SNOW PARK
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
This article is part of our Oakland Parks Guide. Sign up for our email newsletter to receive Oakland park news, volunteer opportunities and inspiring outdoor ideas throughout the year!
Named for Henry Snow, whose animals populated Oakland’s first zoo at this site, Snow Park was reopened to much acclaim in 2019 following significant renovations. Situated adjacent to Lake Merritt, Snow Park’s play equipment and landscaped grounds welcome visitors for picnicking, people-watching and beautiful views of the water. Located in the heart of downtown Oakland in a space that dates to the city’s founding, Snow Park is now a cornerstone of Lake Merritt’s contemporary renaissance.
Park Activities
When it’s not crowded, Snow Park is one of the best places to hang out in Oakland. Reviewers rave about the park’s thick green grass, towering oak trees and secluded corners that provide many ideal spaces for intimate picnics. The play structures and enclosed toddler area earn high marks from parents. Snow Park even features downtown Oakland’s only putting green, a holdover from the original 1960s design. Whether you stop by after work or on a weekend afternoon, Oaklanders seem to agree that Snow Park is a great place to hang out and get some sun.
Park Facilities
Bathrooms
Picnic Tables
Playground (Ages 5-12)
Putting Green
Tot Lot (Ages 2-5)
Park Info
Address
19th Street & Harrison Street
Dogs
Allowed on leash
Hours
Closed from dusk until dawn, unless otherwise posted or permitted
Maintenance Requests
OAK 311
(510) 615-5566
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 Snow Park? We would love to hear from you in the comments section below!
Snow Park is one of my favorite places. I walk through it almost every morning forest bathing under the beautiful trees. I especially love the spreading live oaks. Recently, I have enjoyed distanced and masked meetings with family there. The renovations, including the wonderful crosswalk to the lake and the extension that includes the picnic tables and Makkeweks plus the beautiful new landscaping make me happy every day. Prior to COVID my great-grandchildren enjoyed the playground equipment and tot lot. Now I see adults exercising in the morning, using the equipment. What a treasure this park is! After the renovation, as we walked through the park looking at the lake, my son remarked, “This is like a resort!”
Thanks so much for sharing all that you love about Snow Park, Marcia!
hi, do i need a permit for this park? i would like to have an bbq with a kids jumper, ive called the rental number but no response yet. thanks
Your event may require either a rental agreement or a permit. Please contact the Oakland Parks Central Reservations Unit at (510) 238-3420 or (510) 238-3187.
The renovation of Snow Park was funded mainly with $9.2 million in federal transportation funds, but also with $2.3 million in funds from Measure DD, a $198 million bond Oakland voters passed in 2002 for lake improvements, and $500,000 from Alameda County Measure BB, a sales tax for transportation improvements passed in 2014.
A total of $12,000,000 of taxpayer’s money to provide a homeless encampment.
The renovation of Snow Park was funded by twelve million dollars of taxpayer’s money. Sad to see the condition of the park now.
The Snow Park camp grows and now includes open fires at night. This is dangerous! Please clean it up
Thank you for sharing your perspective, John.