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

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 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Dec. 1st - 23rd Holiday Caroling on Lake Merritt​
• Dec. 12, ​​ Park & Rec Advisory Commission, 4:30
• Dec. 14th-23rd, Fairy Winterland, 12 noon to 7 p.m.
• Dec. 15, Fit4Good, Run/Pick Up Trash, 8 a.m.
• Dec. 15, Gardens at Lake Merritt Volunteers, 9 - 12
• Dec, 23, LM Joggers & Striders Race, 9 a.m.
• Dec. 26,  Lakeside Park Bird Walk (free), 9:30 a.m.
• Dec. 29, LM Weed Warriors Volunteers, 9 - 12​​
• Jan. 5, Gardens at Lake Merritt Volunteers, 9 - 12
• Jan. 10, LM Advocates Meeting, 4:30 - 6 p.m.

​Lakeside Green Street Project-Construction update

Recent LM Area Events Photo Galleries:
Autumn Lights Festival 2018
Measure DD Community Coalition
Turkey Trot 5K

On-going: Homeless @ Lake Merritt

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Holiday Caroling on Lake Merritt, December 1 - 23.
Thursdays & Fridays 4 - 8 p.m. ; Saturday & Sunday 3 - 8 p.m.
​Oakland Parks & Recreation offers a water sleigh for a tour of Lake Merritt. Departs from Lake Merritt Boating Center. Info
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Fairy Winterland, December 14 - 23, 12 noon to 7. (volunteers needed) Annual holiday festival at Children's Fairyland includes: Performances by renowned Storybook Puppet Theater; Children's Theatre holiday program; A Festival of Lights Parade each day at 6:15 p.m.; Special holiday storytelling, magic, and entertainment; A daily visit from Santa Claus; Holiday-themed arts and crafts; Unlimited rides; And many more special surprises! Info

Fit4Good new meet up group meets weekly for a run/pick up trash event. Meet at 8am at the Pergola, and then start running to areas that need extra trash pick up. In one hour, we run the entire lake.  Saturday, December 15 at 8:00am. Pastries afterwards at Arizmendi.

​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, Dec. 26, 9:30 a.m.. Birding list in Birds
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Rotary Nature Center. Learn about the status and the efforts to reopen this landmark nature center.

FAQOakland Parks permit and rental phone contact is 
​510-238-3187.

Lakeside Park, Lake Merritt, Oakland CA

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