As Parklets Bloom, SF Stays True to its Roots

As the number of completed parklets in San Francisco nears three dozen, after debuting only two years ago, "the latest trend in urban placemaking" has entered the planning mainstream without losing its grassroots origins.

1 minute read

July 16, 2012, 5:00 AM PDT

By Andrew Gorden


John King of the San Francisco Chronicle revisits the city's startlingly successful parklet program, "where parking spaces are reborn as miniature public plazas," and describes how designs, and the program's popularity, have evolved over the past two years.

While "[s]ome early parklets were criticized for being little more than glorified cafe seating," newer designs range from one on California Street containing "LED lighting at night, while one on Mission Street in the Excelsior is adorned with painted wooden cutouts done by high school students," says King. "Planners now are pondering how to change parklets from isolated spaces - urbane nooks and crannies, so to speak - into something more systematic. Several could be concentrated on a single block, for instance, or a half dozen could map a path through a neighborhood."

With 31 such interventions either completed or under construction, and another 33 in the planning pipeline, parklets could bring about something more than just pretty spaces - they provide an opportunity to increase public participation in local communities. In San Francisco, parklets are often funded by local business and crowdsourcing (costing around $25,000), and constructed by neighborhood volunteers. According to King, "...the parklet emerging on Post Street shows the importance of having local residents bring a space to life, rather than simply providing input to city planners."

Monday, July 9, 2012 in San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog