Reader Amy sent us this photo of a new bench that popped up on a sidewalk in the inner Richmond.
It’s part of the Public Bench Project, whose goal is to “promote community-focused public spaces in the Inner Sunset, and neighborhoods around San Francisco, by providing benches to people who want to steward a community space outside their building.”
The bench, located on 2nd Ave between California and Lake, is painted brown and spotted with green leaves, yellow flowers and a “PUBLIC BENCH PROJECT” stamp.
“Benches are a wonderful way to contribute to the neighborhood. A bench builds community by giving people a place to meet friends and neighbors; provides a rest space for tired walkers, the elderly, and others; adds an artistic piece of furniture for all to see; and lets the world know that you care about community.”
And before you start asking if this is legal, the answer is yes. All that is required is that there still be 6 feet of sidewalk clearance in front of the bench, and that it not be bolted to the ground (bolting does require a city permit). You also need permission from the building owner so if you’re a renter, check with your landlord first.
Some of the benches, like this one on 2nd Avenue, are chained to neighboring trees to prevent theft.
“We will give a bench to anybody who wants to put a bench outside their building in the public realm,” the Public Bench Project says on their website. Contact the PBP for more information.
Viva la bench!
Sarah B.
UPDATE: Foggy Notion just told us that Toy Boat’s benches out front are also part of the Public Bench Project. So 2nd Avenue isn’t the first after all!
We love this concept! I definitely want to try and get one for outside of our HQ in the Richmond District! Thanks for sharing!
If anyone is going to place one be sure you get one that’s long enough. Some of the homeless folks are quite tall and to be politically correct we want them all be able to get a peaceful nap or snooze whenever the mood strikes them.
Perhaps the “Neighborhood Watch” groups could sponsor a bench in each of their neighborhoods. They could get a homeless person to volunteer as a sentinel security person to occupy their bench. Everyone on the block could sleep a little sounder knowing there was a sentinel outside just for their block.
An easy way to expand the seating options at bus stops.
A way to provide a min-parklet outside most coffee shops.
Probably not a good idea to have them too chose to Ocean Beach, they be taken apart and used as bonfire firewood.
Richmond Residents rise to the challenge! They are all over the Sunset. Our rear-ends are just as tired as theirs.
https://publicbenchproject.wordpress.com
A public bench can bring a smile to someone’s cheeks.
A bench built around a tree would be less likely to go missing and would discourage dog use.
I have noticed that the toy boat benches get tons of use whereas the clement st parklet hardly ever has anyone sitting in it. the benches outside giorgio’s also are well used and not just by folks waiting for a table inside. All in all they definitely do add to a sense of community.
Where there’s benches, there’s cigarette butts.
And be considerate of neighbors and increased noise issues please, outside a restaurant makes sense. People talk about community, but they don’t realize that manipulative people look to prey on public spaces; I live near someone who does just that, it’s not always “friendly” despite appearances, be careful, make sure things about them add up
Yep, I think these work best out front a cafe or restaurant, or even potentially a neighborhood hub like Green Apple.
I wouldn’t want one on my residential block, though. Already have people sleeping there sometimes, which is sad and frustrating.
Kudos though for helping bring neighborliness to our beloved hood…
Cute bench. However, is that wee little chain the only thing keep it secure? It could be easily cut in the night and with some help from some friends that could be new seating in someone’s apartment. I recommend a thicker chain and may more than one.