ALAMEDA CITY PARKS - FRANKLIN PARK

ALAMEDA CITY PARKS - FRANKLIN PARK  Franklin Park is the fifth oldest park in Alameda.  It is located in the "Gold Coast" and was opened in 1920.  It is a small park, about about 2.98 acres, compared to other Alameda parks but a very popular park in a lovely residential area.

The Gold Coast is a residential district named for its affluence which feature tree-lined streets and lovely, large Victorian homes.  The first streets in this area were developed in the 1860s and many more homes were built in 1880.  The homes were within walking distance of the train station at Encinal and Morton.  Subsequent development in the area removed the lush oak groves that had existed before 1860s.  Several large estates were acquired for the park.  Charles L. Tilden, a resident of the Gold Coast and a member of the City Council supported the purchases of the estates to develop Franklin park.  Tilden subsequently became the first president of the East Bay Regional Park District and Tilden Park is named for him.

The park was named for Benjamin Franklin as opposed to the other Alameda parks which were all named for U.S. presidents.  The park was developed in 1923 with lawns and flower beds along with playground equipment and a basketball court.  Many of the trees in Franklin Park were planted in the 20's and 30's.

Franklin Park is across the street form many fine Victorian homes.  These homes were the homes of the wealthiest people in Alameda when they were build in late 1800's.

Franklin Park is a very popular park where you will find  people picnicking and kids and their parents playing in the play yard and and enjoying this lovely little park in Alameda.