Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development is gardening with a purpose, with 13 locations that bring people of all ages and diverse backgrounds together to grow organic vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers. Check out our free volunteer days and workshops at The Gardens at Lake Merritt (full schedule below), or join us at one of our ten rental plot community gardens, where participants pay an annual fee of $60 for a garden space. These spaces are assigned on a rolling basis, as plots become available, and preference is always given to Oakland residents if a garden is full and has a waiting list. Volunteers are encouraged to join us for monthly “work parties” at each garden!
Additionally, OPRYD now offers six garden locations run in partnership with schools and nonprofits. These beautiful gardens engage children and community members to help grow food for themselves and their families, at no cost to participate. Please scroll down to see a full list of our partners, and links to their respective websites. Contact them today to get involved!
OPRYD features 23 sites with youth gardening facilities, including at most of our recreation centers - please visit your local center today to see how you can help us show kids the value of organic gardening
