Let’s Celebrate!

Source: City of Oakland

We are thrilled to let you know that Mayor Sheng Thao’s 2023-25 budget was approved by the Oakland City Council in late June. The budget includes funding over the next two years for a new recreation and resiliency center at Lincoln Square Park. These funds are available thanks to the Measure U bond passed by voters last fall and brings us one step closer to closing our project funding gap. This money, combined funds already committed by the city and state funding from Proposition 68, a federal grant secured by Senator Padilla, and private donations from the community, will hopefully allow construction to start next year, pending Planning Commission approval and selection of bids. We have much to celebrate!

“Early conversations to expand the center first took place 27 years ago. It’s great to see the community will finally have a place where seniors, youth, and adults can all have a place with enough space to learn and play,” said Tiffany Eng and Karen Dea, co-chairs of Friends of Lincoln Square Park.

To ensure the long-term impact of the Center, FLSP is launching a Legacy Fund to support new equipment, facility enhancements, and a program endowment to support additional staff not supported by the city budget. “You will be able to recognize your family and friends in an exciting, permanent way in the new facility,” according to Grant Din, campaign coordinator. “Watch for coming details for how you can get involved.”

Special thanks to all of you who have shared a vision of the new center over the past 27 years, our City Council led by president and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato-Bas, and all our community supporters!