The Public Space Power Play in Hayes Valley
Hayes Valley boasts some of San Francisco’s most expansive and elaborate parklets. Many occupy multiple parking spaces, are outfitted with semi-permanent structures, some so large they’re jokingly referred to as “boat-sized”…and were originally installed during the pandemic to help businesses stay afloat.
Most bars and restaurants in the area have since expressed genuine appreciation for this extra space, a sentiment that’s understandable and valid. These parklets serve their needs well and continue to be a welcome asset to many businesses.
But that’s exactly the point: the push to keep Hayes Street fully closed is not coming from the businesses who benefit from these parklets. It’s being driven by a different faction of ideologically motivated actors promoting a vision of “activation” that no longer reflects the corridor’s commercial or operational needs.
The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association (HVNA) which holds the permit for the ongoing street closure played a role in supporting parklet expansion early on. But instead of justifying further restrictions, the scale of these parklets should prove the opposite: Hayes Valley has already reallocated a significant portion of public space to outdoor uses.
Keeping the 400 block of Hayes closed, on top of these large parklets – is no longer a creative use of space; it’s overreach. It’s stacking privatized outdoor dining, event space, and recreational closures onto what was once a functional public street. That starts to look less like thoughtful planning and more like a creeping land grab, slowly absorbing public right-of-way for a narrow set of uses.
It also raises larger questions about equity, public access, and governance: Who decides how our shared streets are used? Who benefits? And why is a single neighborhood receiving such disproportionate allowances?
It’s time to restore access to the 400 block. The infrastructure for outdoor activity is already here. The businesses are making use of it. That should be enough. This closure has outlived its purpose…and the neighborhood deserves a reset.
📊 Visual Comparison: Hayes Valley vs. Other SF Corridors
| Neighborhood | Parklet Size & Style | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hayes Valley | Large, semi-permanent enclosures | Multi-stall structures, some unused midweek, decorative buildouts |
| Valencia Street | Medium-sized, modular setups | Artistic, functional, often tied to cafes |
| North Beach | Compact, sidewalk-integrated parklets | Simple seating, traditional café-style design |
| Mission District | Varied, community-driven | Eclectic and grassroots, built from diverse materials |