#65 – SoFA Pocket Park – Veggielution

The San Jose Downtown Association approached Veggielution to be a part of a temporary (approx. 3yr+) revitalization project at an underutilized parking lot in the SoFA District (South First Area). With funding from the Knight Foundation, Google, Urban Community, and with the property owner’s support, the space has been transformed during COVID-19 #SIP into a dog park managed by the Downtown Association and an urban demonstration garden that will be operated by Veggielution. The Veggielution section of the park will provide a space for a farm stand and mobile food vending hub.

With murals by eight local artists commissioned in collaboration with Local Color and the Quilt Museum, the park celebrated its official opening on June 30, 2021.

In this episode, we speak with Veggielution Environment Education Manager Rosa Maria Gordilla Garfunkel and Public Affairs Director Emily Schwing to learn about the project and plans for space.

To find out more about Veggielution programs, to donate, and to volunteer, visit: veggielution.org 

IG: veggielution 

Other Content articles on Veggielution:

Veggielution’s origin story from one of our Beta Issues 3.3 “Harvest” in 2009. 

Interview with Executive Director, Cayce Hill – Issue 9.5 “Profiles,” 2017. 

Yazmin Hernandez Carbajal – “De la Granja a la Cocina” – Issue 11.5 “Dine,” 2019