In the Works - Community Newsletter In the Works June 2019 | Page 47

The Tompkins Stairway Garden, on
Tompkins Avenue between Nevada and
Putnam streets, is one of the many artistic
stairways located throughout the City.
thanks to a collaborative effort
among Public Works employees,
the San Francisco Parks
Alliance and, most importantly,
nearby neighbors and the
surrounding community.
The Tompkins Stairway
Garden, on Tompkins Avenue
between Nevada and Putnam
streets, is one of the many
artistic stairways located
throughout the City. With a
vibrant multicolored zigzag
design, the tiled stretch of
steps can be seen from near
and far and complements the
neighborhood’s vast eclecticism
and serves as a backdrop for
the popular Alemany Farmers’
Market.
A drought-tolerant garden
that’s in year-round bloom lies
on both sides of the colorful
walkway and showcases many
plants native to California.
Most notably are the bright
pink Calandrinia, commonly
known as redmaids; the compact
clusters of white flowers, which
are called yarrows; and an
assortment of unique trees and
a variety of green and deep red
succulents and cacti.
The completion of this hidden
gem was celebrated with a
ribbon-cutting ceremony
on June 8 where District 9
Supervisor Hillary Ronen, staff
from Public Works and the
Parks Alliance and dozens of
community members relished
in their hard work transforming
this highly visible spot in the
neighborhood.
The gardening work and
repairing many of the broken
tiles on the stairway was led
by neighbors and supported
by Public Works. We also
helped secure grant money
for upgrades, supplied tools,
removed bags of debris and
organized community cleanups.
The Tompkins Stairway project
is a beautiful example of how
residents, the nonprofit sector
and City agencies come together
to make a positive impact in
the community. Public Works
looks forward to continuing this
partnership just as much as we
look forward to seeing the street
park thrive for years to come.