Hello There! I made this site for the garden at Lincoln Ave. & Georgia St. in San Diego, California. I've been gardening at this space since just before 2020. I've lived nearby since 2001 and for the most part this hill was just dirt and trash. Turning it into a garden has been an absolute dream.
I'm often asked how the garden came to be what it is now, so I thought a photo gallery would help explain. I've taken hundreds of photos, but I tried to narrow it down to just show the development. There's photos of plantings, friends, a ton of mulch, vandalism, rocks, more rocks, and giant rocks from construction sites!
Read more...I started with carrying rocks to the slope to build the trail. During covid, this was a kind of meditation. When I finally finished lining the trail with rocks, I planted my first plant on the slope (the bird of paradise at the bottom of the slope). I was inspired by a man named Xi, who planted loquat tree (and more) at the bottom of the slope. From the bird of paradise at the bottom, over the course of many years, I planted all the way to the top. Tons of cactus, succulents, native plants and more.
At some point, I started gardening the sidewalks above the slope on Georgia St. as well. They were full of trash and tall weeds and I wanted people walking up the slope to see something pretty when they reached the top. Similarly, I wanted people driving into the neighborhood from Lincoln to see something welcoming.
Around 2022, a very kind man name Pastor Lee started gardening as well. He took over the right side (going down the hill) and spent countless hours maintaining the whole area. He is such a gift to the slope and community. Hilariously, he and I fought off a trash dumping vandal for a long time.
After not seeing him for a few years, Xi has returned to planting on the slope. It's great to have him back. He tends to plant flowers and trees. Near the top of the slope, there's a big flowering bush that's held up by teepee of sticks. That's Xi!
In the summer of 2025, an application was submitted to vacate the public right-of-way for the lot south of 4009 Georgia Street (San Diego Project No. PRJ-1135649). If approved, this action would have converted a long-used community trail into private property.
Our neighborhood rallied to protect this space because it is far more than an undeveloped lot. For years, this trail has been a vital connection for daily commutes, recreational walks, and neighborly interaction. Children use it as a safe route to school. Parents and residents rely on it to connect with nature. Seniors walk it to maintain their health. Volunteers have cared for and maintained it. It is both a practical pathway and a cherished gathering place that strengthens our sense of community.
After months of discussion with residents and the North Park Planning Committee, the Committee formally recommended that the City deny the vacation request. During this process, it was also confirmed that the lot is identified in the North Park Community Plan as a potential pocket park.
This property sits on what is known as a “paper street” — a street that appears on official maps and subdivision plans but was never physically built. Although the City does not currently maintain this right-of-way, members of the community have stepped up to steward and preserve it. In early 2026, the application was closed due to inactivity by the applicant. However, closure does not guarantee permanent protection. Without action, the property could again be targeted for privatization.
The only way to ensure this treasured space remains accessible to the public is for the City to take ownership and formally designate it as a pocket park. This is a rare opportunity to secure lasting green space in a growing urban neighborhood — something that may not come again for generations.
Designating this land as a pocket park would benefit both people and the environment. The trail supports local wildlife and provides essential urban greenery — a “green lung” in our dense community. Preserving it would enhance biodiversity, promote public health, and improve quality of life for current residents and future generations.
We call on City officials and relevant authorities to partner with the community to permanently preserve this space as a public pocket park.
Sign this petition to show your support for protecting our community trail and ensuring it remains open, accessible, and thriving for generations to come.
If you are interested in volunteering to help maintain the space, please sign up here:
https://www.uhsd.org/volunteer#volunteer-sign-upIf you would like to contribute toward ongoing maintenance costs, you can donate here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-lincoln-slope-park-projectOk! Ok! It's been wonderful to see the park grow and watch the community enjoy it. I'm super grateful to all the kind people who over the years have helped me - either with plants, rocks, water, or just encouragement. I have a lot more to do and look forward it. Please join the community!
https://www.change.org/p/georgia-street-trail-maintain-public-right-of-way
- Many Thanks to Jess J. for starting this petition.
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“As part of the interested party list, please be advised that this project has been closed due to inactivity from the applicant’s team.”
This is encouraging news and an important win for our community. While the application has been closed, this does not guarantee permanent protection of the space. Our focus now shifts to the next step: working to officially convert this paper street into a designated pocket park.
You may notice that the petition has been updated to reflect this new phase of our efforts. Please take a moment to review the changes to ensure they still align with your support. If you no longer wish to participate, you may withdraw your support directly through the petition platform.
We are excited about the opportunity to transform this space into a lasting community asset.
If you are interested in volunteering to help maintain the space, please sign up here:
https://www.uhsd.org/volunteer#volunteer-sign-upIf you would like to contribute toward ongoing maintenance costs, you can donate here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-lincoln-slope-park-project
