35th Avenue Plaza

Check out this pocket park! Thanks to a 1998 collaboration between the City of Oakland and the Spanish Speaking Unity Council, Fruitvale Plaza Park revitalized the corner of 35th Street and International Blvd.

Through a community-driven process and public art call, the City selected artist Praba Pilar to design the park with: a mosaic tile bench; planter; serpentine mosaic floor piece honoring Sausal Creek; and an information kiosk featuring historic tiles and community announcements. During the building process, Pilar and sculptor Rod Garrett warmly engaged with local residents who provided input, shared food and volunteered their labor.

Don't miss the historical references and nods to Sausal Creek near the mosaic bench and kiosk, including ceramicist Lucia Herrera's "Arbol de la Vida de Fruitvale." The park's festive opening celebrated a new community space, where locals still gather to relax and connect today.