IDORA PARK POLLINATOR GARDEN

PROJECT SUMMARY

This neighborhood project proposes to beautify an unused corner lot owned by the California Department of Transportation (“Caltrans”) into a pedestrian-friendly native pollinator garden and community gathering square that highlights and celebrates the history and culture of the Idora Park neighborhood.

Revitalizing this vacant lot will serve to better connect the north and south sections of the Temescal Telegraph Business Improvement District (TTBID) corridor by making it more pedestrian-friendly for Bushrod, Idora Park, and Santa Fe residents and building a sense of community.

The circle denotes the area of CalTrans parcels under consideration. See detailed parcel map below. *Source: Apple Maps*

The Location

Three parcels comprise the lot of more than 19,000 sq.ft. along 56th St between Telegraph Avenue and Carberry Ave between CA 24 on-ramps and off-ramps serving the Temescal Business District and adjacent neighborhoods.

This lot welcomes visitors to Oakland with weeds, dumping, graffiti, and other unsanctioned activities since the Delancey Street Christmas tree farm ended their lease in 2025.

This location has historical significance: first as an Ohlone site and eventually part of the Idora Park amusement park in the early 1900s.

For years, Idora Park residents have hoped to make better use of the space. In 2026, after the successful conversion of a CalTrans lot at 54th & Shattuck into a native plant pollinator garden, residents are renewing efforts to similarly reintegrate this lot into the neighborhood.

SE View of Telegraph Ave

from under CA-24W

NE View of Telegraph Ave

from under CA-24W

S View of 56th St

from under CA-24W

E View of Telegraph Ave

from under CA-24W

NW View of Carberry Ave

from under CA-24W

N View towards 55th St

from under CA-24W

E View of Telegraph Ave

From NE corner of Carberry and 56th

E View of Telegraph Ave

from Carberry Ave

E View of Telegraph Ave

from the North corner of the CalTrans lot

S View from N Corner

of the CalTrans lot

SW View towards 56th St

from Telegraph Ave

S View of 56th St

from the North corner of the CalTrans lot

W View towards Carberry Ave

from Telegraph Ave

N View towards 55th St

from 56th St

W View of Carberry Ave

from under CA-24E on Telegraph Ave

Alameda County Parcels available for adoption from CalTrans: 15-1277-4 (top-right), 15-1277-5-1 (bottom-right), 15-1277-8 (bottom-left) *Source: Alameda County (CA) Parcel Viewer*

IDEA FOR THE SPACE

Aerial view of the lot with high-level schematic of vegetation areas, paths, and hardscaping — Aerial view of the lot with a high-level schematic of vegetation areas, paths, and hardscaping.

The 1st phase includes the installation of a native landscaping, gravel paths and natural seating to encourage community interaction and beautify the corridor.

Among several ideas for an optional 2nd phase is the addition of murals on the freeway pillars and BART columns celebrating Idora Park and Ohlone history.

Other ideas are welcome.

Want to help?

We are looking for help from members of our community with a wide variety of talents: landscaping, permitting, fundraising, gardening, transport, hauling, project management, irrigation, etc.

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