Tyrone Carney Park Renovation
Tyrone Carney Park is a small park and playground located at 10501 Acalanes Drive in the Sobrante Park neighborhood of East Oakland. Originally constructed in 1968, the park was named in honor of Tyrone Carney, a local resident and Vietnam War veteran. Due to safety concerns, the park was closed in 2002. Beginning in Fall of 2025, the City of Oakland will perform a full renovation of the park, including the installation of a commemorative sculpture honoring Mr. Carney.
Tyrone Edward Carney was a Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps who lost his life while serving in Vietnam on June 9, 1968, at just 20 years old. A proud resident of Oakland, Tyrone was active in organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and Youth for Christ prior to his military service.
In recognition of his sacrifice and contributions, the Sobrante Park community—together with the City of Oakland—chose to name the park in his honor. The upcoming improvements, including a bust of Mr. Carney, aim to create a welcoming and reflective space where community members can gather, connect, and honor his legacy. The sculpture will also serve as an inspirational landmark—particularly for Black and Brown youth—offering a tangible connection to a young man from their own neighborhood who made a lasting impact.
Park Improvements
Tyrone Carney Park Site Plan 2022
In 2017, community members from the East Oakland Neighborhoods Initiative (EONI) collaborated to create a vision for improving quality of life in East Oakland. One of the top priorities identified was the reopening and revitalization of neighborhood parks. In partnership with the City of Oakland’s Public Works Department, EONI helped lead a community-driven process that resulted in a grant proposal and conceptual designs for the full renovation of Tyrone Carney Park.
The redesigned park will include the following features:
- New play equipment
- A memorial honoring Tyrone Carney
- A central plaza with ornamental paving
- Walking paths
- Open lawn space
- Wrought iron perimeter fencing
- Trees and landscaping
- Bike racks
- Drinking fountain
- Community-created artwork
Project Schedule
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Fall 2024 - Completion of Contracts
Landscape Architect, the City and two artists complete execution of construction contracts.
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Winter 2024-2025 - Construction Begins
Improvements to Park begins. Artists begin design of fence and Tyrone Carney bust.
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Fall 2025 - Construction/Installation
Installation of walking paths and landscaping to begin.
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2026 - Completion of Installation/Re-dedication
Improvements and installation of fence and Tyrone Carney bust to be completed.