In the past year, OPR has engaged in numerous public-private partnerships to work toward improving and developing parklands, youth programming, and disabled access. These multi-jurisdictional, regional, and local partnerships with over 118 organizations and businesses allow us to add services valued at more than $1,000,000.

OPR's philosophy rests on the guiding principles of the National Parks and Recreation Association - urban parks and recreation promote health and wellness, stimulate community and economic development, protect the environment, and educate, protect, and enrich America's young people. We need you to help us support these principles by joining us at one of the upcoming focus group meetings in your community. See below for details.

OPR recognizes that the hours of 3 - 8 p.m. are critical for providing programs for our youth. Without structured, supervised activities, children and youth are much more likely to be victims of crime or to participate in anti-social behaviors during those critical hours. We support City Council's goal to reduce crime in every Oakland neighborhood, and in 2007, OPR aims to provide programs and services for the more than 40,000 elementary and middle school students in Oakland, while expanding services at the recreation center in your community.

We also want you to know about the Radical Roving Recreation Program. Using non-traditional methods and engaging, educational programs, this unique program offers healthy alternatives to youth who need extra support for positive participation in the community. Youth involved in Radical Roving Recreation learn a multitude of skills as they participate in fun activities such as boating, junior lifeguard courses, sports, theater arts, self-empowerment workshops, and much more.