We had another good turnout for the October 15th community meeting, considering we had stiff competition from the Giants game. Many different user groups were well represented, which was terrific.

Check out the full presentation HERE.

What happened at the meeting?

Jeffrey Miller and his team started things off by presenting detailed drawings of a trenching and cistern system designed to capture and reuse water from underground springs, run off and rain water. (Did you know the park is the head waters of Hayes Creek which empties into the Mission?) Jeffrey has been conducting extensive research into this issue and has been meeting with water experts within SFDPW and SFRPD. Both departments are demonstrating a great deal of interest in this recapturing concept.

This truly could be an opportunity to spearhead a whole water sustainability program for the entire park system as many of the city’s parks are dealing with the same issues as Alta Plaza. More engineering research is required and Jeffrey will be presenting that information at the next meeting in November.

Beyond the drainage and irrigation issues, Jeffrey’s concepts also focused on the preservation of our urban forest for this generation and future generations. He has suggested the use of trees to help aesthetically unify the park, provide accessible shade and to visually create a separation between the park and the neighborhood so that when you enter, you feel like you are in a green space surrounded by vegetation not just buildings.

Jeffrey presented revisions of the concepts presented at the last meeting. The concepts successfully demonstrated the vision of a “traditional” park reflecting the architectural characteristics of the neighborhood. The addition of new structures were minimized. He incorporated wooden benches throughout and provided samples of potential light fixtures, benches, trash cans, pavement, etc. The central plaza ideas were more refined in look and feel and more detailed plantings schematics were presented.

What happens now?

We asked everyone at the meeting to fill out comment sheets and/or email Jeffrey their opinions. We will keep you posted on the outcome of those. Please be sure to attend the next meeting on November 22, and keep checking this site.

Alta Plaza Park