McCrea Memorial Park

A Touch of Oakland History

Next to Lion Creek in Oakland, California, McCrea Memorial Park provides a peaceful spot away from city life. Before 1962, locals knew this 7.92-acre green space as the Leona Park Trout Pond - a name that hints at its fishing-friendly past. Stretching alongside Mountain Boulevard, it's a little pocket of calm in the urban landscape.

Water Features with a Story

The park's standout attraction? A series of concrete ponds built in the late 1950s. These weren't just any ponds - they were once stocked with trout, making this a community hotspot for casual anglers. The designers fit three working ponds into the narrow space. These days, you'll spot frogs and small fish making themselves at home in the water - nature always finds a way!

Natural Surroundings

Tall trees dominate the landscape, casting cool shade and creating that sense of being somewhere special. Lion Creek cuts through the middle of the park, flowing through concrete channels (a classic example of mid-century flood control thinking). Despite the man-made creek bed, there's still a natural feel to the place, thanks to the surrounding greenery. The park is surprisingly quiet - somewhat hidden within Oakland's urban landscape.

The Park Today

Things have evolved over the years. While you won't see the general public fishing in the ponds anymore, the upper area has become something of a hotspot for fly-fishing enthusiasts who come to practice their technique or participate in competitions. The water features attract plenty of wildlife - ducks, frogs, turtles, and various small fish are regular residents.

Walking paths wind through the grounds, ideal for a leisurely stroll. One cool feature you might not expect is the pedestrian freeway overpass connecting McCrea to Leona Park across Highway 13, effectively expanding your outdoor options.

Beyond the Boundaries

That pedestrian connection to Leona Park isn't just convenient - it opens up access to additional trails that follow a year-round creek all the way to Merritt College. During rainy season, the increased creek flow adds another dimension to your experience. This interconnected network means you can extend your nature time well beyond McCrea's borders.

A Changing Space

McCrea Memorial Park reflects Oakland history and shows how urban spaces change over time. Its transformation from community fishing spot to a more passive green space (with some specialized fly-fishing activity) reflects how our relationship with public spaces changes. Some longtime Oakland residents still reminisce about the children's fishing program that once made this park special.