People's Park

People's Park in Berkeley, California, is a place rich with history, activism, and community spirit. Nestled east of Telegraph Avenue and bounded by Haste and Bowditch Streets and Dwight Way, this iconic park has been a focal point of political and social movements since the late 1960s. Though currently under construction for new university student housing and homeless supportive housing, People's Park remains an enduring symbol of grassroots activism and community resilience.

The Origins of People's Park

The story of People's Park begins in 1956 when the Regents of the University of California allocated a 2.8-acre plot of land for future development into student housing, parking, and offices. However, it wasn't until June 1967 that the university acquired the funds to buy the land through eminent domain. Initially, the goal was to create athletic fields with student housing being a longer-range plan. Demolition of the existing residences began in February 1968, but the project stalled due to a lack of development funds, leaving the lot partially cleared for 14 months.

The Birth of a Community Park

On April 15, 1969, local boilermaker and activist Michael Delacour held a meeting with fellow political activists to discuss transforming the vacant lot into a community park. The idea quickly gained traction, and on April 20, more than 100 people arrived at the site to begin building the park. Local landscape architect Jon Read and many others contributed trees, flowers, shrubs, and sod. Eventually, about 1,000 people became directly involved, with many more donating money and materials. The park was de facto established as a public park by local activists, embodying the spirit of community and collective action.

Bloody Thursday and the 1969 Protests

The peaceful creation of People's Park was soon met with resistance from the university administration. On May 13, 1969, University Chancellor Roger W. Heyns announced plans to construct a soccer field on the site. This decision led to a confrontation two days later, known as Bloody Thursday. On May 15, local police cleared the park and arrested three people who refused to leave. University work crews erected an 8-foot-tall fence around the site, sparking a major confrontation between police and protesters. The clash resulted in the death of James Rector, who was shot by police while watching from the roof of a nearby building, and the permanent blinding of carpenter Alan Blanchard.

Governor Ronald Reagan declared a state of emergency in Berkeley and sent in 2,700 National Guard troops. Demonstrations continued for several days, and National Guard troops remained stationed in the city for two weeks. Despite the violence and repression, the spirit of People's Park endured, becoming a symbol of resistance and community solidarity.

Later History and Continued Activism

After the initial protests, the university maintained a 24-hour guard over the site and kept the 8-foot-tall perimeter fence. In June 1969, the University of California Regents voted to turn the People's Park site into a soccer field and parking lot, but these plans never materialized. Efforts to develop the park were met with continued resistance, including protests in 1971 and 1979 when activists tore up a parking lot that had been paved over a part of the park.

In the spring of 1991, the university proposed redeveloping People's Park by removing the Free Speech Stage and installing several large volleyball courts. This plan led to another wave of protests, with police using wood pellets and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators. More than 104 people were arrested, and the volleyball courts remained until 1997 when they were finally removed.

Modern-Day People's Park

In the 2000s and 2010s, People's Park continued to be a site of contention and activism. In 2011, a series of tree-sit protests took place, with activists occupying a wooden platform in one of the park's trees. These protests lasted throughout most of the fall of 2011. Despite efforts to improve safety and sanitation, the park remained a focal point for debates about homelessness, drug use, and public safety.

In 2018, UC Berkeley unveiled a plan to build 1,100 new units of student housing and 125 units of supportive housing for homeless people on the site. This plan was met with opposition from a small contingent of activists and residents, who delayed the project through protests, lawsuits, and acts of civil disobedience. Despite these challenges, the housing plans were supported by the Berkeley City Council, Mayor Jesse Arreguin, and a majority of UC Berkeley students.

The Future of People's Park

In early January 2024, the park was closed off, and construction officially began on July 22 following a ruling by the California Supreme Court in favor of the university's housing plan. While the future of People's Park may involve significant changes, its legacy as a symbol of community activism and social justice will undoubtedly endure.

People's Park in Berkeley is more than just a piece of land; it is a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring spirit of resistance. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a social justice advocate, or simply someone looking to understand the rich tapestry of Berkeley's past, a visit to People's Park offers a profound glimpse into the heart of a community that has fought tirelessly for its space and its values.