City of

OAKLAND PARKS AND RECREATION

Joaquin Miller Park - 2016 National Wildlife Federation launched Be Out There™, a national campaign to re-connect families to the outdoors in order to raise healthier kids and inspire a life-long appreciation of wildlife and nature.

Studies show that outdoor time helps children grow lean and strong, enhances creativity and attention spans, decreases aggression, and boosts classroom performance. Bottom Line: Healthier, Happier Kids!

Cincinnatus Hiner Miller

J O A Q U I N M I L L E R P ARK J O A Q U I N M ILLER covers more than 500 acres Joaquin Miller Park is named for one of the late 19th century’s and home to 200 species of native plants including more colorful figures. Born in in 1841, he was pong- the elusive Oakland star tulip, pallid Manzanita and express rider, lawyer, judge, teacher, gold prospector, nomad leatherwood and a wide variety of native wildlife. and author. During a trip to the Bay Area in 1870, he met ’s first Poet laureate, Ina Coolbirth, Oakland’s first The redwoods in Joaquin Miller Park are considered to librarian, who convinced him to take the colorful pen name of be one of the few Redwood forests to flourish today in an “Joaquin” Miller. He became known as the “Poet of the Sierras.” urban setting. Most notably, native Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) grow throughout the park. In 1886, he settled on 70 acres of grassy hillside, which he Many are in the second or third growth following major purchased parcel-by-parcel in the hills above the “City of the logging in the late 1800s when the redwoods were used Oaks.” In an effort to create an inspirational artists’ retreat, he to help build Oakland. Of the thousands of trees planted erected monuments, built structures for his mother and under Joaquin Miller's leadership, many still stand today. daughter, and coordinated the planting of 75,000 trees— Monterey pine, Monterey Cypress, Olive and Eucalyptus. He Over the years, Oakland Parks department purchased died in his home in 1913. acreage from the Miller family and designated trails throughout the park. Many of our park’s trails lead to adjacent Roberts and Redwood Regional Parks, which N O T A B L E P A R K L OCATIONS are part of the East Bay Regional Park system. The Abbey--built in 1889 by Joaquin Miller, the site has been a Registered National Historic landmark since 1963 and was recognized by Native Sons of the Golden West in 1928.

Ranger Station--built in 1959, the station houses the The Cascades--the lower fountain was originally built for the Visitor Center and the park's only pay phone. 1935/36 Golden Gate International Exposition. It was moved to Oakland in 1941 under the Works Progress Administration Joaquin Miller Community Center--constructed in 1996, (WPA) construction of the Cascades. the facility is rented out for weddings, meetings and special events. Call (510) 238-3187 for reservations. Woodminster Amphitheater— a 1941 WPA project; now used for summer musicals and other performances Sequoia Horse Arena--built in 1948, the arena host the (www.woodminster.com). Metropolitan Horseman's Association shows and trails rides. Call (510) 531-5449 for reservations. HISTORICAL LANDMARKS

Chabot Space and Science Center--internationally Monument (1892) recognized space observatory and science museum. The Browning Monument (1894)

(www.chabotspace.com). Fremont Monument (1904) Funeral Pyre (1906) Robin Perry Field--a rental softball field. Call (510) 238- 3187 for reservations. Statue of Joaquin Miller on Horseback (1942) -- Commissioned by sculptor Kisa Beeck

Activity Schedule

SATURDAY Oakland Parks & Rec Staff 2:00-3:00 pm Tent Set-up East Bay Regional Staff 3:00-3:15 pm Welcome and Announcements! History of the Redwoods at Deborah Zierten (Save the 3:30-4:30 pm Joaquin Miller Park Redwoods League) Campout Rules Julie & Paul Dunbar (Insect  Be respectful of your neighbors and 4:30-5:30 pm Bug Walk & Entomology Sciences Museum of your noise level California)  All vehicles must be in a parking lot, Announcement for Dinner & 5:30-5:45 pm Stephanie Benavidez (OPR) not on the roadside Evening Activities  Leave No Trace Behind Rules 6:00-7:30 pm Dinner Served!  Keep an eye out on your younger family members as it gets dark 7:30-8:00 pm Transition Period

8:00-9:00 pm Campfire! Nik Bertulis (California Center 9:00-10:00 pm Night Hike for Natural History) Be mindful of your noise level 10:30 pm as wildlife and campout attendees may be resting! Events and times are subject to change.

SUNDAY Paper will be provided for your 8:30 am Breakfast Served inspired thoughts, poems, comments and letters. 10:00 am Park Beautification & Clean-Up

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR PARTICIPATING AGENCIES and SPONSORS!

PARKS & RECREATION PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY FIRE DEPARTMENT