Township Commons

Where History Meets the Waterfront

Township Commons is a waterfront park located along Oakland's shoreline. Opened in November 2020, this roughly 8-acre space is the first of five planned parks in the Brooklyn Basin development along the Oakland Estuary. The park has transformed the old 9th Avenue Terminal shipping facility into a public space.

Industrial Roots, Modern Vibe

We appreciate how this park incorporates elements of its past. You'll see walls, trusses, and outlines of the old loading docks preserved throughout the space. These architectural remnants showcase Oakland's shipping history while creating unique nooks and interesting visual elements.

What You'll Find Here

From the elevated deck, you can see views of the Oakland Estuary, Alameda, and San Francisco in the distance. It's become a natural gathering spot where people come together to take in the scenery.

Accessibility is clearly a priority, with ramps connecting different areas of the park. There's a nice loop trail and plenty of paved spaces meant for walking, biking, or even trying out those roller skates gathering dust in your closet.

And yes, there are clean restrooms on site (always a plus for any outing). The open design makes this a great place to meet up with friends - we've noticed many people bringing coffee and simply enjoying the waterfront atmosphere.

Fun for Everyone

If you've got kids in tow, you'll appreciate the safe paved areas where little ones can practice riding bikes without you worrying about traffic. Children seem to have a blast climbing the large hill and watching boats cruise by on the estuary.

Occasionally, you might stumble upon live music events happening in the park - a nice bonus if your timing is right.

Natural Elements

The landscaping features drought-tolerant and coastal plants that not only look beautiful but also support local pollinators and require less water - smart design for California's climate. The waterfront location means there's usually a pleasant breeze flowing through, making it a refreshing escape even when temperatures rise elsewhere in the city.

Part of Something Bigger

It's been nice to see how quickly Township Commons has become a local favorite. As a key public space in the developing Brooklyn Basin neighborhood, it provides Oakland residents with access to their historic waterfront.

One thing we appreciate is the diversity you'll discover here - people of all ages and backgrounds sharing the same space. On weekends, you might even catch dance groups practicing their moves, adding to the park's already vibrant atmosphere.

Before You Visit

A heads-up about parking: it can be tricky. The small public lot fills up fast, especially on busy days, and construction workers often claim street parking during the week. You might want to consider alternative transportation options or be prepared to walk a bit. Make sure you're aware of parking regulations to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you return to your car.