Wilma Chan Park

History and Renaming

In 2022, the park was renamed Wilma Chan Park to honor Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan after her passing in 2021. The 1.5-acre green space sits in the heart of Oakland's Chinatown district, and the renaming felt fitting given Chan's deep ties to the community.

The park's story is woven into the fabric of Oakland's Chinatown history. Known as Madison Square Park until recently, it was relocated in the 1960s to accommodate the construction of BART headquarters. This move was part of the broader urban renewal wave that swept through the Chinatown neighborhood during that era.

Features and Amenities

This urban park is a popular gathering spot for locals. You'll come across a nice mix of amenities catering to different interests - basketball and tennis courts for the sports enthusiasts, soccer fields for the footie fans, and paved walking paths for those who prefer a leisurely stroll.

The layout blends open grassy areas with paved walkways and dedicated recreation spaces. In the midst of Oakland's urban environment, the park provides space where you can relax, exercise, or simply connect with the community.

Playground Area

Kids can enjoy the playground with its slide structures and dragon climbing feature. Note that the playground equipment has weathered over time and could use some updating in the future.

If you're looking for alternative play spaces, Lincoln Park is just a few blocks away with different playground options for the little ones.

Community Activities

Wilma Chan Park is frequently visited by Chinatown's older residents for morning exercises and social gatherings.

Stop by on most mornings and you'll see various cultural activities - seniors practicing Qi Gong and Tai Chi, sword and fan dances, Taiwanese dance, line dancing, stretching, and the occasional badminton match.

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Location and Access

The park is located a short walk from Lake Merritt BART station and the Chinatown commercial area. Despite its urban setting, there's a surprising sense of calm here, with just moderate foot traffic throughout the day.

The park is used by local charter school students for PE classes and hosts various community gatherings throughout the year.