The Ira Jinkins Recreation Center was named in honor of longtime community activist and Oakland resident, Ira Jinkins (sometimes spelled "Ira Jenkins"), who had organized many of Oakland's Martin Luther King, Jr. marches and rallies.
The 40x160' wall at the Rec Center was painted by Jos Sances. It is done with epoxy paint on aluminum. Sances said that he would have "to wear hazmat suits to apply the paint, but they claim it will last 50 years outside without fading.” He used a public process to create the mural: “With the theme “healthy lifestyles,” we’ve held numerous meetings in East Oakland—in middle schools, senior centers, and libraries; we’ve taken pictures of kids and seniors to create a portrait of the community. This neighborhood has a reputation for drugs and crime, but we want to highlight the good healthy things that take place there as well.” (See Teamsters newsletter)
Address/Neighborhood:
9175 Edes Avenue / East Oakland
Phone:
Phone (510) 615-5959
Fax (510) 615-5961
Hours:
Ira Jinkins is a weekday-only facility.
Monday - 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wednesday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Saturday - Closed to the public - Open to private events and program participants only
Programs/Facilities:
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Ira Jinkins Basketball Clinic – Every Saturday year-round, 10:30 a.m. - Noon, for youth, ages 7-12, to experience the basics of basketball techniques while enjoying fitness. For more information including registration fees, please contact Donte Watson, Center
Director, at (510) 615-5959.
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Chicago Steppin' classes, Thursdays, 8-10pm, Ira Jinkins Rec Center, 9175 Edes Ave.
The classes will be held every Thursday through August. Participants will enjoy great music, dancing and conversation while learning the art of the "Chicago Step."
For more info and to register: Donte Watson, Recreation Center Director,[email protected] or 615-5959
- Events (weddings, baptisms, quinceañeras, birthday parties)
- 2 meeting rooms
- Collegiate level gymnasium
- Home and visiting locker-rooms with showers
- Workout facility with weight lifting equipment
- Performance stage
- Commercial kitchen
- Play area featuring various gaming amenities (including pool and ping/pong tables)
- Large softball/baseball field
- Grassy field areas
- Play structure
- Lighted tennis courts
- Picnic area(s) with grills
- Large parking lot to accommodate for event patrons.
- After-school care
- Elementary drop-in
- Teen/Young Adult drop-in (basketball);
- Young Adult/Adult weight training
- Seasonal camps (during Winter, Spring and Summer breaks)
- Tennis
- Karate for youth (up to age 12)
- Seasonal sports leagues including flag-football, basketball, track, soccer etc.
Summer Camp
From Monday,June 24 to Friday, August 23, the Ira Jinkins Summer Camp will provide a traditional day camp for boys and girls, ages 5 to 12, to fill their summer vacation with exciting activities led by caring adults in a structured and safe environment. No advance registration is required for youth to participate in a wide variety of activities including crafts, sports, nature walks, sewing, swimming, golf, dance, movement classes, board games, field trips and indoor and outdoor group activities. All campers also receive a free lunch. Campers are encouraged to explore and appreciate all the wonders of their beautiful park. Campers develop friendships, while they learn independence and responsibility.
The Full Day Camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Half Day Camp runs from noon to 5:00 p.m. Before/Aftercare is available at additional cost. Some scholarships are available for qualifying families. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Oakland Parks and Recreation.
For more information, please contact Donte Watson, Recreation Center Director, at [email protected] or (510) 615-5959.
