Middle Harbor Shoreline Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middle Harbor Shoreline Park |
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Middle Harbor Shoreline Park in the Port of Oakland
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| Location | Oakland Bay/Alameda County, California |
| Nearest city | Oakland, California |
| Area | 38 acres (15 ha) |
| Created | 2004 |
| Operated by | Port of Oakland |
| Open | Monday - Friday |
Middle Harbor Shoreline Park (MHSP) is a cool park right on the edge of San Francisco Bay. It's in Oakland, California, near the big Port of Oakland. The Port of Oakland owns and runs this park. You can find it where 7th Street and Middle Harbor Road meet. It's open every day from 8 AM until the sun goes down.
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A Look Back: The Park's History
This park sits on land with a really interesting past.
The park was once part of a huge military base. This base was called the Oakland Naval Supply Depot. It was super important during World War II. The U.S. Navy used it to supply its ships in the Pacific Ocean.
The Naval Supply Depot closed in 1998. After that, the land was given to the Port of Oakland. The Port decided to turn part of this land into a park for everyone to enjoy.
Railroad History and a Special Tower
Another part of the park used to be a massive railroad area. This was the end point of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Trains would come all the way here to connect with ships.
There's even a special building from that time. It's an old interlocking tower from the railroad's pier. This tower has been moved and partly fixed up. It now serves as a small museum, showing off the area's railroad past. You can also see the mast from the USS Oakland warship at the park's entrance.
Building the Park for Everyone
From 2002 to 2004, about 38 acres of land were transformed. They worked hard to bring back the natural beaches. They also created a peaceful lagoon. The park officially opened its doors to the public on September 18, 2004.
Awesome Things to See and Do
Middle Harbor Shoreline Park has lots of cool features for visitors.
- There's an amphitheater where you can watch live shows. It looks out over the beautiful San Francisco Bay.
- Check out the Chappell R. Hayes Memorial Observation Tower. This tower is named after a respected leader from West Oakland. From the top, you get amazing views of the Oakland Estuary. You can also watch the Port's busy shipping activities.
- Signs around the park tell you all about the area's history. They also explain the local wildlife and the shipping action nearby.
- There's a special viewing area where you can watch giant cranes. These "super-Panamax" cranes are huge! They are busy loading and unloading ships at the Hanjin Terminal next door.
Easy Access for Everyone
The park is designed to be easy for everyone to use.
- Parking lots are wheelchair accessible.
- Restrooms are also wheelchair accessible.
- You'll find accessible drinking fountains.
- Picnic sites are set up for easy access.
- Port View Park is accessible.
- The Observation Tower can be reached by wheelchair.
- The viewing area at Western Pacific Mole is also accessible.
Park Rules to Know
To keep the park safe and fun for everyone, there are a few rules.
- The park is open every day from 8:00 a.m. until dusk. It closes from dusk to dawn, unless there's a special event.
- The park might close for special events. This happens no more than three times a year. You'll see signs posted in advance if it's going to close.
- Dogs are generally not allowed in the park. However, service dogs are welcome if they are on a leash.
Gallery
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Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, with the mast of USS Oakland in the distance.
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Playground in the park.
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Shaded picnic area in the park.
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View of beach area and San Francisco from the park.
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Gantry cranes at the adjacent Hanjin Terminal, Port of Oakland.
- Map: 37°48′21″N 122°19′27″W / 37.80583°N 122.32417°W
