Jefferson Square Park

A Piece of Oakland History

Tucked between 6th and 7th Streets along Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Jefferson Street, Jefferson Square Park is a living piece of Oakland's heritage. Dating back to 1853, it was one of seven "green squares" that helped shape downtown Oakland's early urban design - pretty cool to think about walking through the same park space that Oaklanders have enjoyed for over 165 years!

Under the Magnolias

As you stroll through the park, you'll notice the impressive Grande Flora magnolia trees lining the perimeter. These majestic trees don't just provide welcome shade on sunny California days - they're part of what earned Jefferson Square its designation as an Oakland Landmark in 1983.

What's There to Do?

This downtown green space packs in quite a few options for recreation. There's a baseball field and basketball court that hold up pretty well despite regular use. If you've got little ones in tow, the children's playground with its protective enclosure makes for a safer play experience.

Dog parents will appreciate the dog play area with its thoughtful separation between small and large dog sections. Just keep an eye out - parts of the fencing have seen better days, so you might want to keep a closer watch on your four-legged friends.

Neighborhood Living Room

For residents of Old Oakland and nearby neighborhoods, Jefferson Square is a popular gathering place. It's where morning joggers cross paths with afternoon basketball players, where kids climb and swing while seniors enjoy the shade. The mix of trees and open space creates a breathing spot in the urban landscape.

What to Expect

The park has its ups and downs maintenance-wise, with some areas looking better than others. The basketball courts and playground typically receive more attention than other sections. You'll discover the park welcoming visitors daily from 6AM to 10PM - plenty of time to enjoy this historic Oakland space throughout the day.