Parks, Recreation & Youth Development

Oakland Lake Temescal

With an emphasis on Oakland’s youth, Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development and its partners will 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.

Register for Programs

 

Program Information:

OPRYD Program Brochure - English

OPRYD Program Brochure - Spanish

OPRYD Program Brochure - Chinese

Donate to the Oakland Parks & Recreation Foundation

 

Learn about what has been happening with OPRYD in our new Newsletter.

OPRYD Newsletter March 2026

OPRYD Newsletter February 2026

OPRYD Newsletter January 2026

2026 Town Experiences Summer Camp Registration Is Open! 

See our Town Experiences Camp Flyers at the links below.

Town-Experiences-Summer-Camp-2026_English.pdf(PDF, 8MB)

Town-Experiences-Summer-Camp-2026_Spanish.pdf(PDF, 8MB)

Town-Experiences-Summer-Camp-2026_Chinese.pdf(PDF, 9MB)

 

Register for Summer Camps Here

Oakland Residents: February 23, 2026 at 10 am

Non-Oakland Residents: March 16, 2026 at 10 am

Families seeking financial assistance reach out to your Recreation Center: February 2 – 20, 2026

OPRYD-Financial-Assistance-Application-2026_English.pdf(PDF, 255KB)

OPRYD-Financial-Assistance-Application-2026_Spanish.pdf(PDF, 153KB)

(PDF, 153KB)OPRYD-Financial-Assistance-Application-2026_Chinese.pdf(PDF, 224KB)

 

Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development (OPRYD) Is Hiring- Join Our Team!

Apply Here for Recreation Aide, Sports Official, Recreation Leader I & II, Recreation Specialist I & II, Recreation Attendant, Lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor, & Pool Manager

More information is on our Hiring Flyers at the links below.

OPRYD 2026 Hiring Flyer English(PDF, 3MB)

OPRYD 2026 Hiring Flyer Spanish(PDF, 2MB)

OPRYD 2026 Hiring Flyer Chinese.pdf(PDF, 2MB)

Town After School is in session throughout Oakland!  You can register here

We had a fabulous 2025 summer of Town Camp and other summer programs. 

This summer, OPRYD camp and recreation programs brought fun, learning, and connection to thousands of Oakland kids and families. From swimming lessons and sports camps to creative arts, field trips, our centers were alive with energy and excitement.  Please use this link to see some highlights:  Summer Highlights Link

If you require an in-person service, please contact us to be directed to the appropriate staff/division unit for an appointment - parksandrec@oaklandca.gov or (510) 238-7275.

 

Leadership

Oakland Parks, Recreation and Youth Development Director, Myka Hammock, Headshot

Myka Hammock

As an Oakland native with over 30 years with the department, Director Hammock brings extensive experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a strong commitment to serving Oakland’s diverse communities. She continues to play a key role in advancing programs and strategic partnerships that promote youth development, community wellness, and equitable access to parks and recreational opportunities.

About the Director

Throughout Director Hammock’s career, she has remained committed to creating safe, inclusive, and meaningful programs that support Oakland residents, strengthen neighborhoods, and expand opportunities for youth and families.  Myka's journey with OPRYD has led her to form relationships within communities in a variety of roles, from 13 years as a Recreation Center Director at Bushrod and Allendale Recreation Centers to Recreation Supervisor over Citywide Sports Programs, and later Recreation General Supervisor overseeing all Citywide Programs.

Myka is a proud graduate of Oakland Technical High School where her athleticism led to a full Track scholarship to CSU Sacramento.  While there, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration followed by a Master’s in Public Administration from CSU Hayward. Director Hammock’s broad expertise spans leadership in program development, operational management, budget coordination, staff support, and cross-sector collaboration with community partners, city departments, and elected officials.

Myka is also an engaged community leader serving as a proud member of FAME Oakland and Past Matron of Rebecca Chapter #56 Order of Eastern Star, PHRA. She is passionate about public service, equity, and building strong relationships that help communities thrive, and takes pride in being a collaborative leader who values communication, accountability, and service.

“I am eager to lead OPRYD in shaping a vibrant and inclusive future where parks and recreation serve as essential community hubs that promote wellness, safety, and opportunity…Together with our staff, partners, and residents, we will continue building a department that reflects and uplifts the spirit of Oakland.”