Hayes Promenade
Transforming a successful weekend street activation into a permanent green pedestrian plaza in the heart of Hayes Valley. Since 2020, Hayes Promenade has demonstrated what city streets can be: safe, vibrant, and people-centered spaces that strengthen community bonds and support local businesses.
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📍 Location
Primary Focus: Hayes Street between Octavia and Gough Streets
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley, San Francisco
Project Area: Up to 1.5 acres
Transit: Centrally located near multiple Muni lines (6, 21, 49 Rapid BRT) and 10 min walk from Market / Van Ness Muni metro station
🌱 Project Overview
Hayes Promenade imagines a Hayes Street for people. Operating as a weekend street closure since 2020, Hayes Promenade has been a cherished community space in the heart of Hayes Valley.
The long-term goal is permanent greening and pedestrianization of this block, transforming successful weekend activations into a permanent plaza with connections to nature. With 27 major activations and 76 smaller activations completed, the project has proven the viability and community benefit of reclaiming street space for people, now it's time to make space for nature too.
🤝 Supporters & Advocates
Lead Advocates:
• Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association (HVNA)
Primary Contact: greening@hayesvalleysf.org
💰 Potential Funding Sources
City Programs: SFPUC Green Infrastructure Capital Fund, Community Challenge GrantTransportation: SFMTA capital improvements for permanent pedestrianization
Economic Development: Mayor's Office economic development funds for downtown revitalization
🗺️ Site Location Map
Location: Hayes Street between Octavia and Gough Streets
Context: Hayes Valley neighborhood, vibrant commercial corridor with strong pedestrian activity
Interactive map showing Hayes Promenade location in Hayes Valley.
🎯 Project Goals
- Permanent Pedestrianization: Transform successful temporary activations into a permanent car-free plaza on Hayes Street between Octavia and Gough
- Transportation Network Adjustments: Implement traffic calming measures such as one-way access, bollards for authorized vehicles only, or limited 5mph access for deliveries and residents
- Green Infrastructure Integration: Create permeable surfaces for stormwater management, incorporate street trees and plantings, and maximize the 1.5-acre project area's environmental benefits
- Community Space Enhancement: Provide safe spaces for children to play, neighbors to gather, and artists to perform
- Economic Vitality: Support local merchants through consistent foot traffic, outdoor dining opportunities, and regular programming that draws visitors
- Entertainment Zone Activation: Leverage recently passed Entertainment Zone legislation to create vibrant cultural programming tied to the permanent street plaza
✨ Success Story: From Activation to Permanence
Since 2020, Hayes Promenade has demonstrated remarkable success as a weekend street closure program:
- 27 major activations in the past year featuring diverse programming including music, dance, arts, and community events
- 76 smaller activations in the past year bringing consistent neighborhood vitality
- Strong merchant support due to increased foot traffic and outdoor dining opportunities
- Community building through regular gathering opportunities that strengthen neighborhood bonds
- Proven model for what city streets can become when prioritizing people over cars
This track record provides compelling evidence for making the transformation permanent. As one advocate noted, "Nobody's a big fan of it's closed two days a week, it's open two days a week... we want something that looks more like what these [permanent plaza] projects are doing."
📈 Current Status & Next Steps
Critical Milestone: SFMTA Board permit renewal (upcoming)
Current Phase: Securing permit renewal for continued weekend activations while building support for permanent transformation
Immediate Priority: Community advocacy at SFMTA Board meeting to ensure permit approval
Next Steps: Meet with SFPUC and other funding sources to discuss permanent infrastructure, coordinate with Entertainment Zone legislation implementation, engage Mayor's Office economic development team
Long-term Vision: Permanent pedestrianization with green infrastructure, coordinated with potential expansion of Octavia Boulevard area improvements
Learn how to support Hayes Promenade at the SFMTA Board meeting
📰 Press Coverage
📸 Project Gallery
