Come Together for the Lake!

Join us for an intimate evening dedicated to a better future for the Lake. Together we can generate equitable impact for all Oaklanders!

🗓️ April 24th, 2025
5:00– 7:30 PM
📍 The Lark Uptown
     269 24th St, Oakland, CA
🍴 Beer, wine & light appetizers
will be served
🚘 Convenient parking &
dedicated elevator access


Space is limited—reserve your spot today!

launch fundraiser

lake merritt conservancy

Join Us!

Please be our guest on Thursday, April 24th for an evening of optimism and impact, as we preview an early draft of a community-driven vision for the revival of our most-celebrated park.

The Conservancy will host an intimate fundraiser at the brand new Skylounge at the Lark Uptown. With Lake Merrit itself as backdrop and inspiration, you'll enjoy a memorable evening with donors, park lovers, Oakland boosters, and community leaders as we come together to forge an engine for lasting equitable impact.

Together, we can create a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant Lake Merritt for generations to come.

Why Attend?

  • Let's Imagine Together what’s possible here at the Lake, drawing on the inspired design concepts from the Conservancy’s latest collaboration with Cal Poly and their Landscape Architecture students.

  • Hear from René Bihan – Managing Principal of swaGroup and a world-renowned landscape architect, on how park conservancies generate urban impact, and why Lake Merritt needs one now.

  • Preview the design for the Conservancy Portal - David Fletcher, Founding Principal of Fletcher Studio will showcase an architectural vision for a community hub that powers our collective future.

  • Connect with fellow impact leaders – Enjoy drinks, light bites, and conversation with civic leaders, philanthropists, and advocates coming together in support of a new institution with incredible potential.

  • Support the Conservancy – Don't miss the chance to launch a nonprofit dedicated to the long-term future of Lake Merritt, not just for the park and its neighbors, great and small, but for all Oaklanders.

Agenda

  • Connect with old friends and new... Grab a bite or something to drink & enjoy the view!

  • Conceptual designs that have emerged from student collaborations we've done over the past year will be on display to spark your imagination. Conservancy team members will be on hand to discuss the work and gather feedback.

  • Who we are, where we've been and where we're headed.

  • A vision for Lake Merritt and why Oakland needs an urban park conservancy now. René Bihan from SWAgroup will share his experience with conservancy development projects and the impact they've delivered for their communities.

  • Fletcher Studio will showcase a design proposal for the transformation of the long abandonded Snack Shack in Lakeside Park into a Conservancy Portal, a visitors' center for gathering input on the future of the parkland around Lake Merritt. Part of this project will include the recommissioning of nearby public restrooms and upgrades to the many trash bins in the park in need of attention.

  • Join us in this journey of discovery and let's find a way to build a better future for all…

  • After the program, we invite you to engage with presenters and members of the Conservancy team 1 on 1 to share your notes, and especially your own visions and perspectives. We look forward to many lively discussions!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We are a brand new 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to act as a steward of Lake Merritt and the parkland around it, in partnership with the City and community stakeholders, to enhance the park experience and promote equitable access for all. For more, please visit lakemc.org

  • You can make a tax-deductible donation to the Lake Merritt Conservancy either at the time you register for the event, or by clicking on the "donate" button at the top of this page.

  • There are a limited number of parking spots available on a first-come, first-serve basis, in the Lark garage, accessible from Waverly, just south of 24th Street. There is street parking available around the building. The YMCA at 2353 Webster is only a four minute walk, and offers paid parking.

  • René Bihan, FASLA, is a Managing Principal at swaGroup, and an accomplished landscape architect, urban designer, and educator. For more on Rene and swaGroup, please visit swagroup.com

  • Fletcher Studio is a landscape architecture firm based in San Francisco whose design credits include, in addition to numerous urban parks, the renovation of South Park and Ropewalk in their home town, and Rivermark in Sacramento. For more on Fletcher Studio, visit fletcherstudio.com

  • No. This is a private event, by invitation only. Each invitee may bring a plus one. If you did not receive an invite, but would like to attend, or extend this invite to someone who did not receive one, please reach out to events@lakemc.org.