Cai Yimam
July 30, 2025 • 2 minutes
Reviving a Neighborhood Treasure
Tucked away in East Oakland, Courtland Creek was once a neglected waterway overgrown with invasive plants and prone to illegal dumping. Thanks to a decades-long effort led by Friends of Courtland Creek, the City of Oakland, and community partners, the creek has been transformed into a vibrant public park and restored natural habitat—and FlowWest is proud to have contributed to the project’s success.
FlowWest’s Role in the Restoration
FlowWest provided technical expertise in urban stream restoration, bringing together hydrology, engineering, and ecological planning to create a creek that is both resilient and community-friendly. Our work included:
- Hydrologic & hydraulic modeling to ensure the creek could safely convey stormwater during heavy rains.
- Streambank stabilization and habitat design to support native plants and urban wildlife.
- Integration of public access and safety features with ecological restoration.
- Collaboration with the City of Oakland, landscape architect Walter Hood, and local stakeholders to align technical solutions with community vision.
The project restored 950 linear feet of creek and 140,000 sq ft of parkland, adding ADA-accessible trails, new seating areas made from reclaimed eucalyptus logs, and vibrant public art mosaics created with local students and artists.
A Model for Urban Creek Restoration
Courtland Creek Park now serves as a model for how environmental restoration can strengthen community spaces. In addition to improving water quality and habitat, the park provides:
- Safe, green gathering areas for local families.
- Native landscaping that enhances urban biodiversity.
- Educational opportunities through public art and environmental programming.
FlowWest is proud to partner with cities and community organizations to restore urban waterways and create resilient, people-focused public spaces.
Explore & Get Involved
The Courtland Creek Restoration Project shows what’s possible when science, design, and community come together. We encourage you to:
- Visit Courtland Creek Park and enjoy its new trails and mosaics.
- Join community volunteer days to support ongoing stewardship.
- Partner with FlowWest on your next creek or wetland restoration project.
Contact us at marketing@flowwest.com to learn how FlowWest can help turn environmental challenges into thriving community resources.
