The De Haro Street Community Project
The De Haro Street Community Project
The De Haro Street Median is a rare “hidden gem” in San Francisco, one of the city’s last remaining wild medians. Defined by vibrant apple-green outcroppings of serpentine (California’s state rock), this greenspace has been a labor of love, planted and protected by local neighbors for decades.
Now officially recognized as a San Francisco “Street Park,” the community group is dedicated to conserving this unique habitat as a vital link in a walkable greenbelt across the south side of Potrero Hill.
Phase 1: Green Stormwater Infrastructure
In 2022, the project reached a major milestone by securing an SFPUC Urban Watershed Stewardship Grant. Designed by Terrain Studio, Phase 1 focuses on transforming the median into a functional environmental prototype through:
- Permeable Planters: Capturing runoff before it hits the pavement.
- Rainwater Diverting Bioswale: A natural channel designed to guide and filter water.
- Rain Garden: A dedicated catchment area that allows water to soak into the earth naturally.
Environmental & Community Impact
Their mission goes beyond aesthetics. This project serves as a model for hillside rainwater catchment, offering three primary benefits:
- Ecological Support: Providing a sanctuary for pollinating birds and butterflies.
- Infrastructure Protection: Diverting rainwater from city storm drains to prevent overflow and stop toxins from reaching the ocean.
- Community Wellness: Offering a “calm refuge” for neighbors and pedestrians within a dense urban environment.
By reclaiming water and nurturing our local flora, they are ensuring that De Haro Street remains a resilient, green, and beautiful cornerstone of Potrero Hill for generations to come.
Contact to get involved: deharostreetcommunity@gmail.com or https://deharostreetcommunity.org/