 |
 |
| Cleveland Cascade from 1931 article by Howard Gilkey in American Landscape Architect |
 |
| Detail of 1931 photograph, zoomed in on shell-shaped shield on right side of basin. |
 |
|
| Detail of 1931 photograph, a close-up of a single basin and bowl. |
Our ultimate goal is to fully restore the Cleveland Cascade to its original aquafied glory.
Thanks in no small part to the enthusiasm and support of the public, in March 2005 the Oakland city council allocated $300,000 towards the restoration of the Cleveland Cascade!
The $300,000 does not belong to Friends of the Cleveland Cascade (FOCC). It is money that the City will administer in consultation and cooperation with FOCC. Although $300,000 sounds like, and is, a lot of money, it will not be enough to do the whole job. We will have to raise additional money to supplement the Measure DD contribution.
Nevertheless, this money is a huge boost that guarantees that we will have something exciting happening at the Cascade; it will speed our supplemental fundraising because it will assure donors of the viability of the project.
In order to save as much Measure DD money as possible for the actual construction work, we are funding the design work with privately raised money, amplified by the generosity of local design professionals who have agreed to work at reduced fees.
Our strategy would never have gotten off the ground but for the very generous and major contributions from a local family foundation: the De Long-Sweet Foundation.
Already the very generous folks at the local landscape architecture firm PGA Design have taken a leadership role to put together a design team. We’ve met with very helpful folks in the City (CEDA and Public Works) to plan the most efficient collaboration between our private efforts and the City’s. Our goal is to produce, and gift to the City, the documents needed for them to put the actual work out to bid.
Community input has been crucial to the design phase. We are holding a series of public meetings at various design-stage milestones to let you tell us your priorities and desires for, and any concerns about, the upcoming restoration. Stay tuned!
As the design process unfolds, we’ll get a better idea of how much of a funding shortfall we need to fill. Once we have a reliable target, we’ll launch a major capital campaign to take the Cascade’s restoration all the way home.
Here’s how you can donate to the cause…
|
|
| Cleveland Cascade from 1931 article by Howard Gilkey in American Landscape Architect |
|
| Detail of 1931 photograph, zoomed in on shell-shaped shield on right side of basin. |
|
|
| Detail of 1931 photograph, a close-up of a single basin and bowl. |
Your opportunity for major, long-lasting impact
If you are a philanthropically inclined individual or organization or a public-spirited company, and if the restoration of the Cleveland Cascade is a project that might align with your interests, values, and goals, please email or phone: (510)903-9216.
There are exciting opportunities for you to have a major, long-lasting impact on Oakland, its residents, and visitors — by simultaenously honoring Oakland’s past and enriching its future — and for you to receive the recognition you deserve.
 |
|
| Close-up of back vertical wall of an excavated basin |
 |
|
| A series of excavated basins |