Civic Center Readies for Return of Foot Traffic to City Hall, State and Federal Office Buildings, Theaters, Museums and More
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Pedestrian traffic is increasing, and the Civic Center Community Benefit District, along with its public and private sector partners, has stepped up public safety staffing and outdoor maintenance with a specific focus on UN Plaza – the area’s busiest transit hub. Other new amenities and improvements are also in the works as the area welcomes back City, State and Federal workers; City Hall visitors; museum goers; Hamilton fans; live music lovers; children at the state-of the art Civic Center playgrounds; and wedding parties at City Hall.
* With the rapid return of heavy pedestrian foot traffic, frequent pressure washing of UN Plaza (above the Civic Center BART station) has resumed around peak commute times and throughout the day during the Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays and Sundays.
* The lights are on! Throughout Civic Center, look for the new Arts & Culture Bannerscelebrating the reopening of our performing arts venues.Information about upcoming performances and their schedules can be found at: sfciviccenter.org
* The historic Lawrence Halprin Fountain flows once more! After a year of upgrades, Public Works has revived the fountain – the unique architectural piece honoring the UN for over 40 years.
* A new, temporary Dog Run will be installed adjacent to famed Arsicault Bakerylate summer, offering much needed space for dogs to stretch their legs and enjoy some time off-leash.
* Enjoy lunch in the shade! Tables, chairs and cheery red umbrellas have popped up in UN Plaza on Wednesday and Sunday for shoppers and diners at the Heart of the City Farmers Market.
* The new UN Plaza sound system, designed by renowned sound engineers, is being readied to treat plaza goers to fun music and soothing seasonal tunes, many from the area’s music and theatrical venues.
* UN Plaza staffing levels have also increased, including more community ambassadors, a new SFPD Police post in the Plaza – and horses! Personnel from the CBD, SFPD, and the Recreation and Parks Department are present throughout the day supporting public health and safety. Homeland Security officers support 10 UN Plaza, and Heart of the City Farmers’ Market personnel are on site Wednesdays and Sundays. If you’re lucky, you might catch SFPD’s Mounted Unit trotting by.
* New, shiny signage throughout UN Plaza reiterates codes of conduct, especially those pertaining to social distancing and other pandemic protocols.
* Cheers! Re-opening soon, with sandwiches and prepared foods, coffee, wine and beer, soft serve; visitors can sit at the Civic Center Plaza Cafe next to the Helen Diller Civic Center Playgrounds and enjoy their meal!
Find out more about Civic Center at sfciviccenter.org, featuring comprehensive visitor information, events, and a guide to restaurants and services in the area.
