Oakland Shuts Down Streets & Parking Near Lake Merritt
Thanks to ABC7 for letting us know that the City of Oakland is trying to stop large crowds from congregating at Lake Merritt by closing off many surrounding streets and limiting parking.
But Oakland News Now reports that despite the city asking people to “give the lake a break,” crowds are still prevalent.
City of Oakland Encourages Public to “Give the Lake a Break!”
Lake Merritt is Oakland’s crown jewel, a place of extraordinary beauty where everyone feels at home. It’s a refuge for people and wildlife alike. And lately, it has become very crowded. It’s time to give the Lake a break!
We are still in the early months of a global pandemic, and COVID-19 cases are spiking across California and the country; in Alameda County, COVID-related hospitalizations are on the rise.
The City of Oakland is reminding residents that: if you need to get outdoors for fresh air and exercise, which is important for our physical and mental health, check out Oakland Slow Streets for good options in neighborhoods throughout the city. Or visit a nearby park. But please, find another alternative to Lake Merritt.
On weekends, crowded conditions at Lake Merritt have become unsafe in two ways: 1) overcrowding could accelerate the spread of COVID-19, 2) traffic and parking congestion have become hazardous, and have prevented emergency access and response.
Lake Merritt Traffic Management, Parking, and Closures
On July 11-12 Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 7:30am and continuing until 11pm:
- Lakeshore Avenue
- o Closed in the southbound direction from MacArthur to Hanover.
- o Center lane closed.
- o Northbound will remain open.
- o No parking will be permitted on the southbound side.
- Lakeshore Avenue cul-de-sac—access will be restricted to residents living on the cul-de-sac or people accessing the church.
- El Embarcadero—closed in both directions
- Lakeview Library parking lot—closed.
- Bellevue Avenue –no parking will be permitted on the Lake side of from Perkins to Grand.
- Parking restrictions will be enforced on both Saturday and Sunday—no parking on the Lake side of any street abutting Lake Merritt will be allowed, including Lakeside Drive, Grand Avenue, and 12th Street.
These closures and restrictions will improve traffic safety and allow for greater access for bicyclists and pedestrians around this narrow section of Lake Merritt. They will also allow for emergency vehicle access when needed.
