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A neighborhood-led effort to transform a vacant Caltrans lot into a welcoming garden and community space.
Idora Park Garden is a neighborhood-led effort to improve an unused Caltrans-owned lot along 56th Street between Telegraph Avenue and Carberry Avenue.
The goal is to turn the lot into a greener, safer, and more welcoming space that improves the pedestrian entryway to the Temescal business corridor and benefits the surrounding community.
To ask questions, offer support, or receive updates, email: IdoraParkGarden@gmail.com.
Current Status
Current Status
Neighbors are gathering community interest, identifying possible supporters, and exploring funding, in-kind contributions, and the steps needed to improve, and maintain the site.
(updated: July 2026)
Location
Location
The proposed site includes three Caltrans-owned parcels totaling more than 19,000 square feet along 56th Street, between Telegraph Avenue and Carberry Avenue.
Garden Concept
Garden Concept
The current concept includes native planting, paths, seating, and small gathering areas to create a greener, more welcoming space for neighbors and visitors.
Future additions, such as small murals, public art, or historical references to Idora Park, may be considered later depending on approvals, funding, and long-term maintenance needs.
Support the Project
Support the Project
Community support will help bring this garden to life. The organizing group welcomes help from neighbors, local businesses, and community partners who may be able to contribute funding, materials, services, skills, or volunteer time.
As the project moves forward, support may be needed for planning, outreach, site preparation, planting, materials, maintenance, fundraising, and other practical needs.
To ask questions, offer support, or receive updates:
IdoraParkGarden@gmail.com
Idora Park History
Idora Park History
Oakland Tribune diagram of Idora Park, 1910.
Idora Park, 1912. Oakland, California.
The surrounding neighborhood takes its name from Idora Park, the amusement park that operated in this area in the early 1900s. As the garden concept develops, there may be opportunities to reference that history through public art, small murals, or interpretive elements.
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