Splash Pad Volunteers Needed this Sunday

This coming month will mark the Fourth Anniversary of the park's re-opening. I don't think anyone (including the most zealous of the project's advocates) could have predicted how successful the re-located farmers market would be and how the new Splash Pad would evolve into a vibrant gathering place for the entire community. At the Grand Opening Ceremonies on October 20, 2003, I did caution that the long-term health of the park would depend on the community taking a sense of ownership that would assure its continuing maintenance.

If anything, I feel more strongly than ever that this is the case and am particularly heartened by the formation of the new Splash Pad Park Advisory Committee with Jerry Barclay as its Chair. On the other hand, when I'm at the park, I see the California Native bed that we planted teeming with weeds and the adjacent Dogwood beds in need of serious pruning. This Sunday, September 30 from 9 to Noon, may be your last opportunity to pitch in and show that sense of ownership before the winter rains put a temporary crimp in our volunteer activities. We will be weeding, pruning and raking and would love a big turnout to spruce up the park in preparation for the visit of the American Society of Landscape Architects in a couple of weeks.

Beverages, fruit and bagels and cream cheese will be served. We're short of hand weeders, but have a plentiful supply of other tools as well as gloves. If you need more info, please send an email to info@splashpad.org or phone me at (510) 451-6537 or stop by and visit us at our table at this Saturday's market.

Farmers Market News

Helen and Peggy from Kassenhoff Nursery are back at the market with a wonderful array of healthy fall veggies, fragrant herbs and fabulous ornamentals.

As I noted in our last newsletter, Erik Niederholz has been ill and unable to staff the Panorama Bakery booth. Latest word is he will not, unfortunately, be returning but there is a possibility someone from the Grand Lake neighborhood may be hired. Stay tuned!.

Anna and David Cadd will be offering Iris bulbs at the market for another several weeks. Their Beehive Iris Garden website is an eye-popper with over 300 different varieties listed.

Grand Lake Merchant Report

The Grand Lake commercial district has a long tradition of supporting the Arts including live music at The Coffee Mill, Day of the Dead Coffee House and The Serenader. Latest additions to the music scene include Saturday evening performances from 8 to 10 PM at the LaMyx Tea Bar on Lakeshore at Mandana. Currently appearing is Terrence Rosnagle, a guitarist featuring Spanish, Brazilian, Latin, and Classical music.

Around the corner on Grand, La Taza de Cafe has a full entertainment calendar that includes Tango lessons and Flamenco guitar. For details, check out La Taza's website.

As you've undoubtedly observed, parking meters throughout Oakland are disappearing and are being replaced with Pay Stations. Although they're a bit intimidating to the uninitiated, they're actually quite easy to use and have the added advantage of accepting credit cards. One problem the change does pose is the loss of secure parking for those of us who ride bicycles. Accordingly, the City of Oakland will be temporarily preserving a small percentage of inoperative meters until other arrangements are made.

The Promotions Committee of the new Splash Pad Advisory Group is fine-tuning plans for Halloween festivities on Saturday, October 27. Tentative plans include decorated shop windows, a parade and free mini-pumpkins with decorations at the Farmers Market. Juniper Tree on Lakeshore has set a high bar for other local merchants with another exquisite Halloween window display.

Free Neighborhood Plant Exchange October 6

Odette Pollar reports that the free neighborhood plant exchange she's planned for October 6 from noon to 4 PM is receiving a very enthusiastic response and she's concerned she may not have enough help. If you'd like to sign up for a shift, please contact her at (510) 866-8482. Details are posted on Odette's Plant Exchange website .

Lakeview School Garage Sale/Pumpkin Patch Saturday, October 6

Lakeview School (across the street from the park) has scheduled a fundraising Garage Sale for October 6. They would welcome salable donations including clothes, appliances, books, toys, dishes, sporting goods and so forth which can be delivered in advance of the sale to the school office. If you have merchandise you'd like to sell, they also have tables available for a $25 fee. Pumpkins are also going to be available for purchase. Proceeds from previous Pumpkin Patch sales have helped to underwrite desperately needed supplies. For more information, please call 882-2179 or 693-7230. Also please do remember that the lovely and practical Grand Lake Farmers shopping bags benefit Lakeview. They are for sale at the market's information booth as well as the Grand Lake Neighborhood Center.

Crocker Highlands Shades of Green Home and Garden Tour, October 7

The Shades of Green Home and Garden Tour on October 7 will feature eight homes in the Crocker Highlands neighborhood and will also include a Green Design Expo on the school grounds.

Major Article in San Francisco Magazine about Oakland

The feature article in this month's San Francisco Magazine is about Oakland focusing on our art scene, neighborhoods, new developments, etc. It is highly complimentary--letting the rest of the world in on what we long-term residents have long known. This is a wonderful place to call home that continues to get better. Article is available online or pick up a copy at your local news stand.

Splash Pad Mail List

If you have friends, relatives, neighbors or co-workers who may be interested in receiving this Newsletter, please suggest they read the latest edition on the Splash Pad website and then subscribe by sending an email to info@splashpad.org.