Port of Oakland - Newsroom

Oakland, Calif. (September 13, 2004 ) - Six years ago a park in the heart of a busy international seaport seemed unrealistic and hardly possible. Today what may have seemed impossible then has become reality as the Port of Oakland celebrates the transformation of a former military naval base and significant part of its busy waterfront into a beautiful new public park and natural habitat.

The Port of Oakland is gearing up for the grand opening of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park that will take place on Saturday, September 18th. The celebration, called “You Envisioned a park…We built it” is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. with a special ceremony at 1 p.m. The Port of Oakland, the East Bay Regional Park District and KFRC are sponsoring the event.

With a dedication ceremony, music, educational displays, entertainment and food booths, the Port expects to engage, educate and entertain the public and key stakeholders, including local elected officials and community leaders in the midst of Oakland’s newest outdoor destination. “We want to thank the Port’s stakeholders for their involvement in helping create this beautiful asset for Oakland,” said Oakland’s Board of Port Commissioners President Patricia A. Scates.

The East Bay Regional Park District’s Board President Doug Siden is enthusiastic about the grand opening, “We’re delighted to join the Port of Oakland in welcoming the public to the waterfront and introducing this great new outdoor resource.” Middle Harbor Shoreline Park has numerous features that can be enjoyed by those who have different interests whether it is taking in a bit of history or nature, fishing, picnicking, enjoying spectacular views of the bay or catching a glimpse of maritime activity at the Oakland seaport.

According to Port of Oakland’s Executive Director Jerry Bridges, “Middle Harbor Shoreline Park is the culmination of partnerships between the Port of Oakland and numerous other agencies and the West Oakland community in particular.” Bridges added, “This is an area that hasn’t been available to the public for over a century. We’re pleased to provide this new public access at the waterfront. Lake Merritt has always been a wonderful place for outdoor enjoyment and now Middle Harbor Shoreline Park will be a second jewel for Oakland.”

The Port’s Director of Communications, Harold Jones, remarked, “The grand opening of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park will also provide a venue and forum to educate the public about the collaborative process that went into developing the park, as well as the area’s rich history and the important maritime activities at the Oakland seaport. Middle Harbor Shoreline Park promises to become a main component of Oakland’s recreational and educational offerings and will promote a long-term positive connection between the Port, the local community, and the city of Oakland.”

Background
As a part of the Vision 2000 Maritime Expansion Program, the Port and community developed a concept for a shoreline park that would convert the Middle Harbor area formerly occupied by the U.S. Navy Fleet and Industrial Supply Center into a place of public access. The Port undertook a design and planning effort that included extensive community and stakeholder outreach with a significant, direct participation in decision-making through a community advisory committee. The result of these efforts was a master plan for Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, adopted by the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners on March 16, 1999. Using the Master Plan as a guide, the Port then undertook the construction of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park with the goal of providing a wide-range of leisure, educational, and other waterfront out-door opportunities to the Oakland community. Middle Harbor Shoreline Park is comprised of more than 40 acres of parkland and is adjacent to more than 180 acres of in-bay habitat.

East Bay Regional Park District to Manage Park
From the opening ceremony and the unique construction of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, park users will learn about local history, maritime activities and stewardship of the environment. The park will be managed by the East Bay Regional Park District as an inviting outdoor venue for people with varying abilities, providing for both active and passive uses, and attracting users from the local community.

Grand Opening
The Port of Oakland and the East Bay Regional Park District welcome the public to the grand opening of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 18, 2004 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free event is designed to be family-oriented. No alcohol will be sold nor allowed in the park. Due to the environmentally sensitive habitat – sorry, no dogs permitted in the park. Visitors will find picnic tables, barbecue pits and fishing areas. The public can also enjoy the Chappell Hayes Observation Tower with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, the Oakland Estuary and the Port’s shipping activities.

Entertainment
The Bay Area Blues Society kicks off the celebration at 11:00 a.m. followed by Ballet Folklorico. On-air personalities from KFRC will be on hand to present The Unauthorized Rolling Stones, the Beatles tribute band The Sun Kings, and a group steeped in the Motown sound - Big Bang Beat. Additionally, there will be walk-around entertainment for children.

Public parking is limited. AC Transit will provide bus transportation each half hour for the event on its bus line #13, which runs by the 12th Street and West Oakland BART stations. You can also ride a bike on 7th Street to the park and use free bicycle valet parking at the event. There will be signage in the area to help guide guests to the park.

Driving directions to Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

From San Francisco: 80 East (San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge) to 880 South toward Alameda/Airport/San Jose. Exit first Exit onto Grand Ave/Maritime St. exit. Continue straight, and then turn right onto Maritime Street. At BART tracks turn right onto 7th Street. Continue straight on 7th Street toward the bay. Watch for event parking signs as you approach the park.
From the East Bay: 24 West to 980 West, toward Oakland. Exit at 11th/12th St. off-ramp onto Brush Street. Continue straight, and turn right (northwest) at 7th Street. Continue straight on 7th Street, past Maritime Street toward the bay. Watch for parking signs as you approach the park.
From the South Bay: 880 North toward Oakland. Take the 7th St. exit toward West Grand Ave. Turn left onto 7th St. Follow 7th St., heading west, past Maritime St. Continue straight on 7th Street toward the bay. Watch for parking signs as you approach the park.
From the North Bay: 80 West to 880 South toward Alameda. Take the first exit for Alameda. At end of ramp go straight. Turn left on 7th street. Continue straight on 7th Street past the underpass and Maritime Street. Continue on 7th Street toward the bay. Watch for parking signs as you approach the park.

The public is invited to bring family and friends Saturday, September 18 to Middle Harbor Shoreline Park so we can all celebrate together! If you wish to participate as a volunteer, contact Monica Tell, Community Relations Representative, Port of Oakland @ 627-1135. The general hotline number for the event is 510-627-1200, which has information about where the event is and how to get there.


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