Lafayette Square Park

Lafayette Park, located between Jefferson Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, has abided in Oakland for a century and a half, longer than almost any other landmark in Oakland. Just a few blocks west of downtown, and conveniently located close to the intersection of interstates 980 and 880, this park can provide a relaxing interlude to a day of sightseeing.

The recent redesigned in 1999 by Walter Hood established Hood's reputation as an prominent architect and transpired as part of the revival of Old Oakland promised by Mayor Jerry Brown in the 1970's.

One section, marked by a small hill, reminds visitors of the former location of the Chabot Observatory, just a few short blocks from City Hall. Anthony Chabot donated the observatory to a school located across the street from the park. The observatory has since relocated to Oakland Hills.

The park has restrooms, shelter, and barbecue pits available for public use with the promise to stay friendly to the city's homeless population.

Lafayette Square Park, by car, sits just a short 15-minute drive northwest of Oakland International Airport. Nearby tourists can find other area attractions, such as the Hickman Resource Center (a tourist information center), Oakland Ice Center, and Paramount Theatre.