Mandela Parkway gives West Oakland a boost

Oakland Tribune, Jul 15, 2005

IT'S been a long time coming, but Mandela Parkway is finally completed, and the resurrection of a once-devastated neighborhood is well on its way.

Who could have imagined almost

16 years ago that out of the rubble and ruin of the Loma Prieta earthquake would rise a neatly manicured, 1.3-mile open space area that will serve as an oasis for residents. Where once the double- decker Cypress Structure loomed, now there are bicycle and walking paths, trees, grass and ornate lamp posts. Meanwhile, nearly three dozen new businesses have moved in, bringing with them the prospect of economic revitalization.

For too long, the legacy of the Cypress Structure was as a tragic reminder of Oct. 17, 1989, when the earthquake hit and 42 people lost their lives in the freeway collapse.

Now the new parkway stands as a symbol of hope for the neighborhood. As Bob Tuck, a member of the West Oakland Commerce Association board, noted in an interview: "We now have sunshine, not shadows, grass not gas, trees not trucks, walking not ducking and butterflies not garbage flies."

The vision for the West Oakland area has meant a lot of work, including extensive environmental cleanup. The joint efforts of local, state and federal officials, as well as Caltrans, business leaders and residents, were needed to make it happen.

The price tag for the project was

$13 million, but the value to the community is immeasurable. The years of planning and work on the parkway involved the neighborhood at every stage. Residents pulled together through the earthquake, the demolition of the damaged structure and renovation work.

And this week they came together to celebrate the opening of Mandela Parkway.

The evolution will continue, when the parkway eventually links to the Bay Trail, forming a recreational chain around the area. And plans are in the works for a Cypress Memorial Park that will pay tribute to the community heroes and victims of the Loma Prieta quake.

The future looks bright now, thanks to all who worked to make Mandela Parkway happen.