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Lakeside Park, downtown Oakland [Lake Merritt] AA - AG; ** 3+ miles; Transit; Rainy Weather Yes INFO
Whether the cup at Lake Merritt is half empty or half full really depends
on your expectations. If you start, as I did, with the idea that Lakeside
Park's only recommendations are that it's easy to get to and has good
wheelchair access, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the great birdwatching
and charming gardens. For years the boat
rental facility here offered sailing classes for people with disabilities,
and its publicity still offers to arrange accommodation as needed. It
was the birthplace of the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS).
Both are worth investigating if you sail, would like to go for a sail,
or want to learn sailing at low cost. There are lots of birds, of course, and several nice gardens including a remarkable Bonsai collection, well worth a special visit. Children's Fairyland (admission $7) is a fine place to take young children (or they could feed the birds and play at the playground for free). Check the links above for other attractions I haven't investigated. Details: Lakeside Park is on the north side of Lake Merritt along Grand Avenue, well served by AC Transit. There is a charge for parking in the park on weekends, and it can be difficult to find a space. (With a placard, your best bet may be the metered spaces on Grand Avenue.) Accessible restrooms are provided in the park and also north of Cameron House. Last visit Winter 2008 |
On
the other hand, if you're attracted by the 3 mile walk around the lake,
you may be disappointed, since except where it skirts the park, the
trail runs close to busy roads. In my opinion, many neighborhoods in
Oakland and other nearby cities are pleasanter places for a stroll.
But exploring Lakeside Park itself is worthwhile. Although its landscaping
mostly doesn't pretend to be natural, in fact it's the oldest wildlife
refuge in North America. The paths are mostly paved and smooth, though
famously strewn with goose droppings, the price we pay for mingling
with dignified crowds of these magnificent birds. If you go for a picnic,
don't plan to sit on the grass! But there are plentiful benches with
attractive and interesting views.