Our camps teach youth the wonders of the great outdoors and respect for nature. Our activities help youth make new friends, build their problem-solving skills, and develop self confidence and independence. We have programs for kids age 3 years and older.
Our community gardens enable residents to grow organic flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbs. You can volunteer in one of our gardens. We also offer rental plots. We offer youth gardening through schools, nonprofits and our recreation centers.
Our department partners with several community organizations. You can learn more and visit them online.
The Introductory School of Dance provides beginner and intermediate classes in dance, gymnastics, and martial arts.Students learn movement skills, history, community, respect, and self-confidence. Students can perform at events including the Oakland Dance Festival, A Holiday Tradition, the Children's Holiday Parade, Play Day in the Plaza, The Great Egg Hunt, San Francisco State University Children's Holiday Concert.
We operate a host of city amenities and services to meet your need
Allendale Recreation Center is where the fun begins! Located in the heart of Oakland, Allendale Recreation Center offers programs for the entire community. Whether you are looking to improve your English in our ESL Program or simply inquiring about an after school program to accommodate your working needs, Allendale has something for you. Many of our programs are designed for the community by the community, including our Family Kickers Soccer and Little Hooper program where family participation is welcomed. Allendale Recreation Center is your hub for resources, activities for all ages and abilities, cultural enrichment and community programming. Advisory Council meets at 6:30pm on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center (meaning Old Creek in Spanish) is located at one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the city. Our park features a lively creek, picnic areas, and a community garden. We are located next to East Oakland Pride Elementary School. Our center is equipped with a football/soccer field, tennis courts, play area for toddlers, patio area, social hall, craft and game room, computer lab, and newly renovated baseball field. We have bilingual staff members to help our Spanish-speaking community members. We are an ADA Inclusion Center.
Located in North Oakland’s Temescal District, Bushrod Recreation Center was constructed in 2000, making it one of newest recreation centers in the area. Bushrod is equipped with a full sized gymnasium, weight room, kitchen, play structure, lighted basketball and tennis courts, lighted football/soccer fields, baseball/softball field, and picnic areas. Let’s make Bushrod your home away from home.
The Carmen Flores Recreation Center is located in the heart of Oakland’s Fruitvale district. Diverse recreational programs are offered at low cost for tiny tots, youth, teens, adults and seniors. The center and park feature an industrial sized kitchen, multipurpose room, fully equipped computer lab and an artificial multipurpose field. Current renovations to the park include full basketball court, new entry way, a track, lighting, and landscaping which was completed in Fall 2011. We have a team of bilingual staff and a friendly atmosphere. Our programs are designed to expose our community to new activities that help participants find their passion in life. Imagine, Inspire, Invest. Experience Oakland with US!
Located in North Oakland, Golden Gate Recreation Center is close to Pixar Studios, Powell Street shopping center, Bay Street shopping center, and adjacent to the Golden Gate Community Garden. The center is fully equipped with a basketball court, baseball field, picnic sites, and patio area.
Occupying a full city block in the heart of West Oakland, beautiful DeFremery Park is a landmark destination steeped in Oakland history and culture. With its many large, mature trees and vibrant green fields, DeFremery Park is a calm and serene setting brought to life by locals using the park’s many facilities. The park’s swimming pool and Town Park skateboarding ramps attract young children, teens and families from the across the city, while community members gather for birthday parties and meetings at the park’s BBQ areas and picnic circles. Reviewers call DeFremery Park “West Oakland’s finest” and “a nice place for kids and families” with the “best skatepark in all of the Bay.” DeFremery Park earns high marks for its active recreation center and community calendar, with programs, classes and events scheduled throughout the year.
The FM Smith Recreation Center serves youth, teens, and seniors in downtown Oakland and surrounding communities. Our multilingual staff speaks several languages, including English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Spanish. The center features a basketball court, two play structures, picnic area, fully equipped computer lab, multipurpose room, and a renovated kitchen.
Ira Jinkins is the premier sports-oriented recreation center serving East Oakland.
We're a public transit friendly park and Recreation Center with two lighted outdoor playgrounds, Adult Fitness Stations, custom Tot-Lot, and "Chinese Junk-Boat" themed play-area with ADA accessibility.
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