
[jump] As parklets, or tiny public parks built in place of parking spaces, have become an increasingly popular means to beautify urban neighborhoods, many of the most successful examples here in the East Bay have been sponsored by restaurants or coffee shops. If done properly, it’s a win-win: The busy restaurant gets a some extra seating and overflow space, and everyone in the neighborhood gets a pleasant space for hanging out outdoors and a convenient place to park their bikes.
Mistry stressed that the project isn’t just about getting extra seating for the restaurant. In addition to the usual benefits that most parklets bring — a bike rack being prominent among them — the 51st Street Parklet will also have an educational aspect she believes folks in the neighborhood will enjoy.
As designed by creative director — and longtime Temescal resident — Sarah Patterson, the parklet’s primary features will point to the neighborhood’s history. The main structure will have a canoe-like shape, loosely inspired by the kinds of shallow-water vessels the Ohlone Indians once piloted on Temescal Creek, which flows underneath 51st Street. (The connection prompted Mistry to joke that what they’re building is a “creeklet,” not a parklet.) In addition, there will be a structure built to resemble an Ohlone sweat lodge — a literal “temescal” — and a calf sculpture that will be painted by local artists. The calf is a nod to the fact that this particular intersection in Temescal was used as a cattle grazing area by one of the Peralta brothers (a family of early Spanish settlers) — but it’s also just meant to a fun structure for kids to climb on, Patterson said.

The restaurant just launched a $29,000 crowdfunding campaign to pay for the project. Food-centric perks include lunch for two at Juhu Beach Club ($175), a cooking class with Mistry ($1,000), and, for the high roller, your very own private birthday party at the restaurant ($7,500).