The Evolution of the 12th St. Dam and Key System Routes: A Walking Tour

Join a walk that will explore the south side of Lake Merritt and follow its evolution since the incorporation of Oakland. Assisted by photographic documentation, the walk will initially review the history of the 12th St. Dam from its inception, and the intake of Lake Merritt. The second objective will be to delineate the location of the Key System’s Central car house. Related to this, the path of the two private right-of-ways approaching the car house between 1st Ave. at International Blvd. and Park Blvd. at E. 20th St. will be evaluated. Along the way, a stop at one of Oakland’s art treasures, and a visit to an award winning architectural structure will highlight several unique features of this rapidly evolving area. The approximate 2-2.5 mile walk on level paved streets.

Meeting Location: Lakeside Dr. and Lake Merritt Blvd. just south of the Camron-Stanford House

Tour Guide: Ron Hook & Stuart Swiedler

NOTES:

• PLEASE MEET 15 MINUTES BEFORE listed time to allow for registration.
• We kindly request you register in advance. In-person registration will be first-come-first-served on a space available basis. We cannot guarantee a spot will be available.
• We offer fee waivers for limited income residents— just ask!
• Comfortable walking shoes, sun hats and sunscreen are recommended. Bring water.
• Vouchers, limited-income accommodation, and any other special circumstances should be handled in advance. Please email [email protected] for assistance
• Check your email the morning of the walking tour for any last-minute changes, clarifications, or cancellation.
• If you need assistance navigating Eventbrite, please reach out to us at [email protected] or call our office at (510) 763-9218 and we’d be happy to help.
• Due to the ongoing presence of Covid, we will continue to make masks available. If you feel ill the day of a tour, please stay home. If after a tour, you become ill and test positive, please let us know as soon as possible. Thank you.
• Please check out the profiles of tour leaders. We are grateful for their skill and generosity.
• These tours support Oakland Heritage Alliance, a non-profit that tells Oakland’s story through walking tours, lectures, newsletters and advocacy. We welcome volunteers and new members!

Accessibility Note: Walking tour will take place on city sidewalks and are expected to be paved and accessible for those using mobility devices. A mostly level route.

About Oakland Heritage Alliance

Oakland Heritage Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization which advocates the protection, preservation, and revitalization of Oakland's architectural, historic, cultural and natural resources through publications, education, and direct action.

Host or Publisher Oakland Heritage Alliance