Rental Facilities ~ City of Oakland, California

Lake Merritt Sail Boat House

Photo of the Sailboat House 568 Bellevue Avenue,

Zermaine Thomas

(510) 238-2218 Direct Number

(510) 238-3187 Main Office

(510) 238-2397 Fax

Lake Merritt Sailboat House is adjacent to the nation’s largest salt water tidal lake, Lake Merritt, it is also the home to Oakland’s oldest wild life preserve. Built in 1954, this unique landmark houses the Lake Merritt Boating Center, Lake Merritt Institute and various Rowing Clubs. Conveniently located in the center of Downtown Oakland and situated in Lakeside Park, it is easily accessible to highway and public transportation with plenty of off-street parking and its own parking lot.

By day, guests are captivated by the rippling affects of the sunlight dancing off the water surface and by night, enchanted by a “Necklace of Lights, featuring 126 lampposts and more than 4,000 light bulbs, encircles 3.4 miles of the shoreline. Expect to experience grassy knolls, picnic sites, walking paths, a fabulous view of the Pergola and Colonnade at the end of the eastern arm of Lake Merritt. Boating, sailing and gondola rides are also part of the uniqueness of this “Jewel of Oakland.”

This setting combining history, aquatic scenery and incredible lights is unmatched in the Bay Area for many of life’s most memorable occasions, with an abundance of photographic opportunities.

An adjacent parking lot charges a daily entrance fee into Lakeside Park, Monday, through Sunday. The Sailboat House may be reserved 30 days to 11 months in advance. For viewing of the facility, contact a Representative directly to make an appointment.

Unique Amenities

The Lake Merritt Sailboat House is staircased aloft Lake Merritt with and elevated entrance providing handicap accessibility, escorting guests to a striking banquet room with adjustable track lighting, full service kitchen, side terrace, vast deck and floor to ceiling glass windows illuminating the room with natural light.

Create the perfect ambiance and surround guest with spectacular views of Lake Merritt. Capture the spirit of Oakland in this private setting by hosting various events including wedding ceremonies, receptions, corporate and private events and celebrations of all kinds.

Rental Area & Room Capacity

Theatre - 150
Standing - 225
Banquet - 125

The rental area includes the kitchen and balcony.

Rental Rate

Time	Residents	Non-Residents	Corporate	Days
6 am - 8am	$ 75/hour	$ 90/hour	$ 95/hour	(Monday-Sunday)
8 am - 12 Midnight	$ 85/hour	$ 102/hour	$ 110/hour	(Monday-Thursday)
8 am - 12 Midnight	$ 95/hour	$ 114/hour	$ 120/hour	(Friday-Saturday)
12 Midnight - 1 am	$ 110/hour	$ 132/hour	$ 140/hour	(Friday-Sunday)

Residency is determined according to address indicated on Drivers License or State Identification card.

Non-Profit Rates

501 (c) 3 certificate required for Professional Development, Staff Training Retreats, Seminars & Conferences

6 am – 8 pm	$ 65/hour	(Monday-Thursday)
6 am – 8 pm	$ 75/hour	(Friday-Sunday)

Complete information of fees for facility rental, including deposit fees, may be found in the Rental Fee Packet & the Guidelines Packet.

Floorplans

Below are the downloadable floor plans and sample setups for users to save and print. Allowing the user to preview the entire facility and aid in planning an event.

Sample Setup - provides sample layouts of the room/facility.
Setup Sheet - is a printable form for users to print out, fill in, and return to Parks and Recreation when they want to rent a facility.

Catering & Rental Information

You may hire a caterer from the Non-Exclusive Approved Catering List or choose the non-catered option. If you choose the non-catered option, you must comply with the Caterers Opt-Out Regulations and Expectations and pay the additional Caterers Opt-Out fee.

Please contact any of these caterers as you prepare for your exciting event.
Download the Approved Caterer’s Information List

Rental Information Packets and Application

Parking

Parking inside Lakeside Park on Bellevue Avenue is $2.00 for two hours (or $10 for all day parking) during weekdays and $5 all day parking on the weekend and holidays. The parking operating hours are from 7:30am until dusk.

Contact Information

Please contact Central Reservations for more information and to reserve Parks and Recreations rental facilities.

Central Reservations

250 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Suite 3330

Oakland, CA 94612

(510) 238-3187 Phone

(510) 238-2397 Fax

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

City of Oakland California

Office of Parks and Recreation

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