Cypress Freeway Memorial Park

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Parks

California

Nearby: Wade Johnson Park Willow Mini Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cypress Freeway Memorial Park is a memorial park located in Oakland, California that pays tribute to the victims of the Cypress Freeway collapse that occurred during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

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Summary

The park is a serene and peaceful place that offers visitors a chance to reflect and pay their respects to the victims of the tragedy.

One of the main reasons to visit Cypress Freeway Memorial Park is to learn about the history of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and the impact it had on the local community. The park features a number of memorials and tributes to the victims, including a plaque with their names and a sculpture made from a section of the collapsed freeway.

Another interesting point of interest at Cypress Freeway Memorial Park is the grove of redwood trees that have been planted in honor of the victims. These trees are a symbol of resilience and strength, as they have grown and flourished despite the tragedy that occurred in the area.

Visitors to Cypress Freeway Memorial Park can also enjoy the park's tranquil surroundings, which include a small pond and a number of benches where visitors can sit and reflect. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring when the trees and flowers are in bloom.

Overall, Cypress Freeway Memorial Park is a beautiful and somber tribute to those who lost their lives in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the history of the area and paying their respects to the victims.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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