Courtland Creek Restoration Project
- Project TypePublic Works
- Project StatusCompleted
About
The Courtland Creek Restoration Project is an Oakland Measure DD Initiative that has improved creek habitat and water quality, interrupted chronic illegal dumping, enhanced climate change resilience, and introduced new amenities and public art. The project improved three sections of Courtland Creek Park including a total of 950 feet of open creek channel. The restoration project concluded in summer of 2025, and plant establishment will continue on site through 2028.
Led by Oakland Public Works in partnership with the Friends of Courtland Creek, Melrose 27X Neighborhood Council, and the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation (OPRF), the project has reactivated a treasured park that was first established in 1997 through a collaboration between the City and Friends of Courtland Creek.
Key project features include:
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Stabilization of creek banks and planting of native, drought-tolerant vegetation to improve water quality and habitat for local wildlife.
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Installation of ADA-compliant trails and seating areas to enhance safety and accessibility for all visitors.
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Public art that supports environmental education and fosters community ownership of public spaces, including interpretive signage and art installations by Wildways Illustrated, Fremont High School, and Community Building Mosaic Rockstars Roberto Costa and Karen Difrummolo.
The creek restoration was accompanied by an OakDOT-led quick build street improvements project that installed bollards and extended curbs at the Brookdale Avenue entrance of the park to deter illegal dumping.
Planning for the restoration launched in 2019 and construction was completed in June 2025. Project design was led by FlowWest, and McGuire and Hester served as the Project Construction Team.
The team presented project designs to the community at public meetings held in July 2021 and May 2022. Presentation materials and summaries of these meetings can be found under "Documents" below. Read more about the project's history at the Oaklandside.