Survey seeks ideas for Civic Center redo

City planning officials have launched a survey seeking ideas from residents interested in the redesign of Civic Center Plaza, which aims to make the plaza more welcoming and inclusive, planning officials said today.

The survey is available through March 11 at www.civiccentersf.org and will help develop the Civic Center Public Realm Plan, an effort for a long-term vision for the area.

Planning officials said responses from the survey will be used to develop various designs ahead of a community workshop this spring aimed at getting feedback on the designs.

Designs will be prepared for Civic Center Plaza, United Nations Plaza and Fulton Street between Larkin and Hyde streets.

Improvements to surrounding streets may include improved facilities for pedestrians, bicycles and transit as well as trees, paving and lighting.

Planning Department director John Rahaim said in a statement:

“The Planning Department is fully committed and excited to take on a project that will re-think one of the most important spaces in The City. We’re looking forward to working further with the community to create an inclusive place that is as comfortable for a conversation between friends as it is for a gathering of thousands.”

City officials awarded the design contract to CMG Landscape Architecture. The firm’s architects support the city’s vision for the Civic Center area as a public space where social justice and civic discourse can be cultivated.

The redesign of the Civic Center area builds on other changes such as the $10 million renovation of the Helen Diller Civic Center Playgrounds, which reopens on Valentine’s Day at Larkin and Fulton streets.

Phil Ginsburg, San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department general manager, said in a statement:

“The Public Realm Plan will now help highlight Civic Center Commons not only as the heart of our city but the community hub and neighborhood park that it truly is for the children and families who live in Civic Center and Tenderloin neighborhoods.”

Paper versions of the survey and versions in other languages are available upon request.