Published on August 29, 2026
Oakland, CA – August 29, 2026 – This morning, the City of Oakland proudly welcomed the community back to Tyrone Carney Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10501 Acalanes Drive in East Oakland.
The celebration featured remarks from Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Ken Houston, and City leaders, who joined community partners and residents in commemorating the revitalization of the half-acre park. The $3.5 million capital improvement project, led by Oakland Public Works, features:
four new play areas
two new fitness equipment areas
new paved walking paths
new circular central plaza with ornamental paving
new memorial to Tyrone Carney
new lawn area
new wrought iron perimeter fencing with gates
new landscaping throughout the park
The City of Oakland contracted with Beliveau Engineering Contractors and Dillingham Associates to complete the structural and landscaping upgrades, respectively.
This project is a part of a multi-year collaboration between the East Oakland Neighborhoods Initiative (EONI), Sobrante Park Advisory Council (SPRAC), and the City of Oakland. Advocacy from EONI helped secure California State funding (Proposition 68: Parks & Water Bond of 2018), jump-starting the project. Additional funding sources include the Oakland Capital Improvements Impact Fee Funds, and a California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grant.
The Tyrone Carney Park Revitalization Project represents a renewed investment in expanding green space, supporting job training, and improving public health outcomes for historically underserved neighborhoods in East Oakland. Originally opened in 1968, the park closed in 2002 and remained inaccessible for over two decades. The SPRAC and the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation (OPRF) have been key stakeholders in the development of the project and will serve as stewards of the park now that it is reopened.
The park was named in honor of Tyrone Carney, a local resident and a Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps who lost his life while serving in Vietnam on June 9, 1968, at just 20 years old. A proud Oaklander and beloved community member, Tyrone was active in organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and Youth for Christ prior to his military service. His first cousin Deborah Carney states that “Tyrone Carney was a god-sent man! He always said: ‘May the works I have done speak for me, when I am resting in my grave and there is nothing else to be said. May the service I have rendered speak for me.’”
“Revitalizing and reopening Tyrone Carney Park strengthens the Town by expanding youth programs, supporting job training, and improving public health. Thanks to the dedicated community in East Oakland and the generous support from the California Strategic Growth Council,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, “Oakland is on the move, fulfilling our promise to build a safer and more vibrant East Oakland.”
“This reopening after 24 years represents far more than restoring a neighborhood park,” said Councilmember Ken Houston. “It reflects our commitment to investing in East Oakland, honoring one of our hometown heroes, and creating a safe, welcoming place where families can gather, children can play, and community can thrive. Tyrone Carney’s legacy of service will continue to inspire generations through this park.”
“Oakland Public Works is honored to support the community’s vision” said Liam Garland, Director of Oakland Public Works. “I am grateful to the project team for delivering a safe, welcoming, and green space that future generations can enjoy.”
“It is a pleasure to bring this park back to life,” said Myka Hammock, Director of Oakland Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development. “The tree canopies, play sets, and Tyrone Carney’s memorial all serve to inspire Black and Brown youth and reflect a park built for wellness, recreation, and connection.”
For more information, visit the City of Oakland’s Tyrone Carney Park Renovation page.
About Oakland Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development
Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development provides quality parks, recreation programs, and community services that enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life of Oakland residents. Through innovative programming and equitable access to resources, OPRYD serves thousands of youth, families, and seniors across Oakland each year.
About Oakland Public Works
Oakland Public Works is charged with building, maintaining, and improving the City’s infrastructure including public buildings, sanitary and storm sewers, lighting, and City-owned vehicles and equipment. Public Works provides or administers essential environmental services including solid waste and recycling services; illegal dumping abatement; street sweeping; maintenance of parks, trees, and medians; and watershed management.
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