Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
About the Park
As an international gateway, our airport and seaport operations bring economic value to the world. Here at home, we’re bringing social and cultural value to the region. Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, owned by the Port of Oakland, offers Oakland its first public beach. The views are some of the most magnificent in the area and the park contains an amphitheater for events and performances.
Since World War II, military use has restricted public access to the shoreline of the Middle Harbor. As part of the Port’s Vision 2000 seaport program, the public has regained access to the former naval ship basin. Agencies, community representatives and scientists worked together to design the habitat restoration for the more than 150-acre water area of the harbor and the integration of the park with the habitat. Middle Harbor became an ecological reserve of shallow bay and shoreline habitats for many species, such as Dungeness crab, flatfish, anchovy, herring and perch.
Middle Harbor Shoreline Park (MHSP) is a 38-acre shoreline park built and operated by the Port of Oakland for the community, with more than two miles of pathways encircling Middle Harbor Basin. The planning and design of this park was done with extensive community involvement, which identified key goals for the park. Primary goals included creation of a place for learning about the local history, natural environment, maritime activities and stewardship for the environment. In addition, MHSP provides unprecedented access to the shoreline, with associated views of the bay, natural habitats and maritime activity.
Bay Views
Views of the bay that have not been available to the public for the past 100 years are now abundant throughout the park. Visitors may use the free viewing binoculars at Pt. Arnold and in the observation tower.
Ampitheater
See live entertainment in an amphitheater that overlooks San Francisco Bay.
Chappell R. Hayes Observation Tower
Chappell Hayes (1948-1994) was an activist, environmentalist, husband and father.
Chappell Hayes inspired a movement and improved the quality of life of thousands with his leadership of West Oakland’s fight for environmental justice. Hayes developed programs for at-risk youth and helped to redefine environmental issues to include broader urban concerns, such as poverty and racism. He worked with West Oakland youth on projects and initiatives to raise neighborhood youth out of poverty and violence.
Interpretive Signage Program
Take a moment to read the interpretive signs throughout the park for an interesting insight into the history of the site, the environmental resources here and the adjacent maritime activities.
Not sure who to contact or have a general question? Use our contact form to route your request
History
Middle Harbor Shoreline Park is built on the site of the former Oakland Naval Supply Depot, an important supply center for the Navy’s Pacific Fleet from World War II until 1998, when the depot was closed and transferred to the Port of Oakland. This 541-acre facility was equipped with dozens of warehouses with a combined floor area of over 7 million square feet. The Naval Supply Depot that stood on this land played an important role in the World War II war effort—civilian and military workers processed and shipped a wide variety of cargo, including aviation material, electronics, weapons, clothing, food, fuel, lumber, and medicine and medical equipment.
Building 122, which has left its “footprint” at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, played an important role in the Supply Depot’s processing and shipping activities. This structure was a 190,000-square-foot warehouse (4.3 acres) built as one of two primary storage and supply facilities for the Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Its irregular shape allowed for rail service on all sides. You can find the footprint of Building 122 by finding the clues in the park’s landscape: look for a “ghost” structure marked by wall markers, zig-zag walls, and changes in pavement (even in the parking lot).
Most of the other buildings on the Supply Depot were warehouses and offices. The Supply Depot had its own fire and police stations, library, post office, bank, cafeteria, chapel, bowling alley, movie theater, coffee roasting plant (which at its peak supplied all of the armed forces in the Pacific), several lounges, Naval and Marine barracks, and housing for officers and their families. This self-contained “city” was connected by 42 miles of train tracks and 26 miles of paved roadway.
Middle Harbor itself was dredged to create a 50-foot-deep berthing area for naval ships, and fill was placed to create the land for the depot. Oakland was chosen as the site of this important supply center because of the city’s extensive rail and highway connections leading almost directly to the bay and its shipping lanes. The Oakland Naval Supply Depot even had its own internal railroad transportation system with a roundhouse and rail car repair shops.
Explore the Map
Reserve a Picnic Area
Bring your own blanket for lawn picnicking or select one of the picnic tables throughout the park and bring your own bbq pit. Picnic tables with bbq pits MUST be reserved. All other areas (lawn, picnic tables w/o pits, etc.) are first-come, first-served.
Beneath the saw-tooth overhang structure within the park are 27 picnic tables with adequate space for additional tables and chairs (to be provided by the reservation holder) for a maximum capacity of 400.
Choose from below to access the park permit forms, view reservable picnic tabled areas, fees, setup and additional information regarding reservations. All picnic sites are wheelchair accessible.
- Section A
Capacity: 55
ADA accessible site with six 8-ft tables, one 8-ft table with ADA wheelchair accessibility, a double-sided large bbq pit and 2 small bbq pits. An ADA accessible bathroom for men and women is located 100 feet away. Parking is approximately 200 feet away.
- Section B
Capacity: 55
ADA accessible site with six 8-ft tables, one 8-ft table with ADA wheelchair accessibility, a double-sided large bbq pit and 2 small bbq pits. An ADA accessible bathroom for men and women is located 100 feet away. Parking is approximately 200 feet away.
- Section C
Capacity: 105
ADA accessible site with six 6-ft tables, five 8-ft tables, two 8-ft tables with ADA wheelchair accessibility, a large double-sided bbq pit. An ADA accessible bathroom for men and women is located 100 feet away. Parking is approximately 200 feet from your site. Maximum capacity is 105.
