Alameda’s Crab Cove Renamed Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove

On June 11, the Crab Cove visitor center was renamed in honor of former Park District Board Director Doug Siden. The East Bay Regional Park District board unanimously approved the naming of the visitor center in Siden’s honor on October 19, 2021. The City of Alameda resident, who served 24 years as a Park District board member, exemplified extraordinary commitment to environmental justice, supporting public access to thousands of acres of shorelines and parks.

Some examples of Siden’s successful advocacy work include development of the Tidewater Boating Center at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline in Oakland, extending the SF Bay Trail in Oakland and San Leandro, and securing funding to preserve Alameda’s Crown Beach from tidal erosion. He also led successful campaigns for bond measures CC and WW, which continue to fund much-needed Regional Parks and community improvement projects. Siden's lifelong dedication to youth education, social justice and inclusivity began in the 1960’s with his service as a minister, and marching alongside civil rights leaders Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and César Chávez. He is a founding board member of the MLK Jr. Freedom Center in Oakland and has chaired numerous conservation and community organizations.