Colby Park

Hidden Local Space

Tucked away at the corner of 61st and Colby Streets in Oakland, California, Colby Park is one of those sweet little green spaces that locals treasure. At just about 0.35 acres (1,400 m²), it's definitely on the cozier side compared to Oakland's more sprawling parks, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. Just a heads up - no dogs are allowed here, so you'll need to leave your furry friends at home for this outing.

Kid Paradise

If you've got little ones in tow, Colby Park seems well-suited to the preschool crowd. The play area packs in all the essentials - a compact play structure, a swing set for those mandatory "higher, higher!" moments, slides for the thrill-seekers, and a good old-fashioned sand box for creative digging adventures.

What we find particularly thoughtful is the inclusion of small tables and chairs that are actually sized for tiny humans. It's great for impromptu snack breaks or those preschool meetups where the adults end up awkwardly perched on miniature furniture.

There's also a nice patch of shaded lawn where you can spread out a blanket and relax while keeping an eye on the kids. It's just enough green space for a small picnic or for the little ones to run around playing tag, but you won't be organizing any football games here - the dimensions simply won't allow it.

That Community Feel

One of the sweetest things about Colby Park is the unspoken toy-sharing system. You'll often find toys left behind by previous visitors - not because they're forgotten, but intentionally left for the next child to enjoy. It's a nice touch of neighborhood spirit.

During summer evenings, the park occasionally transforms into an impromptu outdoor cinema, with movies projected onto a simple sheet. These casual gatherings add to the community feel of the space.

In a neighborhood filled with bungalows and family homes, Colby Park offers some welcome breathing room - a space where you can enjoy a bit of greenery and perhaps meet neighbors. It's a modest spot to play, relax, and enjoy Oakland's weather.