San Francisco to Get a Leather-Themed Public Park?

Photo: Courtesy Gehl Studio

Maybe all gentrification isn't so bad? A proposal backed by the developer of a new mixed-use housing and retail development near the Eagle bar in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, is taking shape. Since the 1950s, the area, now known as SoMa, has been home to a number of gay bars and nightclubs, many catering to the leather scene, and the city has already designated that section of western SoMa as part of an LGBTQ cultural heritage district, according to the Bay Area Reporter.

"There is a lack of public space like this in this area. It is very much needed," said Alex Montiel, a co-owner of the Eagle. "Something like this is very much needed for anybody who lives around here. There are no parks nearby."

It seems the park -- a block of 12th Street, between Harrison and Bernice -- would include decorative pavers in the colors of the leather pride flag (blue, black, white, and red), and benches that double as monkey bars. The Eagle Plaza website feature drawings depicting spots for food trucks, tables and chairs, and seating units modeled after bar benches and jungle gyms. No St. Andrew's Cross for public flogging as of yet.