Oakland to Install 36 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

Published on July 23, 2025

OAKLAND, CA – The City of Oakland is pleased to announce that thirty-four Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) will be installed at Oakland Parks, Recreation and Youth Department (OPRYD) facilities, thanks to a generous donation from PG&E. OPRYD’s Sports Unit will also receive two mobile units to support outdoor games hosted away from Recreation Centers or at satellite locations. AEDs will be installed in locked cabinets in highly visible common areas that are accessible to staff and the general public. 

 

"Thanks to PG&E's donation, these devices will ensure every City of Oakland recreational facility has the tools to provide life-saving care in the event of a cardiac event," said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee.

 
“Public private partnerships like this one are more important than ever before,” said Oakland District 6 Councilmember Kevin Jenkins. “Oakland is proud to partner with PG&E to provide these life-saving devices at our facilities.” 

 

“OPRYD is honored to have the opportunity to partner with PG&E on this project,” said Fred Kelley, OPRYD Director. “This is a huge win for the City, but more so for the community we serve, should these life-saving devices be needed. I’d like to extend a big thanks to OPRYD staff Maribel Lopez and Justice Bolden for being diligent and not giving up in the face of budgetary constraints.”  

  

“At PG&E, safety is our most important responsibility, so it is fitting that we work to enhance safety and well-being here in Oakland. Our coworkers are trained in CPR and first aid, as well as how to operate AEDs to save lives. We know how essential these machines are when every second counts, and we are pleased to help our headquarter city improve the safety of their recreational facilities,” said Jake Zigelman, PG&E Vice President of the Bay Area Region. 

 

About Oakland Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development Department: OPRYD and its partners provide best in class, relevant and equitable programs and services, while meeting the specific needs of people and communities both at the neighborhood level and regionally throughout the City of Oakland. We achieve this mission through intentional engagement and by removing the barriers that prohibit equitable opportunities for all. OPRYD offers critical quality-of-life programming in areas of enrichment, cultural arts, youth development, sports and physical activities, health and wellness, water safety, and other leisure activities for adults, youth, and children. Programs and Camps at recreation centers, pools and parks are part of the efforts to promote health, stem obesity, and encourage civic participation, personal development, and empowerment. 

  

OPRYD operates: 

  • 2,500 acres of open space 
  • 140 Parks 
  • 66 Ball Fields
  • 44 Tennis Courts 
  • 38 Recreation Facilities 
  • 24 Recreation Centers 
  • 5 Pools 
  • 2 Boating Centers 
  • 2 Discover Science Centers 
  • Digital Arts and Culinary Academy Center 
  • Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts with 74-single room occupancy apartments available for rent to local artists
  • Studio One Art Center 
  • Nature Center (reopened February 2019)
  • East Oakland Sports Complex with Indoor Water Park 
  • Inclusion Center with 3 Extension Programs 
  • 14 Rental Venues 
  • 17 Community Gardens 
  • 5 Dog Play Areas; 22 Dog Friendly Parks 
  • 3 Golf Courses 
  • 2 Skate Parks 
  • A host of other public facilities and programs which are designed for tiny tots to seniors, collectively serving over 95,000 enrolled participants and over a million drop-in users annually. 

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