johnnycomelately

There’s nothing like a balmy day in the city to make you appreciate green open spaces.  The concrete, asphalt and brick radiate such concentrated heat that it sends me running for any kind of shade like a lizard in this urban desert.  The monochromatic matrix of roads and large buildings downtown reserve minimal space for greenery to mitigate the heat that is absorbed and trapped by these surfaces.  Yet I’m actively seeking out our green spaces because they’re most pleasant, especially on these unseasonably warm days.

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I recently started working downtown and I’m still finding my way around its open spaces. While they’re not always obvious, there are a number of great spots to lunch and catch some shade.

Transamerica Redwood Park is a fantastic and strange oasis, set as it as against such a recognizable tower of the urban landscape. Otherworldly redwoods surround the space and it teems with wild strawberries. If it wasn’t for the many people who use the space as a smoking lounge, it would be even better.

The Ferry Building is a splendid lunchtime locale but regrettably lacking in greenery. This would really be a perfect spot for an edible garden; ideally an urban farm, but at least a tree-shaded seating area. Obviously, the plazas in front and back are utilized for the farmers market, but I think there are enough creative people around to find a way to squeeze in some green space.  Park(ing) Day is coming up, maybe we can improvise a Ferry Building outpost.

I’ve strolled through Sue Bierman Park (aka Ferry Park) and Maritime Plaza a number of times, though neither really have the ambience I’m looking for.  If your bag (lunch) is watching renegade homeless bikers fight with each other or pass out on the grass, then I suggest an excursion to Sue Bierman.

Overall, I’m heartened by what feels like a growing movement for saving, greening and improving our urban open spaces.  The upcoming Sunday Streets – the city’s trial version of Bogota’s Ciclovia (or another nominal addition to the mayor’s gubernatorial campaign check-list) – is a fantastic opportunity to experience this city in a different context.  That is, what if our streets became open spaces?  What if you could ride/walk/skate/cartwheel your way around the Embarcadero?  What if the medians were transformed into greenways, connecting parks across the city similar to what was planned over a hundred years ago?  What if Lombard Street was not a ridiculous fun-ride for cars but a unique park blessed with incredible views?  These are the kinds of questions that visiting open spaces inspire for me.  I hope others find inspiration this weekend to Slow down, go for a walk, watch movies outdoors and enjoy life.

Links

• Slow Food Nation
• John King’s partial list of downtown open spaces
• Neighborhood Parks Council