Established by the City of Oakland in 1917, Dimond Park is named for Hugh Dimond, a Gold Rush newcomer who acquired the land comprising the adjacent district in 1867. Located in the heart of the Dimond District at the upper end of Fruitvale Avenue, the park sits at the base of Dimond Canyon with hiking trails that climb to reach Joaquin Miller Park in the hills above.

Reflecting these historic roots, Dimond Park also hosts Lions Pool, opened to the public in 1929, and was the former site of what was believed to be Oakland’s oldest documented oak tree before it was cut down in 2017.

Park Activities

With its expansive open spaces and play areas for different age groups and activities, Dimond Park can feel like a giant neighborhood living room. On a given afternoon, families tiptoe through Sausal Creek, couples spread out on picnic blankets, hikers prepare to climb up into Dimond Canyon and community members gather for events like yoga classes, youth bake sales and church meetings.

Reviewers call Dimond Park “large, well-liked and used” and “one of the gems of the neighborhood.” The park also earns high marks for its active recreation center, open air outdoor pool and generally well-maintained grounds. Wandering from one end of Dimond Park to the other opens a window on a comfortable space that provides a little bit of something for everyone.