88th Avenue Mini Park

A Pocket of Green in Oakland

Situated in Oakland, California, the 88th Avenue Mini Park offers a welcome breath of fresh air for the neighborhood. At just about 0.30 acres, this compact urban retreat might be small in size, but it offers a nice space for the neighborhood. What started as a simple community garden back in the early 1990s has blossomed into a full-fledged park where locals can gather and unwind.

Fresh Face for 2025

If you've visited recently, you might have noticed some positive changes. In 2025, this cozy park got a major facelift as part of Oakland's mini parks beautification initiative. Thanks to a $5 million project funded by Caltrans' Clean California local grant program, this park - along with eight others across Oakland - received much-needed attention. The renovations tackled those typical urban park challenges: graffiti, vandalism, overgrown vegetation, and litter that had been bringing down the vibe.

What You'll Find There

The refreshed park now has newly resurfaced play areas, upgraded furniture, and enhanced landscaping that makes the whole space feel more inviting. New shade trees have been planted, creating cooler spots to relax during those warm Oakland days.

Kids can enjoy the playground equipment, though it's worth noting there's no slide in the mix. For the more active visitors, there's a basketball court where you can shoot some hoops. Planning to spend the day? The grilling area makes it ideal for casual cookouts, and drinking water facilities mean you can stay hydrated without lugging around water bottles.

Safety got an upgrade too, with better lighting, fencing, and gates now in place. These improvements have transformed what was once a neglected space into a more welcoming spot for the neighborhood.