Trail Closure at Martin Luther King Shoreline Park
as Construction for Aquatic Center Begins

On July 20, 2009, the East Bay Regional Park District closed a half mile segment of the Bay Trail at the north end of Martin Luther King Shoreline Park to prepare for construction of the Tidewater Aquatic Center, a rowing facility that will offer water-related recreational equipment and programs. The closed trail segment is located in the Tidewater section of the park from Tidewater Avenue to the East Creek Bridge in Oakland. This area, which includes the trail, parking lot, and restrooms, is expected to remain closed through November 2010 as the facility is constructed. The bridge across East Creek Slough to Damon Marsh Trail will remain open as will the rest of the park and trails.

Part of the new Tidewater Aquatic Center will be leased by the Oakland Strokes, a nationally recognized program for junior rowers and will include boat storage, changing and exercise rooms, and a dock. Other portions of the facility will be used as public meeting space and for recreation programs including boating and water safety, sea kayaking, canoeing and kayaking lessons and rental, and other water-related recreational programs. The dock will also be accessible for unprogrammed public use and will be ADA compliant.

The majority of this $5 million facility is being funded through a State grant acquired in 2003 with additional funding allocated to this project through Measure CC, a Park District parcel tax passed in 2004.

A groundbreaking and dedication ceremony for the new aquatic center will be held on Friday, August 28 at 10 am. Details about the new aquatic center and ceremony will be updated on this website soon.

Aerial view of Trail Closure  

Rendering of Future Aquatic Center