Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline facts for kids

Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline is a cool park in Oakland, California. It sits right on the edge of San Francisco Bay, near the big Bay Bridge. This park is part of the East Bay Regional Park District and first opened its doors on October 21, 2020. It's a great spot to enjoy nature and learn about the area's past.

What is the History of Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline?

The land where the park is now has a long and interesting history. From 1903 to the early 1940s, it was the eastern end of the Key System mole. This was a long path and pier that stretched almost to Yerba Buena Island. Trains from the Key System used to run along this mole. People would then switch from trains to ferryboats to cross the bay.

How the Bay Bridge Changed the Area

In the 1930s, the area changed a lot. This was because the Bay Bridge was being built. The site was prepared for a railway on the lower deck of the bridge. This railway was for trains from the Southern Pacific Transportation Company, Sacramento Northern Railway, and the Key System. Train service over the bridge began in January 1939. A special building at the site provided electricity for all the Key System trains. This building, called the Bridge Yard building, was also a place where electric trains were fixed.

From Army Base to Public Park

In 1941, the United States Army set up the Oakland Army Base here. It became a very important port for moving supplies, equipment, and soldiers. It was used during major wars like World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The base closed down in 1999 after serving for 60 years.

The idea for this park came from a person named John Sutter. He was a former member of the Park District Board. He first suggested a waterfront park at the Oakland Army Base in 1967. Creating the park took many years of teamwork. Many local and state groups worked together. These included the City of Oakland and the California Department of Transportation.

Who Was Judge John Sutter?

The park is named after Judge John Sutter. He was a very important leader in the East Bay area. He cared a lot about the environment and public spaces. He worked as a judge and also as Oakland’s vice mayor. He was also a director for the East Bay Regional Park District. Judge Sutter helped make sure people could get to the bay shoreline.

What Can You Do at Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline?

The park has some cool features for visitors to enjoy.

The Bridge Yard Building

One main feature is the newly fixed-up Bridge Yard building. This building is from the 1930s and is very large, about 24,000 square feet. It's now a place for activities and events. You can find public events and conferences held here. It's a great space for fun programs and gatherings.

The Observation Pier

The park also has a 600-foot long observation pier. This pier was built using parts of the old Bay Bridge foundations. From the pier, you can see amazing views of the bay and the bridge. It lets people get close to the water. It's also a popular spot for fishing.

Access to the Bay Bridge Trail

The park makes it easier to get to the popular Alexander Zuckermann Bay Bridge Trail. This trail opened in 2016. It's open for both bikes and people walking. The trail is part of the larger San Francisco Bay Trail. It goes across the Bay Bridge to Yerba Buena Island and Treasure Island.