Thanks so much for reviewing our community plans for beautification, safety, accessibility and general quality of life improvements at La Playa Park.  We appreciated the support we have received for our past efforts and look forward to the same cooperative partnership in the future. Attached are pictures of the area under consideration as it is now.  

HE MUNI LATRINE BLDG and surrounding area at the southeast corner at La Playa and Judah streets.

Bike Racks: Would the pending SFMTA installation of a single bike rack in the NE area bordering the building be redundant and possibly interfere with our plans? As you have seen our plan envisions a larger bike rack in the same area that will accommodate more bicycles and encourage more two-wheel visitors to our neighborhood. ..

Emergency Container Box or (NERT cache box): A Neighborhood Emergency Response Team supply box would fit nicely next to east wall. NERT officials approve of this idea.

News Racks: Moving the old dilapidated news racks to a nearby location in a new green bank rack container is essential to the plan.

Paint the BLDG: A new paint job in a lighter color would brighten up the corner.

Planter Boxes: These would extend length ways from the N. wall and accommodate two benches facing each other with a walk space between them without encumbering walk traffic.

Transit Theme Mural: The mural abutting the boxes will simulate a MUNI train station depot with a ticket booth MUNI operator, Robin Williams (we'll ask him), at the booth doorway  in the middle.  " La Playa Park Station San Francisco" would be ornately painted above. This would serve as a place for tourist and others to take photos to send home. ..

Disabled Ramp Mosaic: The mosaic spells La Playa Park across the disabled ramp. We have a computer simulation of the rendering that ties in the recreational aspects of bocce ball and surfing with this unique destination.

Two Trees: This greening on the sidewalk could, along with other flowering foliage be placed in planter boxes or replace cement for permeation and runoff prevention. This could then be augmented with driftwood benches like the ones found throughout the neighborhood  

The makeover of this corner will anchor the community idenity as a specific area of pride and beauty rather than one of neglect. I believe the effort will bolster the passion and energy exemplified by progress we have made. It will help to improve property values. Making this area a destination of public interest will also improve comercial traffic in the surrounding area. This in turn will encourage investment, further upgrades and hirinig. We can turn this eyesoar into an object that will speak again to San Francisco resilience in the face of severe economic downturn for generations to come.This concept is supported by the head of the local merchants association.  

All of the many nieghbors I have talked to agree we should proceed and I have gathered a grant writing team. The San Francisco Parks Trust has tenatively agreed to continue as our fiscal sponsor provided we filter any of our grant applications through them. We have already begun to aquire leads and connections to grant reasouces in  the state, city and private areanas. The main catalyst for this will be the city hall go ahead especially from the DPW and the SFMTA with Supervisor Carmen Chu's backing.

What I am requesting here is your responses and actions of support .   Please forward this to anyone you deem approriate.  I will follow up by contacting them or respond to thier inquiries promptly if need be. Let's get the ball rolling.  ~Steve Ward
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From: Steve Ward <seaward94133@yahoo.com>
Subject: STOP THE N JUDAH TURN AROUND
To: The La Playa Park Neighborhood List

Date: Sunday, April 11, 2010, 10:00 AM



At the last meeting with the Municipal Transportation Authority (SFMTA) representative, I knew that the access ramp at the N Judah turnaround was out of compliance. What I didn't know was that they planned to tear it down and build a new one in the same spot.

 

That disability ramp is the major reason given for the N Judah turnaround. We have a short window of opportunity to rid the neighborhood of this dangerous nuisance. We can influence the decision to change the plan. The access ramp could be rebuilt at 46th Avenue and Judah. The turnaround could then be used only for emergencies.

 

By removing the disability ramp at La Playa Street, MUNI could stop and switch back rather than going around. This relocation of the ramp would dramatically decrease noise pollution; It would increase safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. It would also save wear and tear on MUNI equipment caused by friction. Changing the location of the ramp would also reduce the need to purchase new and expensive equipment to grease the tracks.

 

At the present location of the ramp, there is no connecting transit line. By changing the location of the ramp to 46th Avenue and Judah, universal access would be improved. That location would provide a transfer point at 46th Avenue. The change would also free La Playa Square for further beautification and improve business atmosphere and property values in the newly emerging neighborhood of La Playa Park.

 

This is an opportunity to reduce noise pollution, improve the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists and increase the beauty of the neighborhood. We can encourage our leaders to help make these changes by petitioning, contacting the media, making phone calls, and sending emails and letters.

 

Please voice your concerns and suggestions for changing the location and rebuilding the access ramp of the N Judah from Judah and La Playa Street to Judah and 46th Avenue.

 

Supervisor Carmen Chu, Phone: (415) 554-7460, Fax: (415) 554-7432 or email: carmen.chu@sfgov.org

Mayor Gavin Newsom, Phone: (415) 554-6141, Fax: (415) 554-6160 or email: gavin.newsom@sfgov.org

Forward this information to our leaders and your friends. Contact MUNI, the Department of Public Works and alert local media.

 

For updates and progress reports, check our website blog at www.laplayapark.com.

We Need Action Now!

~Steve Ward

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I'm not sure who all showed up at the site because I had to leave after opening up the tool shed, but I was amazed by all the work that was accomplished without the help of any heavy equipment. Yards of trenching included the drainage ditch for the Surfrider patio and prep for the water and electric line with only 100 feet left to go before we reach the end. Tons of dirt were moved to be composted off site. Loads of planting included preparaion and installation of a new bed of white agapanthus in La Playa Park North thanks to the artistic hands of Big Bob. All the trimmings appear to be the prunning art of Captain Sterling.  Kudos to Brianna, Sarab and the Saturday crew for the push foward!
~Steve Ward 
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The La Playa Park Bocce courts are in! Steve Ward, native San Franciscan and visionary initiator of our Bocce courts, threw the first Bocce ball on the La Playa Park courts this weekend. Steve is teaching us to play this great old-world game that is so huge in Europe and around the globe.

We still need to put final touches on many of the areas of the park. The next steps are building three planter boxes on each of the parallel sides of the Bocce court; final grading of the court; final grading and installation of the wheelchair accessible pathways, patio area and elevated viewing areas; and installing a few more benches.

The new water main is coming soon, and the main irrigation lines are 70% complete. The conduit is set for the ambiance lighting.

We were just given some beautiful iris plants that were recycled from another San Francisco neighborhood park. We need to divide these root-bound plants. The irises, along with some Lilies of the Nile will make a wonderful show. Both are hardy, drought-tolerant plants that have gorgeous flowers.

Thanks to all who are contributing to La Playa Park. You are making this great city even greater.
~Dennis Webb
Email: dw@denniswebbconstruction.com
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Good News! 01/01/2010
 
Just a note of good news; the water department determined the entry point for our connection will be just south of the yet to be installed Surfrider flagstone patio. I'm guessing that'll happen within a couple of months. We still have trench digging and pipe laying to do. Knowing where the connect will come in helps that effort.

We are inviting plant donations. I'd especially like some Calla Lily bulbs. We also have some extra Bearded Iris for possible trade or as thank you gifts.
I'm very proud of the positive response from the surrounding community to our efforts.

I think that La Playa Park is destined to become an enduring part of San Francisco's lanscape that will engender the interest of tourists, provide  recreation for residents of all ages and demonstrate that San Francisco
is still the city that "knows how" when comes to urban green landscaping. 
All the Best
~Steve Ward
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HAPPENING NOW: Installing plants, trees, seating, pathways, courts, and irrigation. Layout of gardens; all twelve trees were just planted in the tree tunnel, along with colorful, plants, such as rock rose, flax, and iris. Turn-of-the-century granite benches (originally used as street curbs) were unearthed, refurbished and brought into service (some as benches) in our park.

Now, it could just be a rumor, but I heard that the San Francisco Fire Department has challenged the San Francisco Police Department to a Bocce ball contest on the La Playa Park court. Stay tuned for the date and time of the event! ~Dennis Webb
dw@denniswebbconstruction.com
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Rain, rain, rain! We need it, and the timing is perfect. The rain is naturally compacting our bocce courts and pathways. There is an underground river, our aquafer, directly below the park. It is over 100 feet down, and there is a monitor well in the park that keeps tabs on it. 

We just installed the perimeter of the bocce courts. The next step is to lay the 2x6 finish boards that define the courts. These will be set with a laser level to establish the finish grade. This means we are really close to tossing some balls!
~Dennis Webb
Email: dw@denniswebbconstruction.com
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Hello Everybody--

Great progress for the San Francisco Sunset District! Adolph Sutro would be proud of all of you. History suggests that Sutro wanted Bocce ball courts. Well they are coming, and way ahead of schedule. Also on the way are beautiful, low-maintenance gardens, including edible plants. 

Steps and benches are being created by recycling turn of the century granite curbs. They still need to be dialed in and adjusted. The granite will be softened by colorful trees, shrubs, and plants. Beautiful walkways and patio areas will invite you to bring your coffee, sit in the tree tunnel and watch world class Bocce ball--or perhaps even learn to play.  

Whether you play, stroll through the gardens, or just sit and enjoy life, La Playa Park is becoming a wonderful place to be.

Thanks and happy holidays to everyone.

~Dennis Webb
 
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We are making great progress at La Playa Park, a new San Francisco landmark. The park will be disability-friendly with multiple wheelchair access pathways. In addition to the existing plan, our goal is to create the ability to explore the whole park in a wheelchair or by walker. The park will have seating along the pathways and the bocce courts.

Last weekend a friend of the park came down in her wheelchair for an early test run. She is excited about playing bocce ball and having full access to the park. 

My mother-in-law Mary had Parkinsons. We rebuilt her house so that she did not have to struggle any more. Increasing access for her improved her quality of life. It was wonderful to see her smile. Creating access everywhere possible is our goal for La Playa Park.

~Dennis Webb
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Dear La Playa Park family-- I had fun playing with boulders sharing thoughts and bouncing ideas off every person I encountered last  Saturday, I hope to return sooner rather  then later with more boulders and time. Placing boulders at the garden, patio, and stone wall side of the park (south end) I hope would balance the overall vision of the project. I would love to help construct the dry stack stone wall and teach anyone who's interested to learn this lost art/craft. Keep this in mind. My best to all! Matt Driscoll
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