For the Dogs

Myrtle Street’s new BARK!let transforms three public, on-street parking spaces into a 60-foot dog run at the heart of the San Francisco’s Tenderloin District. The Lower Polk Alleyways District Community Benefit District, and the Tenderloin Community came to INTERSTICE Architects in order to collaborate on the design of a new Parklet form: specifically, one for dogs to enjoy. And so the idea for a BARK!let was born.

Create New Spaces

In recognition that there was really no place to allow pets off-leash to play in the surrounding neighborhood, the Lower Polk CBD applied for a grant to design and permit a new BARK!let. The site beside McCauley Park was chosen for its location adjacent to the recently renovated children’s playground. In alignment with the Lower Polk Alleyways District Vision Plan in which Myrtle Alley aspires to be the “Park Alley,” the BARK!let focuses on the open space, and existing courtyards and park amenities.

Reclaiming the Streets

The Myrtle Street BARK!let will reclaim three on-street parking spaces in an effort to provide a shared space for the growing number of pet owners in this rapidly expanding residential mixed-use area. Why have our shared streets rented by the city for private vehicle parking, when we can all benefit from this same public space to enjoy as a linear park? The BARK!let creates space not only for pet relief, but also a place in the public commons where pet owners can gather safely to let their dogs enjoy each other’s company. The community was intimately involved in the design development.  Over multiple presentations allowing input from stakeholders and pet owners, the design evolved towards more transparency, providing light for night-time use, and establishing regulations to help ensure safety and greater containment.

Designed for Play

The BARK!let is six-by-nine-feet wide, and over 60 feet long with double gates at both ends made with a colorful graphic language of simple off-the-shelf component parts that are easily maintained. INTERSTICE added an anti-graffiti pattern derived from the myrtle tree’s leaves and flowers in honor of the street’s namesake. With lights, turf to match the blue park next door, and boulders, the park provides an exciting and playful environment for the community’s pups, both day and night.

• Landscape
• Public
• Urban Design