BUSHROD PARK
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
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Bushrod Park was established on land willed to the City of Oakland in 1903 by the Philadelphia physician, Dr. Bushrod James. Since then, scores of professional athletes have gotten their start in North Oakland on Bushrod Park’s fields. Famously, Bushrod Park’s alumni roster includes basketball players like Gary Payton, Jason Kidd and Leon Powe, as well as baseball players like Frank Robinson, Rickey Henderson and Curt Flood. The National Football League’s Oakland Raiders even used Bushrod Park as their practice facility in the early 1960s. Bushrod Park’s notable athletic history extends back to the 1930s, when Don Budge learned to play tennis at the park while living in the neighborhood.
Park Activities
With its baseball and soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts and well-programmed recreation center, Bushrod Park is one of Oakland’s most active neighborhood spaces. Tennis and pickleball players gather in the morning chill. Little leaguers roam the ball fields. Groups of friends lounge and listen to music on the expansive grounds. Parents and children rotate through the recreation center. Bushrod Park’s 10 acres make it one of Oakland largest parks, with space for everyone. Online reviewers note that Bushrod Park is “full of families enjoying themselves” with “very good community vibes” and “an unexpectedly beautiful view across the Bay to the Golden Gate Bridge.”
Park Facilities
Barbecues
Baseball Field
Basketball Courts
Community Garden
Picnic Tables
Recreation Center
Soccer Field
Tennis Courts
Tot Lot (Ages 2-5)
Park Info
Address
560 59th Street
Dogs
Not allowed
Hours
Closed from dusk until dawn, unless otherwise posted or permitted
Maintenance Requests
OAK 311
(510) 615-5566
Recreation Center Programs
City of Oakland
(510) 238-7275
Rentals
City of Oakland
(510) 238-3420
Volunteer Opportunities
Adopt a Spot
Park and Surroundings
Additional Photos
Your turn! What are your favorite activities and experiences at Bushrod Park? We would love to hear from you in the comments section below!
Pickleball is played there EVERY SINGLE DAY. One of the tennis courts should be converted to four permanent pickleball courts so that the game is accessible to people who don’t have access to the locker away portable nets. More pickleball courts are needed. There are thousands of players who live in Oakkand who have to travel up to fifty miles because the parks our tax dollars pay for don’t accommodate them
Thank you for the suggestion, Darlene!
Hi!
This there bathroom access at Bushrod park on the weekends?
To our knowledge, only to the extent that the recreation center is open.
Could the baseball field availability be made public? It would be helpful to make sure there aren’t conflicts between scheduled games and people looking to use the extra green space.
It’s a great suggestion, John, and we can share that with City staff. In the meantime, you can call the Recreation Center directly to inquire about the upcoming schedule.
I have called and emailed but I haven’t heard back. Is there any other way to get access to the schedule?
Unfortunately, we’re not aware of any other way.
I started playing basketball at Bushrod 1972 and 73 before I entered the military. My brother cousin and myself used to love to play there since there was a lot of competition and it was really fun. Glad to see that it has been rebuilt and upgraded with a lot of things for people to do.
Thank you for sharing these great memories, Bob!
What are the official hours of the park? Wondering how early I can start shooting around. Thanks!
Hi Tim, the park is generally open from dawn until dusk, unless otherwise posted or permitted.
Requesting designated ‘off leash’ area in Bushrod. Can we re-visit an off leash area in Bushrod? Citizens have been coming to Bushrod with their dogs for over a decade when areas are not being used.
Surveys recommend more dog parks, and an overwhelming majority of citizens support more fenced dog play areas.
https://cao-94612.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/oak068841.pdf
Thank you for your suggestion, Mary. It’s best to contact your councilmember’s office with this type of idea.
How do I sign up for beginners pickle ball? Do I need to bring my own equipment, if so what?
Hi San! Please inquire with the recreation center directly at (510) 597-5031.