City Slicker Farms - West Oakland Farm Park

A Green Haven in the City

Found on Peralta Street in Oakland, the 1.4-acre West Oakland Farm Park (officially City Slicker Farms) is something special - a place where traditional park meets working farm in the heart of the urban landscape. It's the kind of spot that makes you forget you're in a city, even if just for a little while.

The community area offers plenty of breathing room with its open green spaces and picnic tables where you can enjoy a packed lunch or simply sit and take in the surroundings. Kids will love the clean, well-maintained playground, a small but thoughtful space where the little ones can burn off energy while you relax nearby.

Growing Food & Community

At the heart of this space is a working farm that connects visitors to agriculture in an urban setting. Rows of vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees change with the seasons, showing different aspects of the growing cycle throughout the year. The community garden is particularly impressive, featuring 28 raised beds where locals roll up their sleeves and grow their own food - a beautiful example of community self-sufficiency in action.

Wander around and you'll likely spot the chicken coop with its young hens pecking about, adding a touch of countryside charm to this city space. Along the southern edge, an orchard stretches out, promising future harvests and shady spots. The park also maintains a community fridge that's regularly stocked (especially on Fridays), helping to address food accessibility in the neighborhood in a practical, direct way.

Learn, Grow, Connect

Beyond just visiting, you can learn here too. The park includes an outdoor classroom space that hosts workshops and programs about gardening, nutrition, and sustainable living. It's refreshingly quiet here most days, making it an ideal setting for families wanting to introduce kids to where food actually comes from without the long drive to rural areas.

The park occasionally hosts community gatherings like bingo nights, adding a social dimension to its agricultural focus. It's these thoughtful touches that make the space feel truly community-owned.

If you're planning a visit, note that the park is open Tuesday through Thursday from 2 PM to 5:30 PM - limited hours, but worth planning around to experience this unique blend of urban park and working farm.