More Than Just Planters: Why Bernal’s New Plazas Need You
How Bernal Heights’ pop-up plazas depend on volunteers, not just planters
Planting It Is the Easy Part
Someone has to keep the plants alive until the plaza becomes a permanent green space. That is the core challenge discussed on an episode of Bernal Connect, where hosts Mike and Tracy spoke with Ariel Vaughan of the Civic Joy Fund. They explored how Bernal Heights is adding green elements to public plazas while long-term plans take shape.
The plaza near the Bernal Heights Rec Center still serves as a space for biking and roller skating, but now features new planters, young trees, seating, and a nature play area for children. Instead of relying on abstract architectural drawings, the Civic Joy Fund and partners install tangible, low-cost upgrades. This allows residents to experience the changes directly and provide feedback. Working alongside Greening Projects and SF Rec and Park, the Civic Joy Fund has also introduced on-site music and art events to activate the area and gather community input.
The Maintenance Reality
While neighborhood response has been positive, maintaining temporary green spaces on public property comes with a major hurdle. The city permits these installations, but it does not provide watering services. Maintenance falls entirely on the permit holder, requiring consistent weeding, watering, and upkeep.
To address this, the Civic Joy Fund established a volunteer steward program, and sign-ups for weekly watering shifts are currently open.
Expanding to Community Corners
This model is extending beyond the main plaza. The SFMTA launched a pilot program called Community Corners, placing planters inside painted street safety zones near the library on Cortland and near Moultrie. At the Moultrie location, The Barb Shop stepped up to handle plant maintenance. Across all these projects, success relies on a partnership between nonprofits, city agencies, and local business owners.
Ultimately, these initiatives succeed because neighbors and volunteers show up with watering cans to keep the spaces alive.
Interested in supporting the neighborhood? Sign up for a weekly watering shift today.
Green Doesn’t Stay Green on Its Own
Mike Doherty serves as Chief Experience Officer at Greening Projects, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant green areas
