We’re thrilled to announce that the SoFA Pocket Park, located in the art district of Downtown San Jose, is entering a new chapter under the management of We Start Gardens! While the park remains a collaborative space co-managed with Veggielution, we’re honored to lead this effort to continue its legacy as a vibrant, community-centered oasis.
Originally a 7,000-square-foot abandoned parking lot, the Pocket Park was transformed during the pandemic into a Demonstration Garden and Dog Park. This remarkable effort, spearheaded by Veggielution, was a response to the needs of the Washington-Guadalupe neighborhood. At the height of the pandemic, the park served as a critical food distribution hub, connecting fresh produce and resources to those who needed them most. It was a beacon of resilience and community care during a challenging time.
However, as the world has shifted and the needs of the community have evolved, the ongoing management of the park has become increasingly difficult. That’s where We Start Gardens steps in. Our team is committed to honoring the park’s origins while building on its potential as a hub for urban gardening, community education, and connection.
As part of this transition, we’ll be enhancing the Demonstration Garden to showcase sustainable growing techniques and edible landscaping, offering workshops and events to inspire others to cultivate their own green spaces. The Dog Park will remain a welcoming spot for local pet owners, and we plan to activate the space with opportunities for neighbors to come together, learn, and enjoy the park.
We Start Gardens extends an invitation to like-minded volunteers, educators, and organizations to utilize the space to cultivate their green-thumbs, grow their teaching businesses and invite their community of participants to gather for events and classes. If you would like to be involved in any capacity, please take a moment to take this interest survey and tell us how you would to collaborate.
We’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to Veggielution for their incredible work in building this space from the ground up and for their continued partnership in this new phase. The SoFA Pocket Park will continue to thrive as a place for growth—both in plants and in community spirit. Also, we would like thank the Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet of Silicon Valley (particularly Jocelyn Dubin) and community education leader, Brother Aaron Eckles, for initiating the conversation with Vegggielution and passing it us to drive it home.
"This new garden is a space or us, our children and our community!" - Baba Aaron, Homeschool Co-op Leader of 'We Grow Kids'
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events, workshops, and opportunities to get involved. The SoFA Pocket Park is ready for its next chapter, and we can’t wait to share this journey with you. Let’s grow together! 🌱
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