In 2002, Oakland voters approved Measure DD, a $198 million-dollar bond measure designed to upgrade area surrounding the city’s “crown jewel,” Lake Merritt.

Among other things, Measure DD funded the restoration of the Lake Merritt Boathouse (in conjunction with the opening of Lake Chalet restaurant), along with new walking/jogging paths, a new green water-runoff drainage system and enhancement to Children’s Fairyland.

For some time, the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center has been fenced off and piles of concrete sit across the street on the south end of Lake Merritt. It’s the beginning of a two-year, $35 million construction project that will produce a new four-acre park and replace the current 12-lane expressway with six lanes and bike lanes.