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Background
Measure DD, the Oakland Trust for Clean Water and Safe Parks, was passed by Oakland citizens in 2002.
It provides funding for a
range of waterfront projects at Lake Merritt. The planning process is being shaped under the
influence of the
Measure DD Community Coalition, of which Waterfront Action is a
member.
The Plan
The plans are designed to restore the quality and
accessibility of Lake Merritt and its amenities and are guided by the
Lake
Merritt Master Plan. Pedestrian access, improved water
quality, expanded park space, and historic preservation, are all part of
the design.
The plans include many projects focused on:
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enhancements of park spaces around the lake,
with expansion in several areas;
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renovation of
facilities including the Municipal Boathouse, Lakeside Park Sailboat
House, and Children's Fairyland;
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improvements in water quality and wildlife
habitat;
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interpretive signage and restoration guidelines
designed to promote the historic character of the region;
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significant enhancements of pedestrian and bicycle access and safety,
including new multi-use pathways, seating, and dedicated
jogging paths;
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a major reconstruction of 12th Street at the south end of Lake
Merritt to reduce the width of the road and allow construction of a new
shoreline park area.
The Measure DD Community Coalition provides a Project Summary
table that details
specific projects
and their status on their website (on their site, follow their link
listed under MEASURE DD PROJECT INFORMATION to see the
Latest
Measure DD Project Status Summary.)
City of Oakland Public Works provides
overview documents and plan
drawings for areas along
Lakeside Drive, 12th Street, and Lakeshore Ave.
Public Process
The
Measure DD
Community Coalition holds regular meetings that are open to anyone
interested in finding out more about the Measure DD Bond implementation.
Their website
publishes the meeting schedule and minutes, and provides centralized
tracking of all Measure DD projects.
Lake Merritt in the News
 LOVING
THE LAKE PAVING PARADISE Why is a bond that was passed in 2002 to
improve Lake Merritt still so far from being implemented? May 27, 2007, San Francisco Chronicle
Lake
Merritt project stalls March 15, 2007, San Francisco Chronicle
Lake Merritt
face-lift gathering supporters May 4, 2006, San Francisco Chronicle
MAKE
A SPLASH - Lake Merritt: Oakland treasure greets spring with an array of
aquatic offerings, and is perfect for beginner windsurfers March
16, 2006, San Francisco Chronicle
Oakland's Rotary clubs mark
anniversary by giving back February 25, 2005, Oakland Tribune
Lake Merritt overhaul is beginning to take
shape March 26, 2004, Oakland Tribune
Project Status Meter
Planning and design is nearing completion for many
of the projects designated in the first round of bond sales, but still in the early stages for others. There
will be a total of three rounds of bond sales
and project implementation will happen over the 15 year bond cycle, with some
projects delayed until later stages, as shown on the published
project
schedule.
Here is Waterfront Action's estimate of overall progress on
the project for the first round of bond sales:
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