A
Bay Area Blues Society saxophone player helped kick
off the music part of the program which included the
Unauthorized Rolling Stones, Big Bang Beat (Motown)
and a Beatles Band – The Sun Kings.
Mayor Jerry Brown was on hand to congratulate
the Port of Oakland on building Middle Harbor Shoreline
Park.
Oakland
City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente addressed the
crowd during the grand opening ceremony.
Port of Oakland Board President
Patricia A. Scates delivered welcome remarks to the
park-goers. Scates explained to the opening day
audience that the site, which had once been an
abandoned military base, was transformed into a
remarkable new place, Middle Harbor Shoreline Park,
with the commitment of the Port of Oakland and the
participation of hundreds of people from the local
community and from regional organizations and
agencies.
George Bolton, Co-Chair of the West Oakland
Community Advisory Group, talked about the importance of how
the community helped play an important role in making the
park a reality.
Oakland City
Councilmember Nancy Nadel (right) looks on as Port
of Oakland’s Richard Sinkoff (left) initiates the
butterfly release that officially marked the park
opening.
A child awed by
the chance to hold a delicate butterfly in his
hands.
Port of
Oakland Executive Director Jerry Bridges called attention to
the theme of the event, “You envisioned a Park…We built it,”
as he thanked all those involved in making it happen.
Bicycles were a popular mode of
transportation at the grand opening as visitors traversed 40
acres of park.
East Bay
Regional Park District Board President Doug Siden joined the
festivities. The Park District co-sponsored the grand
opening and will manage the park for the Port of Oakland.
Young stilt walkers in colorful costumes were
part of the festive atmosphere at the grand opening of
Middle Harbor Shoreline Park.
Two happy
kids after being treated to the creative talent of a
face-painter at the Middle Harbor Shoreline Park grand
opening.
On opening day
Middle Harbor Shoreline Park visitors had lots of
options for enjoyment - stunning views, great bands,
and interesting educational booths provided by the
Port of Oakland, East Bay Regional Park District and
community groups – or they could choose to take a
few moments to sit back and relax.
