Cole Valley Town Square
Transforming a successful pop-up urban forest experiment into a permanent community green space at the intersection of Carl, Cole, and Clayton Streets
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📍 Location
Address: Carl Street between Cole Street and Clayton Street
Neighborhood: Cole Valley, San Francisco
Transit: Directly adjacent to N Judah tunnel entrance/exit
🌱 Project Overview
Cole Valley Town Square represents an opportunity to transform a successful pop-up experiment into permanent green infrastructure. Through three pop-up Town Square events in 2025, this awkward wedge of asphalt where the N Judah veers off Carl Street has been transformed into a lush urban forest with over 500 plants, demonstrating the community's enthusiasm for converting underutilized road space into vibrant public gathering areas.
🤝 Supporters & Advocates
Lead Advocates: Green Street Fund, Green SF Now, Sierra Club SF Bay Chapter
Key Partners: Civic Joy Fund, Into the Streets, FS Studio (Alec Hawley)
Community Support: Cole Valley Neighbors Association, local merchants from Cole Valley Nights
Primary Contact: Debs Schrimmer
💰 Potential Funding Sources
City Programs: Community Challenge Grant, SFPUC Green Infrastructure Capital Programs
Federal: EPA Environmental Justice Grants
Private: Green Street Fund continued support, local business sponsorships
🗺️ Site Location Map
Exact Location: Carl Street between Cole Street and Clayton Street
Current Status: Underutilized road wedge where N Judah enters/exits tunnel
Opportunity: Transform temporary pop-up success into permanent green plaza
Location where N Judah trains veer off Carl Street, creating an opportunity for permanent green infrastructure in this transit-adjacent space.
🎯 Project Goals
- Public Open Space: Create much-needed green gathering space in dense Cole Valley
- Urban Forest: Install permanent trees and vegetation to improve air quality and reduce urban heat
- Community Building: Provide outdoor venue for neighborhood events and daily socializing
- Safe Streets: Create natural traffic calming and improved pedestrian safety
- Entertainment Zone: Continue partnership with Cole Valley Nights monthly market
- Stormwater Management: Incorporate permeable surfaces and bioswales where feasible
🎉 Pop-Up Success Story
The temporary pop-up events have demonstrated overwhelming community support:
- Three successful Pop-Up Town Square events in 2025 (April, May, and June)
- Each event featured 500+ plants delivered by Flora Grubb Gardens via 18-wheeler
- Hundreds of residents of all ages participated in activities including Hula-Hooping, pizza, jugglers, and musical performances
- Created safe play space for children with natural plant barriers
- Integrated with Cole Valley Nights monthly market as part of Entertainment Zone
📈 Current Status
Phase: Transitioning from Pop-Up to Permanent Planning
Next Steps:
• Develop permanent design based on pop-up learnings
• Secure community and city approval for street closure
• Apply for funding through various grant programs
Timeline: Design phase 2025-2026, implementation targeted for 2026-2027
Recent Coverage: SFGate: "Tiny San Francisco neighborhood embraces huge idea for safer street"