A long-neglected corner at 54th Street and Shattuck Avenue has been transformed into a vibrant, community-driven green space. The 54th and Shattuck Garden project, led by Sidewalk Trees & Gardens, has converted an underused Caltrans-owned lot into a thriving pollinator garden and neighborhood gathering place.
Highway 24’s completion in the late 1960s split right through the neighborhood and created numerous neglected parcels underneath its newly created overpasses. Founded in 2015 by Oakland residents, Sidewalk Trees & Gardens has focused on reclaiming these overlooked spaces and turning them into publicly accessible, environmentally beneficial landscapes.
Stephanie McKenna went to a gathering after seeing an Earth Day flyer announcing the project. She lives with her husband on 56th and Dover, about three blocks away and was intrigued.
“I am a landscape designer by trade, so I immediately offered to jump in and help however I could with plant sourcing. I got to make suggestions of California native plants that would work well on the site, and the designers incorporated many of my suggestions into the final plan.”
The garden offers a welcoming environment for neighbors to gather, reflect, and connect during daylight hours, anchored by its most distinctive feature—mature redwood trees that provide shade and a sense of continuity with the site’s natural history. The space includes native plants designed to support pollinators such as bees, monarch butterflies, and hummingbirds—species increasingly at risk due to habitat loss—while incorporating gravel pathways and natural elements like logs and boulders to enhance both accessibility and biodiversity.
Neighbors planted the garden during the last weekend of March. Photos: Anna L Marks
For the neighborhood, by the neighborhood
Community involvement has been central to the project from the beginning. Local residents have organized meetings, collaborated on design decisions, and taken on roles ranging from fundraising to volunteer coordination. The effort reflects a shared desire not only to beautify the neighborhood but also to foster a deeper sense of ownership of public spaces.
Momentum for the project accelerated in 2025 when Caltrans officially approved the garden design and issued an encroachment permit. Since then, organizers have continued outreach efforts and participation in local events, including the upcoming July 11th Temescal Street Fair, and invited community input on features such as the planned mural on one of the freeway pillars.
The initiative is also supported by fundraising efforts, including a GoFundMe campaign that, as of March 30, had already raised over $22,000 toward a $24,000 goal. These funds will help cover materials, plantings, and ongoing maintenance — much of which will be carried out by volunteers. UCSF Children's Hospital, which is down the street, also donated some of the materials for the site.
The project was completed after months of work, including installed hardscape provided by Oscito. “It was so exciting to finally get plants in the ground and have large group of neighbors come through to finish up the planting, irrigation, and mulch so the park can officially open,” says McKenna.
The park is now complete and ready for visitors. Photos: Anna L Marks
Beyond its environmental benefits, it represents a step toward healing the social and physical impacts of past urban development decisions. It stands as a powerful example of what community-led efforts can achieve—turning overlooked land into one that supports biodiversity, fosters connection, and reflects the collective effort of the neighborhood.
An official opening celebration is being scheduled for Saturday, April 25th, however, all are welcome to stop by anytime to enjoy the space and check on the baby plants as the garden takes root.
