New Park Play Lending Library Opens at Larry E. Reid Sports Center
Published on July 09, 2026
Oakland, CA — In celebration of National Park and Recreation Month, Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development (OPRYD) is proud to announce the opening of the new Park Play Lending Library at the Larry E. Reid Sports Center, a community resource designed to expand access to sports and recreational opportunities for youth and families throughout Oakland.
The Park Play Lending Library will provide free access to a variety of sports and recreation equipment, helping remove financial barriers that often prevent participation in healthy, active lifestyles. Community members will be able to borrow items such as soccer balls, footballs, frisbees, yoga mats, and other fun recreational equipment, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to play, learn, and stay active regardless of economic circumstances.
The initiative is part of OPRYD’s ongoing commitment to advancing equity and increasing access to recreation resources in underserved neighborhoods. By making sports equipment available at no cost, the Park Play Lending Library helps create opportunities for youth and families to engage in physical activity, build social connections, and develop lifelong healthy habits.
"During Parks and Recreation Month, we celebrate the power of play and the opportunities that bring our community together. The Park Play Lending Library at Larry E. Reid Sports Center is another way we are creating access, encouraging active lifestyles, and ensuring everyone have the opportunity to enjoy recreation," said OPRYD Director Myka Hammock.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to play, learn, and thrive," said Maribel Lopez, City of Oakland Recreation Supervisor. "The Park Play Lending Library is an investment in our community and a step toward ensuring that all Oakland residents have access to the recreational resources they enjoy, regardless of their financial situation."
National Park and Recreation Month, celebrated each July, highlights the vital role that parks and recreation programs play in strengthening communities, improving health and wellness, and enhancing quality of life. The opening of the Park Play Lending Library reflects the department's dedication to creating inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities for all Oakland residents.
Community members are invited to visit the Larry E. Reid Sports Center to enjoy music and light snacks, and learn more about the Park Play Lending Library, available equipment, and borrowing procedures.
What: Park Play Lending Library Opening
When: July 11, 2026,10am to 4pm
Where: Larry E. Reid Sports Center
9161 Edes Avenue, Oakland, CA 94603
About Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development
Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development provides quality parks, recreation programs, and community services that enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life of Oakland residents. Through innovative programming and equitable access to resources, OPRYD serves thousands of youth, families, and seniors across Oakland each year. Learn more here: https://www.oaklandca.gov/Government/Departments/Parks-Recreation-Youth-Development
About National Park and Recreation Month
National Park and Recreation Month highlights the vital role local green spaces, community centers, and park professionals play in health, wellness, and environmental conservation. It is a nationwide initiative to encourage communities to get outside, build connections, and play together. For more information, please visit https://www.nrpa.org/events/july/
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