SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco Recreation and Park officials this week are expected to approve plans for a food and beverage kiosk at the eastern entrance of Golden Gate Park, the latest in a series of planned improvements in the area.
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission on Thursday will authorize a lease agreement with Flywheel Coffee Roasters to operate the kiosk out of a Rec and Parks building currently used for gardener equipment storage in the park near Page and Stanyan streets. Flywheel, an independent coffee roastery that operates a cafe across the street from the proposed kiosk, would provide tables, chairs, and shade umbrellas. Its food options will include baked goods with vegan and gluten free options and a variety of hot and cold beverages. The building will be equipped with an all-gender restroom.
The planned kiosk would complement the area’s improvements through the Stanyan Street Edge Project, which is scheduled to break ground in July and be completed in early 2020. The $5.5 million plan, funded through the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond, will include the installation of two bocce courts and a concrete plaza seating area around the kiosk, as well as improvements in lighting, irrigation and landscaping along the park’s frontage. The current plaza area at Haight and Stanyan streets will be modified to simplify pedestrian flow, with a new sidewalk running from Stanyan Street to JFK Drive. The Oak Woodland area between Alvord Lake and Waller Street will also be improved with new pathways, lighting and landscaping. Interactive exhibit installations by the Exploratorium are planned to entice visitors in the Alvord Lake area.
“I think the kiosk will be a great addition to the neighborhood, providing a place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee while observing the beautiful landscape of the park,” said Aquiles Guerrero, owner of Flywheel Coffee. “The entrance of the park will also benefit tremendously from this project, with the bocce courts and layout of the sitting area making it more attractive and inviting.”
Rec and Parks and Public Works conducted extensive community outreach on the plan.
“The re-design of the area was informed by neighbors, who wanted a safe, welcoming place that inspired community while preserving the natural beauty,” said Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “As a local, family-run business with deep ties to the neighborhood, Flywheel Coffee Roasters is the perfect addition to the space.”