Film/Special Events Permits
Commercial Film/Photography Permits: A special permit is required for filming, photography, or videotaping of print ads, commercials, movies, videos, etc. The current fees for a permit can range from $500 to $8,000. See below to download the permit forms. Each project is different and must be assessed for specific requirements and costs.
Film fees are subject to change. Additional fees for any of the above may be considered for parking, reservations and park staff time. Liability insurance is required for all permits.
Turnaround time depends on availability, impact to the park, and volume of requests. Generally, film permits can be issued within eight weeks after receipt of a completed application.
Please note that all events must be approved one year prior to date of actual event. Allow a minimum of 60 days to process film or photography requests
Special Events Process
Special event permits are required for events such as walkathons, organized training, festivals or other activities which may go beyond the scope of normal park use, or which require partial or exclusive use of the park or areas within the park. Special events require a contract and specific insurance. See below to download our special event requirements and a copy of the Port’s sample Temporary Rental Agreement (TRA). You can also send your request by email to the Park Manager at [email protected] or leave a detailed voice message at 510-627-1434. The Park Manager or Port designee will contact you within a reasonable time period to discuss your request in more detail.
Application timeline: Applications for new events must be submitted at least one year prior to the requested event date. Repeat event applications must be submitted at least (6) six months prior to requested event date. New or unusual events may require approval by the Board of Port Commissioners. You are encouraged to start planning as early as possible to be sure that your date and location are available and that your application has sufficient processing time. Your application is complete ONLY when the Port has received all necessary signed documents, proof of insurance and all fees have been paid. Your event may be cancelled if your application is not complete 30 days prior to the event.
Education Outreach & Programming
The Port of Oakland has partnered with Stepping Out Stepping In to offer environmental education, exploration and nature play at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park to elementary, middle, high school students and adults.
Stepping Out Stepping In provides hands-on environmental education programs designed to meet science standards for each grade. Their programs focus on the ecology and cultural history of the San Francisco Bay and teach the students a greater sense of understanding why the Bay is an important habitat worth protecting. We also teach various other related aspects of the park including maritime industry, cultural railroad, and Navy Depot history.
Low-income schools located throughout West Oakland may be eligible for free bus transportation. Apply on-line by going to www.steppingoutsteppingin.org.
Environmental
To learn more, click here.
Shoreline Birding
The park’s shoreline pathways allow for excellent wildlife observation year-round. Numerous shorebirds, diving ducks, and sea birds can be seen just off shore. Year-round residents include the Forster’s tern, western gull, double-crested cormorant, and brown pelican. Summer visitors include the Caspian tern, least tern, California gull, Canada goose, and snowy egret. Winter visitors include the common goldeneye, ruddy duck, bufflehead, scaup, western sandpiper, dunlin, surf scoter, Western/Clark’s grebe, and eared grebe. Interpretive panels with photos of these birds can be found within the park.
While nearby ship traffic always seems entertaining, the feeding and grooming antics of waterfowl are fascinating. During your visit here, take time to look for the many species of birds that find food and refuge in this area. As the habitat is restored and improved, many animals will return, giving us the chance to observe wildlife in the city.
Fishing
Cast out a line at Pt. Arnold for great fishing opportunities. A California State fishing license is required to fish at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, with the exception of fishing from the pier at the end of Port View Park, where no California State fishing license is required.
Park Accessibility
There are wheelchair accessible parking areas, drinking fountains and restrooms in the park. All picnic sites, the Port View Park, the observation tower and port operations viewing area at Western Pacific Mole are wheelchair accessible.
Directions to Park
From San Francisco:
Take I-80 east (Bay Bridge/Oakland) to I-880 south toward Alameda/Airport/San Jose. Exit onto West Grand Ave./Maritime Street. Continue straight, then turn right onto Maritime Street. At the BART tracks, turn right onto 7th Street. Continue straight on 7th Street to the stoplight at Middle Harbor Road. Proceed through the intersection and take the first right turn into the MHSP parking lot.
From the East Bay:
Take Hwy. 24 west to I-980 west, towards Oakland. Exit at the 11th/12th Street off-ramp onto Brush Street. Continue straight, and turn right (northwest) at 7th Street. Continue straight on 7th Street and past Maritime Street to the stoplight at Middle Harbor Road. Proceed through the intersection and take the first right turn into the MHSP parking lot.
From the South Bay:
Take I-880 north towards Oakland. Take the 7th Street exit towards West Grand Ave. Turn left onto 7th Street. Follow 7th Street, heading west, past Maritime Street. Continue straight on 7th Street to the stoplight at Middle Harbor Road. Proceed through the intersection and take the first right turn into the MHSP parking lot.
From the North Bay:
Take I-80 west to I-880 south towards Alameda/Airport/San Jose. Exit at 7th Street/West Grand Ave. Continue straight, through the light and along the frontage road to the light at 7th Street. Turn right onto 7th Street, heading west, past Maritime Street. Continue straight on 7th Street to the stoplight at Middle Harbor Road. Proceed through the intersection and take the first right into the MHSP parking lot.
Public Transit:
AC Transit Bus Line 13 no longer services the middle harbor area. Port Staff are seeking alternative solutions through grants and partnerships.