ADVOCACY
Our staff and board partner with local community groups to promote Oakland’s parks and recreation system with our elected and appointed leaders from the Mayor’s office down. We gather data and insights from our biennial Parks Maintenance Survey, hold meetings to hear community voices and advocate by sending letters, making phone calls and speaking at City Council and Committee meetings on behalf of Oakland’s people and open spaces.
Current Projects
PARKS USER SURVEY
In late 2019, we completed a pioneering, first in a generation parks user survey asking Oaklanders about how they use their parks. Over 1,300 people participated using a methodology developed in partnership with the Office of Race and Equity. Consequently, we heard from community members across the socio-economic spectrum about their lived experiences in Oakland parks. Results are due in 2020.
Recently Completed Projects
2030 EQUITABLE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
We were a proud community contributor to the 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan (ECAP). Park supporters can be excited to see Oakland’s parks and recreation system recognized as a crucial part of an equitable, climate resilient Oakland. In July 2020, Oakland City Council adopted both the ECAP and a Resolution committing Oakland to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2045.
MEASURE Q
Working in support of Oakland’s Yes on Q committee through phone banking and individual lobbying efforts, we strongly endorsed Measure Q and celebrated its passage in March 2020, resulting in more than $21 million annually for parks maintenance, homeless services and water quality improvements.