Subtle Character Along Oakland’s Walking Path

This spring we will celebrate the fourth anniversary of Oakland’s walking path. Over the years the sights and sounds of the path have taken on a personality of their own; whether if it’s the constant procession of people enjoying a walk, the Patrick Lawlor memorial rock or the expansion of elements located around the walking path.  The exercise equipment located by field 6 has been there a couple years now and slowly benches have been popping up at various places along the path and complex.

Like the walking path and exercise equipment, these benches have not cost the Oakland taxpayer any money.  Each one has been donated and dedicated in memory of someone special from Oakland.  Our latest bench went in this past January next to the Field 8 scoreboard.  The exact location of each bench was carefully chosen by the donor and the recreation commission. 

It all started back in 2012, when a group wanted to donate a bench to long time Oakland resident and tennis supporter Virginia Contrini.  Her bench is located by the tennis courts and has become a place where players rest between matches or wait for their time on the court.  All benches that have been subsequently installed are the exact same type and quality bench which preserves continuity on the recreation complex.

A couple years later three benches were donated in the memory of Michael Altana.  The first one has a spectacular monument and is located by the football field opening. A tradition has developed where players touch the monument of Michael upon entering the field.  The second is located along the path next to the Delia, which was donated by the Oakland Father’s Club and Oakland Mother’s Club.  The third bench dedicated to Michael is along the path located next to the roller rink; it has become a tradition where players will lace their skates before playing hockey.

In 2015 a new bench was placed by field 3 in memory of the field’s name sake Joey Gaul. The bench is located in the most peaceful location where it’s almost always in shade.  A tree was installed to the right of the bench, adding to the uniqueness of the Joey Gaul Field.

Last summer a new bench was installed by field 6 located perfectly where the path bends around the field.  This bench was donated for long time resident and coach Doug Douglass. As part of the Sports Association of Oakland’s 2018 Hall of Fame Celebration the bench was unveiled.

This brings us to the most recent bench located under the field 8 football scoreboard and in memory of Susan Franchina.  Early in January, surrounded by friends and family, a ceremony was held to celebrate Sue’s life and unveil the seventh bench on the recreation complex.  Like all the other benches, the group of donors selected a fitting location.

Each of the benches along the walking path and the recreation complex adds to the recreation commission’s vision which is to expand the fields as more than just a place for play, but also as a living memorial to benefactors, athletes and supporters.  The next time you are on the walking path, please take a moment to stop at each bench and read the memorial plaques located in the center of the bench.  As time goes on more benches will be added celebrating the lives of other amazing people!