Courtland Creek Restoration Project
Client
City of Oakland Public Works
Project Categories
Tags
Floodplain RestorationHydology/HydraulicsEnvironmental PlanningwaterUrban Creek Restorationnote_altCEQA/NEPAUnderserved and Overgrown
FlowWest has been working with the City of Oakland to restore ecosystem benefits, recreation, and public access to a key creek in an underserved part of the city. Three reaches of Courtland Creek flow through a residential neighborhood in Oakland and suffered from oversteepened eroding banks, illegal dumping, vegetation overgrowth, lack of access, and invasive species.
Community Driven Restoration
FlowWest led the team that developed a hydraulic model of the system, conducted extensive public outreach, produced restoration designs, secured permits, and provided construction management services. Building on a restoration effort in the 1990s by Walter Hood and the surrounding neighborhood, the current project incorporates a wide range of improvements to the creek and park, including a new public creek overlook, ADA accessible paths, slope stabilization measures such as crib walls and terraced banks, and habitat features like floodplains and native vegetation plantings.
Improved Access and Habitat
The restoration project has transformed the overgrown and neglected creek into a native riparian habitat with creek access, gathering areas, and other park amenities. Construction began in 2023 and will be completed in 2024.
