Welcome Lake Merritt in Oakland, California is one of the most unique urban spaces in the United States. Its three mile heart-shaped shoreline in the center of an exceptionally diverse city is the place for man and nature to migrate and mingle daily. This tidal lagoon is also home to the oldest designated wildlife refuge (1870) in the United States.

lakemerritt.org is an independent, ad-free site with current information about Lake Merritt and links to the volunteer groups and advocacy agencies working for the common good of the lake and the lake area community. It also serves as the portal for the LM Advocates, a coalition of LM organizations.
Underlined words are links.
  • ​View Calendar for on-going activities and things to do​
  • Lake Merritt Links lists important advocacy organizations in support of the lake & the lakeside area.
  • ​Volunteer page is being developed and will coordinate LM events involving volunteering
  • Birds and Gardens webpages showcase the lake park's natural diversity. Also, visual guide to lakeside birds.
  • Recreation links opportunities for boating, biking, croquet, lawn bowling, running and acro-yoga
  • LM Projects has current info on Measure DD improvements
  • View Park Info, map & info on rental fees, parking, grilling and restroom locations.
  • Contact for LM questions, comments, and/or suggestions.
  • Archives has photos of past projects and events at LM
Picture
7 creeks flow into Lake Merritt Watershed ©Oakland Public Works
News, Updates, & Upcoming Events:

​​​​​​​Upcoming Events Next 30+ days
Also see Calendar for event info and on-going activities ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • Sept. 26, Lakeside Park Bird Walk (free), 9:30 a.m.
  • Sept. 28, "Drawn Together" Fairyland Art Auction, 6-9pm
  • October 6, Gardens at Lake Merritt Volunteers, 9 - 12
  • October 10, ​​ Park & Rec Advisory Commission, 4:30
  • ​October 17, Estuary Park Community Meeting, 6-8 p.m.
  • October 18-20, Autumn Lights Festival, 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
  • October 20, Gardens at Lake Merritt Volunteers, 9 - 12
  • ​October 27, LM Weed Warriors Volunteers, 9 - 12
  • Oct. 27-28, Jack o'Lantern Jamboree Fairyland, 10 - 5
  • October 28,  LM Joggers & Striders Race, 9 a.m.​​
​Lakeside Green Street Project-Construction update

Recent LM Area Events Photo Galleries:
Oakland Pride Festival
​Oakland Municipal Band
Measure DD Community Coalition

On-going: Homeless @ Lake Merritt
Picture
Creek to Bay Day Clean-up at Lake Merritt Rotary Nature Center.

​Bird Walk Free Lakeside Park bird walks the fourth Wednesday of each month. Lead by knowledgable and experienced Audubon guides. Meet at geodesic dome near the Nature Center, Sept. 26, 9:30 a.m.. Birding list in Birds
​
Rotary Nature Center. Learn about the status and the efforts to reopen this landmark nature center.
FAQ
Oakland Parks permit and rental phone contact is 510-238-3187.
Picture
Lakeside Park, Lake Merritt, Oakland CA
  lakemerritt.org and photos ©2013-2018 John Kirkmire