We need more green space.

This much was clear at farm:table's first PARK(ing) Day party a couple years ago. With little more than a fake ficus plant and some astroturf rolled out over an empty parking space, we spent a glorious day outside, talking with neighbors and meeting the new folks who'd stopped by just to check out the scene.

But as we watched Shannon roll up the astroturf later that evening, we started asking: “Why can't this happen more often? What would it take to turn this one-day party into something bigger, better, greener? Something less plastic, more permanent?”

We can make it happen now.

As part of the City’s "Pavement-to-Parks" program, we want to transform a row of barren asphalt parking spaces into green public open space. By partnering with the farm:table cafe and a team of local architects, we will create a truly exceptional “parklet”: literally, a chunk of nature inserted into the streets of San Francisco’s densest neighborhood.

What makes this parklet different than the rest?

As parklets become more common in San Francisco, our goal is to raise the bar and go beyond the standard cafe-seating model. We see this as an informal community gathering space, a park-like garden in the street, a green oasis open to everyone.

We need your help.

Farm:table kicked off fundraising events last year with an art auction, and many have donated time and talents, but we need one last push to cross the finish line. Thus far, City permits and fees have been paid, and we have an innovative design from the architects.

Now it’s time to cover the costs of building materials, a licensed contractor, and insurance. This is the most costly aspect of the project.

With your help, construction starts this spring and will be completed in a matter of weeks. Your pledge will help get us there.  Please give what you can.

that beautiful video up there? it was produced by farm+cellar.  

as for the gorgeous parklet design, that's the work of Ogrydziak/Prillinger Architects.