One particular corner of Octavia and Page is finally going to be getting a parklet in the near future. That is, if the last bit of money can be raised to construct it.
Disclaimer: If you're unfamiliar with the concept of a parklet, we suggest doing some light research on the history of the movement to enrich our city's sidewalks on the Pavement to Parks website. We reported in February 2012 that Mercury Cafe, the neighborhood spot for freelance workers/students/coffee aficionados to gather, is vying for the funds to construct a parklet right outside its Octavia-facing facade.
Over the past year, Nick Parker, the owner of Mercury Cafe, has enlisted the help of Hayes Valley Farm (HVF) to hammer out all the logistics of the project (permitting, design, etc). Now, all that's left is to raise $2,000 for the construction.
To help bridge this gap, Mercury Cafe is working with Carrotmob, a nonprofit based in SF that helps crowdsource fundraising efforts. From now until April 27, customers can buy Mercury Cafe vouchers on a personalized Carrotmob webpage for the project, and a percentage of the proceeds will go to the parklet. After you've purchased the voucher, just show Mercury Cafe your receipt (either on your phone or printed) the next time you go in.
To help spread the word about this fundraiser, Mercury Cafe will host a happy hour this Saturday, April 13th, at 4pm. Stay tuned to Mercury's website for details.
While Mercury Cafe has been the driving force behind this project, HVF has played an important role as fundraising partner over the last year. Jay Rosenberg, co-founder of HVF, gave us further insight into why this parklet meant so much to the interim-use urban farm.
"We were looking for a legacy project for after the farm is closed," he said.
He's referring to the looming closure date for HVF of June 1st.
"When Nick mentioned he wanted a parklet for Mercury Cafe, we thought it was the perfect project to take on," Jay said.
Jay hopes that the farm lives on through projects like these after it is gone, especially if the parklet uses some of the former trees planted at HVF.
You can be sure we'll keep you updated on the status of this parklet as well as the final chapter of our beloved farm in the coming weeks.
Disclaimer: If you're unfamiliar with the concept of a parklet, we suggest doing some light research on the history of the movement to enrich our city's sidewalks on the Pavement to Parks website. We reported in February 2012 that Mercury Cafe, the neighborhood spot for freelance workers/students/coffee aficionados to gather, is vying for the funds to construct a parklet right outside its Octavia-facing facade.
