SOMA Winning the Gold

In a series of blog posts I reveal what’s happening in San Francisco’s diverse South of Market neighborhood.

Individual citizens and neighborhood groups, working as partners with official city staff, have taken on the challenge to create and improve the beauty of the South of Market. For example, the San Francisco’s Department of Public Works and Urban Solutions are working in conjunction on the beautification of SOMA. The goal is to enhance and encourage new and existing business while supporting the integrity and diversity of the neighborhood.

Extensive efforts are being made to keep the streets, sidewalks and parks clean and vibrant while also focusing on the function, usability and needs of the commercial corridors. They are supporting a plethora of eateries with the latest highlight being Heaven’s Dog, the latest creation from Slanted Door chef Charles Phan, located on Mission between 7th & 8th Streets.

Led by the South of Market Community Action Network and the South of Market Project Area Committee, one important accomplishment was the creation of a new park within the heart of SOMA. The end result is Victoria Manalo Draves Park, a huge success located between Folsom, Sherman, 6th & 7th Streets.

Residents wanted their park to be green, so wide grassy lawns and a baseball field could stretch across the space that also serves as the recreation area for Bessie Carmichael School. The basketball court is always in use. Just beyond the lively playground (which anchors the park) you’ll find carrots, radishes and basil spill over planter boxes in the community garden. The caring efforts of both newer residents and long-time homeowners have allowed the and Victoria Manalo Draves Park to exceed all expectations.

(The park is named after Vicki Draves, an Olympic gold medal diver who grew up around the corner from the park. In 1942 she was the first woman in history to win gold medals in both springboard and platform diving.)

My next blog will focus on the latest eclectic eateries in the area. Stay tuned.