Bertha Port Park

History and Origin

Back in 1947, Bertha Port Park first opened its gates to the West Oakland community. The land came as a heartfelt gift from Philip Joseph Port, who donated it as a memorial to his wife, Bertha Bastian Port. From the beginning, the park had a special focus on the littlest visitors - it was designed with pre-schoolers in mind, featuring classic playground staples like slides, swings, picnic tables, and even a climbing tree for adventurous toddlers.

From Neglect to Revival

Time wasn't particularly kind to Bertha Port Park. For many years, this little green space fell into disrepair, eventually becoming not much more than a dusty lot with a weathered dolphin statue and a solitary tree standing guard. But as they say, it takes a village - and in this case, that's exactly what happened. Through persistent community advocacy and teamwork with organizations like The Trust for Public Land, the park found new life in the mid-2000s.

July 2006 marked a turning point when locals gathered for a community block party celebrating the park's reopening. This quarter-acre space, once abandoned and sandy, had transformed into a welcoming neighborhood haven where local kids could play and families could gather.

Artistic Touches

Perhaps the most charming feature of the park is the dolphin statue that somehow survived the years of neglect. During renovation, this lone sentinel received a beautiful makeover when Laurel True, co-founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art, covered it in vibrant mosaics. This artistic touch brings a splash of color and creativity to the landscape.

The park also features a fire pit that acts as a natural gathering spot. Scattered throughout the space, you'll come across several benches where you can sit and enjoy the open, airy atmosphere or watch children play.

What You'll Find There

If you're planning a visit, you'll be pleased to know that Bertha Port Park includes a BBQ area for outdoor cooking. The layout accommodates both intimate get-togethers and larger community events, making it a versatile spot for everything from family picnics to neighborhood gatherings.

Kids will appreciate the playground equipment, but many consider this park something of a secluded area that deserves more love from neighborhood families. Its open design creates a welcoming environment that invites both active play and quiet relaxation.

Finding Your Way

This small public park sits at the intersection of Goss Street and Wood Street in West Oakland. Though compact, this urban green space makes efficient use of every square foot.

Dog owners, take note - while it's not specifically designed as a dog park, the open grassy areas provide enough room for your four-legged friends to get some exercise, making it a pet-friendly spot for the neighborhood.