Catch Big Air in the Presidio

Presidio of San Francisco (March 11, 2010) — The Presidio’s West Crissy Field will have another recreation option this summer when House of Air, an indoor trampoline park, opens in an historic former airplane hangar.

House of Air provides aerial and physical training on trampolines, as well as trampoline dodgeball, fitness classes, and open jump time. Its grand opening, expected to be in August, will advance the transformation of West Crissy Field into a dynamic public recreation area.

“House of Air will join Planet Granite climbing gym and La Petite Baleen Swim School to enhance recreation opportunities on Crissy Field,” says Josh Bagley, development project manager for the Presidio Trust. “This is a wonderful contemporary use for an historic building.”

The idea for House of Air was developed seven years ago by Dave Schaeffer and Paul McGeehan during one of many long drives back from snowboarding in Lake Tahoe. Its mission of “giving flight to the flightless,” embodied in its mascot, a penguin wearing a jetpack, is a fitting reuse for building 926, which once helped launch De Havilland DH-48 biplanes as part of the Army’s 91st Observation Squadron. Built in 1921, the building originally served as Crissy Air Field’s land-plane hangar. Later it was used as a motor vehicle paint shop and office and storage space for the Army and is a contributing feature to the Presidio’s National Historic Landmark status. The Trust is overseeing the historic rehabilitation of the building which includes seismic upgrades, accessibility improvements, new building systems and other improvements.

“The views of the bay and the surrounding landscape are unmatched and will provide our visitors with a uniquely San Francisco adventure,” says McGeehan. “Crissy Field is a magnet for athletic and outdoor enthusiasts and our neighboring facilities offer complimentary activities.”

House of Air is open to people of all ages and with all levels of physical ability. Walk-ins are welcomed at the facility as well as special events, including birthday parties, corporate and family events, and fundraisers. The building will include two large trampoline decks with trampoline walls, high-performance trampolines, a children’s bounce house, event rooms, a snack and retail area, and showers and restrooms. For more information, visit: http://www.houseofairsf.com.

The Presidio Trust was established by the United States Congress in 1996 to administer the Presidio of San Francisco, an urban national park that is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. The areas overseen by the Trust include expansive open space and spectacular views, a 300-acre historic forest, and rare and endangered plants and wildlife. The National Park Service oversees the coastal areas of the Presidio. The park comprises nearly 6 million square feet of buildings, including 469 historic structures that contribute to the Presidio’s status as a National Historic Landmark District.