Where was Estuary Park planned, and what is proposed?
Estuary Park was conceived as part of the 1991 Alameda Master Plan. See Maps of the Estuary Park Site.
Section 6 of the plan says, “Parks are especially valued in Alameda because existing acreage is small relative to population, and opportunities for expansion of the park system are few. Improved shoreline access has accompanied recent development, and additional opportunities to take advantage of the island setting are available.”
Section 2.6.j says, “The park would serve the city sector with the greatest current shortage of parkland.”
Section 3.2.i says, “Ensure that sections of the Estuary waterfront remain visually unobstructed. Most of the Estuary waterfront not devoted to industrial use is developed as marinas which block vistas. The proposed Estuary Park will be on the most prominent viewpoint.”
Section 6.1.e says, “Acquire and develop an Estuary Park of 10 or more acres. The General Plan Diagram [6.1] indicates a park along 1,400 feet of Estuary frontage west of Oak Street in Specified Mix Use Area 5.” [See the map 1991 Master Plan proposal for park site].
This park will require a major funding commitment by the City, but will probably do more than any other single project to ensure Alameda’s long-term quality. It could have the character of San Francisco’s Marina Green and would attract all age groups to enjoy large and small boats on the Estuary, views of the Oakland skyline and hills, and active sports. The new park would serve a sector of the City that is short of park space, and would guarantee the high quality of housing proposed for the area.
1991 Alameda City Master Plan, Section 6.1.e
The Oakland plan to improve their side of the Estuary includes Union Point Park, already taking shape opposite the proposed Estuary Park site. Union Point Park will be part of a pedestrian walkway extending from Jack London Square to Hegenberger Road.
(See a map of the proposed walkway on the EPAC web site at http://www.alamedareport.org/epac/images/oak_estuary_plan_20020718.jpg)
You can see views around the Estuary on the EPAC web site at http://www.alamedareport.org/epac/estparkmap.html You’ll see a map with arrows, each indicating a direction of view. (You may have to scroll the map image right and left to see all the arrows.) Click on any arrow to see a view.
