William D. Wood Park

A Hidden Green Haven

Set in Oakland's Reservoir Hill / Sausal Creek neighborhood, William D. Wood Park is a 5-acre green sanctuary with quite the backstory. This park wasn't exactly planned - Mother Nature had her own ideas. Once upon a time, this was just part of McKillop Road until significant land movements between 1935 and 1952 decided to rearrange things. The hillside became unstable, sending a chunk of the road sliding downhill toward Sausal Creek, and after the city's best efforts to stop the slide failed (and several homes were lost in the process), they wisely pivoted to Plan B: create a park instead.

From Mishap to Map Spot

The park officially came to life in September 1976, thanks to contributions from the William D. Wood estate and Ogawa Nursery. Wood himself wasn't just any namesake - he owned an auto dealership in Fruitvale and dedicated time to the Oakland Park Commission from 1953 to 1956.

Finding Your Way Around

With its quirky L-shaped layout, this park tucks itself away near Oakland's central reservoir and Interstate 580. A paved walkway winds through the grounds, offering two entry/exit points - both on inclines ranging from "take it slow" to "maybe I should've stretched first." One entrance includes steps with a metal handrail for those steeper sections.

Note that accessibility isn't this park's strong suit. The steep entry points can be challenging if you have mobility issues, and wheelchairs unfortunately can't navigate the space. Look for neighborhood signs that'll help you discover this hidden spot.

What You'll Find

Once inside, you're greeted by a generous grassy field surrounded by diverse trees and shrubs that provide a natural frame. Sausal Creek flows along the eastern edge, adding a peaceful water element to the landscape, with some structures visible along the creek.

While official signs state the park is off-limits to four-legged friends, the reality is that it's become something of an unofficial dog park, with locals regularly bringing their pups to enjoy the spacious lawn. There's plenty of street parking available, but be aware there are no restrooms on site - plan accordingly!

Ongoing Challenges

The park's geological drama hasn't completely ended. In 2006, additional houses downstream faced demolition as the land continued its slow-motion journey downhill.

Despite these persistent terrain troubles, William D. Wood Park remains a cherished neighborhood retreat - a quiet, green reprieve from city life that offers a great spot to unwind among trees and open space.