We need more active public spaces to help brighten San Jose, especially as we move towards a post-COVID19 world. The smaller projects the build culture and a sense of place are just as important as the high-rise development proposals we're getting.
A new dog park has just opened in San Jose and it's right in the heart of Downtown San Jose's artsy SoFA district. It features separate play areas for big and small dogs, benches, sanitizing stations, waste bags, and water bowls.
Next to the dog park will be a Demonstration Garden set to open in late Spring with planters, a Veggielution farmstand, and flexible furniture. The farmstand will sell fruit and vegetables but there will also be a food truck and carts to allow for pop-up events.
Together, this will make for a pretty cool space in SoFA to compliment several new restaurants, lounges, and development projects coming to the area (seriously, everyone should check out Petiscos by ADEGA--amazing restaurant).
The new pocket park is located at 540 S. First Street and is open from 7am to 8pm every day. A Grand Opening is planned for April 2021 and the full press release is below.
SoFA Dog Park Opening Day Fact Sheet
Presented by the San Jose Downtown Association
Thursday, Feb. 18 | 10 am - 1 pm | 540 S. 1st Street
What:
SoFA Pocket Park (dog park-portion only) opening
This is a fun, inviting space for dogs, dog owners and the community to enjoy
"Another way to activate public spaces for the community in a positive way."
Dog park will feature artificial turf, a double-entry gate, outdoor furniture, basic dog amenities and separate areas for bigger and smaller dogs
Demonstration Garden (opens in late Spring) will feature raised planter beds, garden storage, farmstand, and movable furniture. The farmstand will sell fresh fruit and vegetables and occasionally offer pop-up events through their food truck and food carts.
Visuals: Dogs and people playing together. We have five owners and canines reserved to be at the park from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday.
When:
Thursday, Feb. 18 from 10 am - 1 pm
Daily Hours: 7 am - 8 pm (subject to change)
"Pocket Park" Grand Opening planned for April 2021 - includes demonstration garden
Where:
540 S First Street in Downtown San Jose
Why:
To revitalize an underutilized lot and transform it into a temporary area for the community until the ownership’s development team moves forward with a permanent project
Wanted to provide a fun, lively, inviting space for dogs, dog owners and the downtown community to enjoy and hang out in (while socially distanced and wearing masks)
A fun addition to the South First Area (SoFA District)
Dogs and their dog owners usually stop by the small strip of grass outside of where the SoFA Pocket Park currently is, so this park will provide these pets and their owners a fun little space to enjoy on their daily walks
“Mission to bring people together to activate downtown San Jose in new and positive ways.” - Urban Community principal Jeff Arrillaga
“Public space has never been more valued and important as we deal with the confines of daily life during the pandemic. SoFA Pocket Park is a non-traditional public space that combines a dog park -- open now -- and a community garden -- coming soon. Our goal was to create a little oasis in the midst of downtown that will offer some pleasurable respite and be welcoming to everyone.” - Scott Knies, Executive Director of the San Jose Downtown Association
Who:
Presented by the San Jose Downtown Association with Veggielution
Property Owner: Urban Community
Sponsors: Knight Foundation, Urban Catalyst, Topa Architecture, Google, Urban Community, Hamilton Builders, JJ Perez Paving
Dog park will be maintained by downtown’s Property Based Improvement District (PBID)
Demonstration Garden will be operated and maintained by Veggielution
Project partner, Veggielution, is an urban farm from East San Jose expanding their presence downtown to generate opportunities for their food entrepreneur incubator program, Eastside Grown.
This park is for local residents and the greater community
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