Middle Harbor Shoreline Park Update
About Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
The Port of Oakland (Port) constructed Middle Harbor Shoreline Park (MHSP) as the public access component of the “Vision 2000 Maritime Development Program.” Middle Harbor Shoreline Park (MHSP) is a 38-acre shoreline park built and operated by the Port of Oakland for the community, with more than two miles of pathways encircling Middle Harbor Basin. The planning and design of this park was done with extensive community involvement, which identified key goals for the park. Primary goals included creation of a place for learning about the local history, natural environment, maritime activities and stewardship for the environment. In addition, MHSP provides unprecedented access to the shoreline, with associated views of the bay, natural habitats and maritime activity. For more information on Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, please go to www.Portofoakland.com/port/seaport/middle-harbor/
Park Master Plan Update
The Port completed the Master Plan in May 1999. In 2019, the Port recognized the need to update the MHSP Master Plan (along with the Management Plan). The Master Plan Update will focus on the physical features of MHSP, including the plant palette, landscaping, irrigation/water management, and built structures consistent with the community and Port goals, and program use set forth in the 1999 Master Plan. The Master Plan Update will also propose updates to address recommended changes or modifications to program uses, changing conditions (i.e., sea-level rise, technology, street/bicycle/pedestrian access, etc.) and management and operations structures arising out of the Management Plan Update. Three alternative designs for the MHSP update were presented to the public for input in Spring 2021.
Park Management Plan Update
The Management Plan document was created by the Port on July 2001 and later signed by Port and East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) in November 2002. The Management Plan focuses on administrative aspects of the park. These include but are not limited to a third-party management agreement, Port responsibilities, staffing, operations and maintenance, educational programming, park activities, strategic goals, financial costs and forecasting for a sustainable future. The updates will review operational costs, staffing, third party management alternatives, alliances, activities, proposed design and community recommendations from the Master Plan updates.
Public Engagement Plan
The Public Engagement Plan (PEP) serves as a guiding framework for the Port to gather and incorporate stakeholder input on the development of the MHSP Management and Master Plan Updates. Fundamental to the PEP is providing various opportunities for stakeholders to stay informed on the process for updating the MHSP Master and Management Plans and to share their vision for the future of MHSP.
Stakeholder Interview Process
Port staff conducted six stakeholder interviews from February 9th, 2021 – February 18th, 2021. Three interviews were with representatives from local community-based organizations, two interviews were with the maritime community (terminal operators, truck drivers, etc), and one interview was with Port staff. The presentation used to structure the stakeholder interviews can be found HERE. Key feedback received from the interviews can be found HERE. This input informed the development of the conceptual designs for MHSP, which were shared with the public at the Public Forum held on November 17, 2021.
Community Survey
The Port released an online community survey in May 2021 that was available to the public for comment. The survey was sent out to West Oakland community groups, including a list provided by the Bay Conservation and Development Commission. Over 100 individuals responded to the survey. Survey results were shared at the Public Forum held on November 17, 2021.
Public Forum
The Port hosted a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, November 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. via Zoom. The Port shared results from the Community Survey and information for the MHSP Master and Management Plan Updates. In addition, there will be breakout sessions to gather public feedback on the content presented by the Port.
MHSP Master and Management Plan Updates Community Stakeholder Information Meeting 11.17.21
- MHSP Master and Management Plan Updates presentation (November 17, 2021).
- MHSP Master and Management Plan Updates agenda (November 17, 2021).
- MHSP Master and Management Plan Updates video (November 17, 2021).
Bay Conservation and Development Commission Design Review Board Meetings
The Design Review Board (DRB) is an advisory board to the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC). The DRB was formed to advise BCDC on the adequacy of public access proposed as a part of projects in the Commission’s Bay and 100-foot Shoreline Band jurisdictions. Public access may include both physical improvements as well as visual access. The DRB advises BCDC on a project’s effects on appearance, design and scenic views in accordance with BCDC’s San Francisco Bay Plan policies and the Public Access Design Guidelines. The Port has presented the evolution of the concepts underlying the Master Plan Update at two DRB meetings, the first on July on July 12, 2021, and most recently on March 21, 2022. Meeting materials can be found here, including agendas, exhibits, and transcripts. Currently, the Port plans to return to the DRB on September 12, 2022 for a final presentation of the Master Plan and Management Plan Updates.
Meeting Materials and Minutes:
- September 12, 2022 Agenda and Meeting Materials - 2022 Design Review Board Meeting (ca.gov)
- March 7, 2022 DRB Meeting Minutes - Approved DRB Minutes for March 7, 2022 (ca.gov)
- March 7, 2022 DRB Meeting – March 7, 2022 Design Review Board Meeting Notice (ca.gov)
- July 21, 2021 DRB Agenda and Meeting Materials - July 12, 2021 Design Review Board Meeting Notice (ca.gov)
- July 21, 2021 DRB Meeting Minutes - Approved DRB Minutes for July 12, 2021 (ca.gov)
Contact Information
Management Plan Update – Ramona Dixon Click here to contact Ramona Dixon
510-627-1634
Master Plan Update – Jan Novak jnovak@portoakland.com
510-627-1176
Public Engagement Plan - Laura Arreola – larreola@portoakland.com
510-627-1135
