BROOKDALE PARK

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

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Brookdale Park was created in 1922, born from a proposal by the Leona Heights Improvement Association. The groundbreaking was attended by parks director Marston Campbell and plans originally called for an open air theater on three acres that could seat between 5,000 and 8,000 people. Fast forwarding to more contemporary times, East Oakland native MC Hammer recalls holding martial arts tournaments at the top of Brookdale Park, inspired by nearby resident Bruce Lee. Today, Brookdale Park remains a well-used community resource on a prominent neighborhood crossroads at High Street and Brookdale Avenue.

Park Activities

Brookdale Park packs a lot into a compact area. The main space features a baseball diamond and a field where community events and festivals are often held. Basketball and tennis courts, a playground and the Brookdale Recreation Center line the perimeter of the park. A shaded trail leads up through a peaceful wooded area to a hidden grassy hill at the top of the park that’s perfect for relaxing in the afternoon sun. While reviewers note that the tennis courts and playground “could use an upgrade,” visitors reflect that Brookdale Park is a “nice public park to visit and walk around on a warm day” with “beautiful grass fields and winding trails” that provide “a little oasis in East Oakland.”