Located on one of Oakland’s original seven town squares, Lincoln Square Park is today a bustling neighborhood hub welcoming people from Chinatown and the wider downtown community. Recognized as an Oakland landmark in 1983, Lincoln Square Park’s development reflects the growth of the surrounding city.

Originally called Oakland Square until it was renamed in 1898, Lincoln Square Park boasts an original WPA “Clubhouse” built in 1935, an iconic junk boat playground originally dedicated in 1969 and active community groups that have held volunteer events and fundraisers for generations.

Park Activities

There is activity at Lincoln Square Park from dawn to dusk. Seniors practice tai chi early in the morning, students from the adjacent Lincoln Elementary School take recess during the day and young adults play basketball long into the evening.

This well-loved park sits in the heart of Chinatown, nestled among new construction apartment towers and adjacent to a major bus line, creating a vibrant and welcoming town square environment for all ages. Online reviewers note the park’s colorful murals and active recreation center, calling the space a “hub of activity in Chinatown” with “great summer programs” that’s “friendly for kids.”