2013
INTERNSHIP AVAILABLE
ABOUT PAVEMENT TO PARKSParklet RFP now open!
We are now accepting Request for Proposals to apply for new parklets. Download the application here.Find a parklet and project!
Use this Google Map to see what has been built on the ground in San Francisco!
About the Pavement to Parks Program
Pavement to Parks is a collaborative effort between the San Francisco Planning Department, the Department of Public Works, the Municipal Transportation Agency, and the Mayor's Office.
Background
San Francisco's streets and public rights-of-way make up 25% of the city's land area, more space than all the park area combined. Many of our streets are excessively wide and contain large zones of underutilized space, especially at intersections. San Francisco's "Pavement to Parks" program seeks to temporarily reclaim these unused swathes of land and quickly and inexpensively turn them into new public spaces.
Precedent
San Francisco's Pavement to Parks projects are inspired by the recent success of similar projects in New York City - where plazas and seating areas have been created in excess roadway simply by painting or treating the asphalt, placing protective barriers along the periphery, and installing moveable tables and chairs.
Tactical Design
Each Pavement to Parks project is intended to be a public laboratory for the City to work with local communities to temporarily test new ideas in the public realm. Materials and design interventions are meant to be temporary and easily removable should design changes be desired during the trial-run. After testing their performance, some spaces are reclaimed permanently as public open spaces. Seating, landscaping and paving treatment are common features of all projects.
Location Selection
The City welcomes suggestions for projects and locations that meet the criteria below. Please contact ilaria.salvadori@sfgov.org to discuss your project idea.
- Sizeable area of under-utilized roadway
- Lack of public space in the surrounding neighborhood
- Pre-existing community support for public space at the location
- Potential to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety
- Surrounding uses that can attract people and activate the space
- Identified community or business steward
Contact Us
Questions, comments, and suggestions on this effort can be directed by email to:
sfpavementtoparks@sfgov.org
Ilaria Salvadori, Pavement to Parks Program Manager
Paul Chasan, Urban Designer, Parklet Project Manager
Kay Cheng, Urban Designer, Tactical Projects Manager
