William D. Wood Park

No Dogs allowed. I am a pretty big square and I missed this sign going in but saw it coming out. There were plenty of poop bags in the trash cans so I am guessing I am not the only one who "missed" the signs. Pretty sure dogs weren't involved in the large amount of litter everywhere. (I picked up more then my share). Nice field. Some benches. Not much in the way of trails. Entry from where Google Maps took me was *very steep* -- not good for limited mobility.

This park is essentially a canyon with trees and open space. It’s shockingly peaceful for a place located so close to the freeway and a nice place to wander, romp with dogs, or go for a run. There wasn’t any playground equipment here when I visited, but another park essentially located one block away does have a small playground. The entry to the park is a very steep ramp. For those who prefer stairs, there is a stairway entrance at the end of Sheffield Street.

How did this park happen? Tucked away abutting the Oakland central reservoir hidden underground and the interstate freeway 580, this L-shaped green space is mostly a very dry field framed by a variety of beautiful trees and shrubs. There is a mostly paved walkway that meanders through, in one way and out another. Both egresses are mildly steep, one steep enough to warrant some steps and a metal handrail. Either way, there are identifying signs pointing the way from an otherwise sleepy corner residential neighborhood. I saw maybe a half dozen people scattered about during my 90-minute hiatus there. You'll need to stop, maybe sit several times, and explore cautiously, with a big dose of curiosity to while away as much time as I did. There appears to be a creek, Sausal?, downhill, and a string of structures at creekside, likely residences or work-spaces. A few unhoused gentlemen seemed comfortable in the shade. Posted signs say no dogs allowed, but I observed one walking two adults. Seemed silly to restrict them. Not wheelchair accessible, no rest rooms, and ample street parking. I really enjoyed this park on an early Friday afternoon. .

Great for a picnic or to play sports like Soccer. It's really quiet and peaceful yeah there's hardly any where to sit and no tables but don't let that stop you for seeing it for yourself.

The park is unfortunately on top of Sausal Creek which runs under the south east area of the park under a culvert. I wonder if there has been any efforts to open up the creek to be part of the ecology of the park. Clearly the ecology and hydrology of the Sausal Creek has been repressed.