This Tenderloin street closed to cars and opened to kids. It could be a model for S.F.

Elm Street will remain closed to vehicles during school hours, providing a safe play area for children at Tenderloin Community Elementary School. This initiative started as a pandemic-related measure and has gained support from local advocates who seek to make it a permanent fixture. The Tenderloin has the highest child density in San Francisco but lacks sufficient open spaces, prompting calls for expanded hours and community access. The city’s Planning Department backs the initiative, hoping it will inspire more child-friendly spaces across the city. Scott Bravmann, a volunteer, emphasizes the need for such spaces, stating they allow kids to burn off energy before class.

The project is part of the Tenderloin Community Action Plan, which has secured funding through June 2026, including plans for murals and improved access. However, funding beyond 2026 remains uncertain, raising concerns about the project's future. Local advocates stress the importance of these changes for the well-being of children in an area that has limited recreational options.