William D Wood Park

William D. Wood Park is a 5-acre public green space located in the Reservoir Hill / Sausal Creek neighborhood of Oakland, California. The park has an interesting history, as it was not originally planned but came into existence due to natural circumstances. The area was once part of a residential street, but major land movements between 1935 and 1952 destabilized the hillside, causing a large section of McKillop Road to slide downhill toward Sausal Creek.

After repeated attempts by the city to halt the damage failed, and several homes were destroyed, the affected area was converted into a park. It was dedicated in September 1976, created with contributions from the William D. Wood estate and Ogawa Nursery. The park's namesake, William D. Wood, was a former auto dealership owner in Fruitvale who served on the Oakland Park Commission from 1953 to 1956.

The park features a large grassy area and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. Sausal Creek runs along its eastern side, adding to the natural beauty of the space. While the park is officially off-limits to dogs, it has become a de facto dog park, with many local dog owners using the large lawn area.

In recent years, the park has faced ongoing challenges with landslides. In 2006, additional houses on the downstream side of the park faced demolition due to continued land movement. Despite these issues, the park remains a valued green space in the neighborhood, offering a place for recreation and relaxation.