MORCOM AMPHITHEATER OF ROSES

The Morcom Amphitheater of Roses was originally constructed in 1932 under the Works Progress Administration. The park was designed by landscape architect Arthur Cobbledick to highlight heirloom rose varietals, many of which exist today only in this park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

RPR Architects worked closely with the City of Oakland head gardener and various neighbor and volunteer groups to identify critical park needs. We ultimately agreed upon a series of 16 “mini projects” within the park that included replacing all deteriorated paved pathways with new concrete paths, restoration of the historic “Tool Shed” and “Rose Garden” buildings, added a barrier-free sensory garden with thorn-free rose varietals for the enjoyment of the visually impaired, restoration of the reflecting pool and fountain cascade and the design of new park wayfinding signage among other upgrades.

CLIENT:      City of Oakland

STATUS:      Construction completed