City Parks
Come explore the wonders of Oakland's urban wildlands!
Come explore the wonders of Oakland's urban wildlands!
Enter Joaquin Miller Park and you will quickly forget that you are minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hikers, equestrians, bicyclists, joggers and picnickers from all over the Bay Area regularly frequent the 500-acre park. The rustic woodland trails lead you through redwood groves and oak woodlands and across lush creeksides and wet meadows. Dogs are allowed - on leash - throughout the park and a fenced off-leash dog areas for both large and small dogs is available on park property. Park facilities are available for weddings, picnics, large group gatherings and special events.Come explore the wonders of Oakland's urban wildlands!Visit the park ranger station for park history, wildlife exhibits, upcoming events, a landline telephone and more!
Lakeside Park is best known for Lake Merritt which is one of the most celebrated and accessible parks in Oakland with hundreds of visitors enjoying the park and its unique amenities daily.There are so many enjoyable activities and places to have an adventure while visiting inside Lakeside Park. Stroll along Edoff Memorial Bandstand which was built in 1923. Jog or bike along paved trails. Enjoy bird watching near the five bird islands at Lake Merritt, the oldest wildlife refuge in North America.
We offer affordable venues for meetings, parties and other special events. Our spaces and venues can fit groups of all sizes from small meetings to large gatherings. We have tables, chairs, kitchens and party rentals available for a small fee.
The City of Oakland Parks & Recreation has 52 multi-use fields ranging from football, baseball, softball to soccer. Fields are available for rent to accommodate your sporting events from leagues, tournaments, practices to private parties.
Leona Lodge is surrounded by the beauty and serenity of nature within a tranquil, wooded area. The lodge is a great location for anniversary parties, meetings, seminars, retreats and special events.The lodge contains a medium-sized banquet room, kitchen area and a large outdoor barbecue pit and patio. On-site parking is available. You may hire a caterer of your choice.The rental area includes the kitchen and outdoor barbecue area. Reservations are booked on a first come first serve basis.
Sequoia Lodge is a rustic lodge surrounded by eucalyptus and redwood trees. A wooden deck surrounds the outside of the building. The building has a small conversational area, stone fireplace and a banquet room. Onsite parking is available.The rental area includes the kitchen, deck and conversational area with stone fireplace. You may choose your caterer. Reservations are booked on a first come first serve basis.
Lakeside Park Garden Center and Lakeside Park features grassy knolls, a small beach area at the lake, a magnificent columned, marbled bandstand and numerous sites for outdoor inspiration.The Lakeside Park Garden Center is located inside Lakeside Park across from Lake Merritt, Lake Merritt Sailboat House and Children’s Fairyland. It is conveniently located near highway and public transportation access as well as off-street parking.Lakeside Park has a daily entrance fee as well as paid parking. Parking inside Lakeside Park on Bellevue Avenue is $2.00 for two hours (or $10 for all day parking) during weekdays and $5 all day parking on the weekend and holidays. The parking operating hours are from 7:30am until dusk. This oasis hosts garden shows, public and private events and numerous volunteer activities and services. Reservations are confirmed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Joaquin Miller Community Center is nestled among the majestic redwood trees inside Joaquin Miller Park.The Joaquin Miller Community Center is a 8,500 square-foot, rustic wood framed, one-story facility, with stained glass windows and doors, and a panoramic view of the Bay Area. The Woodminster Cascades tumble into a reflection pond near the amphitheater.Amenities include a modern commercial grade kitchen, assembly rooms, conference rooms, an outdoor deck and a working fireplace. Onsite parking is available. Reservations are booked on a first come first serve basis.
Lake Merritt Sailboat House is next to the nation’s largest salt water tidal lake, Lake Merritt. Built in 1954, this unique landmark houses the Lake Merritt Boating Center and Lake Merritt Institute. It has convenient access to highway and public transportation with off-street parking. Lake Merritt is home to Oakland’s oldest wildlife preserve and is often called the “Jewel of Oakland.” At night, visitors will see “Necklace of Lights," an outdoor installation with 126 lampposts and more than 4,000 light bulbs around the shoreline. At day, visitors will see grassy knolls, picnic sites, walking paths, a view of the Pergola and Colonnade. Visitors can enjoy boating, sailing and gondola rides.
The Morcom Rose Garden has thousands of exotic roses that are in bloom from Mother’s Day in May through October 31st. The Amphitheatre of Roses in the garden is an enchanting location for weddings and renewals. Visitors will see winding walkways, a reflecting pool, graceful stairways and fountain cascades. The Garden is wheelchair accessible. The garden may be reserved after Mother’s Day in May through October 31. Reservations are booked on a first come first serve basis.
The Jack London Aquatic Center sits on the shores of the Oakland Estuary.Jack London Aquatic Center (JLAC) has views of the waterfront, Oakland hills and downtown skyline. You can rent the Community Room for weddings, receptions, special events, meetings and conferences.
Why not rent one of Oakland’s pools for your next pool party? Lifeguard service and deposit required. We have indoor and outdoor pools available for rental.
We offer sports leagues for adults and youth to get active through team sports. Both teams and individuals can register for a variety of sports teams and leagues.
The 25,000 square foot East Oakland Sports Center offers a wide variety of year-round recreation programs emphasizing health, wellness and fitness that are available to all ages.
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