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Middle Harbor Shoreline Park / Port View Park


Middle Harbor Shoreline Park is a new 38-acre complex adjacent to the existing Port View Park.  Located at the Middle Harbor Basin, the complex includes new facilities at Point Arnold and the Western Pacific Mole.   Working together with the West Oakland community, the Port conceived and built the park. 

The park is owned and operated by the Port of Oakland.

The park provides a special place for learning about the history and maritime activities of the area and an opportunity for viewing shoreline wildlife in native habitats.

The park is located at the intersection of 7th St. and Middle Harbor Rd.

  • Photo of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park SignMap to the park

  • Driving directions are available at the Port of Oakland's Middle Harbor web page, and road signs directing visitors to the park are widespread.

The park complex surrounds Middle Harbor Basin and offers a wide range of engaging opportunities including:

  • spectacular views of the bay and shoreline, shorebirds, nearby maritime operations, San Francisco and Oakland skylines, and marine traffic at the estuary mouth;

  • a dramatic observation tower;

  • picnic and barbeque facilities - no reservations.

  • parking, restrooms, and water fountains;

  • historical exhibits;

  • an amphitheater;

  • free viewing scopes;

  • fishing pier and platforms;

  • the only beach in Oakland; and

  • nearly three miles of pedestrian and bike paths, some of which are part of the Bay Trail

Link to PDF map of parkThis detailed park map, developed by East Bay Regional Parks, shows the park's overall design and highlights many of its features.  The map is a PDF file, so you can zoom in for great detail.  

The Port of Oakland's page on Middle Harbor Shoreline Park describes park  features, activities, and trails as well as the area's history, environment, and maritime context.

Port Contact: For information about Middle Harbor, including its environmental education programs, contact Ramona Dixon at (510) 627-1634 or email at rdixon@portoakland.com.

Park Reservations

The park is owned and operated by the Port of Oakland.  The Port does not accept picnic reservations - picnic areas are available on a first-come basis.  Waterfront Action cannot make reservations for you.

Park Grand Opening

Photo of WAI boothPhoto of grand opening booths

Click thumbnails for larger view:

The September 18, 2004 Grand Opening of the park was well-attended by the community and included information and food booths, music and dance performances, a formal dedication ceremony.  Waterfront Action was active at a booth, distributing waterfront access maps and responding to questions from the public.

Port View Park Area

Map of Port View Park area

Port View Park was extensively renovated after the 1989 earthquake and has been open since 1995. The location affords great views maritime operations at the Ben Nutter terminal and of the bay.

 

Photo of fishing platformPhoto of promenadeThe central portion of the park includes walkways, benches, and picnic tables, a fishing platform and children's play structure.

Photo of fishing platform & walkway

Photo of children's play structure

 

 

 

Closeup photo of train tower signPhoto of train tower exhibit buildingA special park feature is the train tower historical exhibit: "Room with a View".

 

A section of the Bay Trail extends west from Port View Park to the Point Arnold area of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park.

Point Arnold Area

Map of Point Arnold areaPoint Arnold was the site of the former Oakland  Naval Supply Depot, a major supply center for the Pacific Fleet throughout the past 60 years.  The history of the area is described in a flyer, available at park entrances.

 

Photo of promenadePoint Arnold offers wide paths, picnic tables, and a fountain that delights both people and shorebirds.

Photo of San Franciso skyline

 

Photo of fountain

 

 

 

Architectural features include masts and a "ghost structure" that echoes the roofline shape of the Naval Supply Depot historically located on the site. Within the ghost structure, signage describes the history of the depot.

Photo of masts & barbequesPhoto of "ghost structure" Photo of "ghost structure" Historical Signage

 

Photo of binocularsGreat views of San Francisco Bay and city skylines are aided by free binoculars, including one set with height appropriate for children or wheelchair users.

Other area features:

  • Photo of USS Oakland Mastamphitheater/stage

  • barbeques

  • sandy beach

  • historical signage about the Naval Supply Depot

  • USS Oakland mast and historical exhibit

From the Point Arnold Area, a walking trail and roadway extends south past coves and a salt marsh restoration area, reaching the Western Pacific Mole area.

Western Pacific Mole Area

Map of Western Pacific Mole area

This developing region opened to the public at the September 18, 2004 Grand Opening of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park.



Area features:

  • Handicap parking only - no general parking

  • Observation tower

  • Paths, benches

  • Native plantings and habitat restoration

  • Habitat overlooks

  • Viewing area for maritime operations at Hanjin Terminal

View from observation towerObservation tower photoThe dominant feature of the Western Pacific Mole area is the striking Chappel Hayes observation tower, which provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and San Francisco Skyline.  The tower incorporates elevators, informative signage, viewing scopes, and rest rooms.
 

Photo of waterfront benches

Benches dot the shoreline, offering relaxing opportunities for viewing birds and marine traffic at the mouth of the estuary.

 

Signs describing cranes & maritime operationsPhoto of panamax cranesThe adjacent Hanjin Terminal uses huge super-Panamax cranes that cost about $7 million each.  The cranes came from Shanhai, China by ship and are so large that they passed under both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges with only a few feet to spare.  Crane operations can be studied close-up from a convenient viewing area that provides benches and informative signage. 

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