At McGuire and Hester, we believe that the best projects do more than just improve infrastructure; they strengthen the communities we call home and build a lasting legacy. We are proud to share that we recently teamed up with the Oakland Ballers, Groundworks Office, and Sidewalk Trees & Gardens to transform a space at West Oakland's historic Raimondi Park. Together, alongside dedicated community members, we rolled up our sleeves to plant Oakland’s first-ever Miyawaki "mini-forest," better know as the "Ballers Forest."
What is the Ballers Forest?
Unlike a traditional park planting, this project utilizes the Miyawaki method. This features a technique developed in the 1970s that uses high-density, multi-species native plantings to create self-sustaining, dense woodlands at an accelerated rate. By packing diverse native plants into a small urban footprint, this forest is designed to grow rapidly, creating a vibrant ecosystem that thrives with minimal maintenance once established. The 18 trees planted (half water gums and half gold medallions, which will bloom beautifully in the Ballers’ signature gold come spring) will require minimal irrigation and maintenance for just the first three years, and absolutely none after that.
Transforming a Community Landscape
West Oakland has historically lacked an adequate tree canopy, leaving the neighborhood vulnerable to industrial emissions and the urban heat island effect. This project serves as a vital step toward long-term climate resilience and environmental justice in a freeway-adjacent zone. This new mini-forest is designed to do heavy lifting for the local environment. It will act as a natural shield to capture freeway-related air particulates, significantly improve localized air and water quality, and lower neighborhood temperatures during hot summer months. Beyond the climate benefits, it breathes new life into a long-empty lot, creating a vibrant, biodiverse habitat for local birds, insects, and pollinators.
A Collaborative Effort
Building something with such an impact on the community required a true team effort, and this project was a collective lift from start to finish. Our team tackled the physical, heavy-duty work that brings a project like this to life. Together, we moved trees into brand-new tree wells, spread mulch, and hammered and connected the essential support posts. The sheer energy on-site proved that when a community shows up, everything rises. By participating in the physical planting, we became long-term stewards of the park, backed by a commitment from the Oakland Ballers to handle the crucial ongoing watering.
McGuire and Hester is honored to have played a role in this visionary effort alongside PG&E, the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation, and the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project. We look forward to watching this forest grow, standing as a testament to what strong partnerships can achieve for our shared environment.
Links to articles/videos about the Ballers Forest Project:
