SF Parks Alliance is working to transform Moss Street, an alley between Howard and Folsom Street in SoMa, into a safe and welcoming habitat for local plants, animals, and humans alike! After many rounds of community input and research on the history of the site, the first phase of improvements was completed January, 2023 including two brand new murals on either end of the block, string lighting, rain cisterns, planters, and signage recognizing the space’s origins as a tidal wetland. Thank you to our neighbors for your ideas, input, and support, and for working with us to create better public spaces!
The Vision
The SF Parks Alliance office is located on the corner of Moss and Folsom Street. This project was an incredible opportunity to work directly with our neighbors, demonstrate the power of our placemaking work, and envision a better future for the street that we call home! In 2020 we received funding from a Community Challenge Grant from the City Administrator’s Office and a Watershed Stewardship Grant from the SF Public Utilities Commission for murals, lighting, streetscape improvements and stormwater features on Moss Street.
Community Input
Across multiple community meetings, monthly neighbor steering meetings, community events, and block parties, the local community guided designs and project development. Neighbors were excited about sidewalk gardens, lights and artwork, but were hesitant about our idea for a community parklet. Ultimately we pivoted from the original design for a “stormwater parklet” and built sidewalk “stormwater planters” instead. You can view all content from the first community meeting here , second community meeting here., and neighbor steering meetings here.
Moss Street’s History as a Tidal Wetland
Did you know Moss Street used to be a tidal wetland? Tidal marshes provide many benefits to coast communities: they protect against storm surges and flooding, improve air quality, and create necessary habitats for fish and wildlife. As we continue to envision the future of Moss Street, we are committed to recognizing this history and making sure that the street remains a safe and welcoming habitat for local plants, animals, and humans alike.