an article on The Marin Headlands including Nike Site SF-88.
  • The Oakland Tribune will be running an article in the coming days about SF-88.




Thanks for all you do! Be seeing you around the Park!




2016 is the Centennial Year for The National Park Service. Remember to tell everyone to “Find Your Park.”

The "Organic Act" of August 25, 1916, states that "the Service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of Federal areas known as national parks, monuments and reservations . . . by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purpose of the said parks, monuments and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."


Al Blank

Park Ranger

Marin Headlands

GGNRA