Middle Harbor used to be the Oakland Naval Supply Depot. The facility supplied the U.S. Navy's entire Pacific Fleet from World War II until 1998, when the depot closed and ownership of the land was transferred to the Port of Oakland. The port turned 38 acres of it into a public park, which is maintained and operated by the East Bay Regional Park District ranger staff.

To get there from most East Bay points, take Highway 24 west to Interstate 980 west in Oakland, then exit at the Eleventh/Twelfth Street off-ramp onto Brush Street. Continue straight, then turn right onto Seventh Street. Stay on Seventh Street all the way out to the traffic signal at Middle Harbor Road. At that point, Seventh Street takes a sharp right. Instead of turning, drive straight through the intersection, and take the first right turn into the Middle Harbor parking lot. Parking is free.

You'll find yourself in a green bayside oasis amid the bustle of shipping and railroad operations. There are picnic areas, sweeping expanses of lawn, an amphitheater, a fountain with some attractive tiles depicting Oakland's cultural diversity, and observation points from which to view the abundant shorebird population. This includes plenty of Canada geese. They're beautiful, but they do deposit a lot of organic matter as they wander around. Lots of other kinds of birds are seasonal visitors or year-round residents at Middle Harbor.

Standing guard at the park entrance is the mast of the U.S.S. Oakland, an anti-aircraft warship that was present at the surrender of the Japanese in Tokyo Bay at the end of World War II.

Although the Supply Depot buildings are long gone, their presence is commemorated in the park's design elements. A line of shade structures mimics the roof profile, and zigzag landscaping marks the outline where once stood Building 122, a huge warehouse with multiple cargo bays. Interpretive panels with text and old photographs make it all understandable.

A nautical theme prevails. Bollards line the park roadways; a ship's propeller graces a traffic circle; large naval-style binoculars are set on stands for viewing the wildlife and scenery. You don't need coins; viewing is free.

If you drive or walk out the road from the U.S.S. Oakland's mast, you'll arrive at a smaller parking area located a short distance from the park's two-story observation tower. The tower is disabled accessible, and the views from it are truly spectacular. You can watch tugboats nudge bulky container ships up the Oakland Estuary to be unloaded by gigantic cranes less than 100 yards from the tower. Looking across the bay, you get beautiful views of Yerba Buena Island, the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. Raucous gulls circle overhead. It's kind of an Otis Redding "dock-of-the-bay" experience, but without the despair.

The Port of Oakland and the Army Corps of Engineers are working on a project to restore shallow water wildlife habitat to Middle Harbor, and you may see some of this work under way. Work is also scheduled to start soon on a beach-restoration project just seaward of the amphitheater. The site is currently fenced off, pending completion.

Along the Seventh Street side of the park is Oakland's Port View Park with a small playground, a fishing pier, and a historic exhibit located in a former rail-switching tower. A sign on the door said the exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. I arrived too late to get in.

A few park rules to remember: dogs are not allowed at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park. Bicycles are allowed on designated bike paths, and state law requires that cyclists ages 17 and under must wear a helmet. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Fishing is allowed, but anglers ages 16 and older are required to have a state fishing license. The exception is the fishing pier all the way out at the end of Port View Park, where no license is needed.

All in all, Middle Harbor Shoreline Park is a great addition to the East Bay's public parklands with bay shore access. With its historic points of interest, abundant wildlife, cooling breezes and spectacular views, it's a great summertime getaway close to home.

In fact, Park District naturalists have scheduled two program at Middle Harbor in the near future. The first is a stroll from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 29, led by naturalist Susan Ramos. It's free, but registration is required. Phone 510-636-1684 for information. Then from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, naturalist Gail Broesder will lead a walk at Middle Harbor. For information, phone 510-521-6887. It's also free. Both programs are disabled accessible.