Lisa Teague

2022 proved to be an eventful year for Berkeley’s historic People’s Park. In April, community members gathered to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the park. In August, during an overnight operation, the University of California fenced off the park for the construction of a student housing site. Within hours, protesters halted construction, and the fight over People’s Park wages on.

Several large pieces of construction equipment were removed from People’s Park near UC Berkeley on Monday morning.

People’s Park has been a point of controversy within the Berkeley community as campus seeks to build housing on the park, while activists work to preserve it. But currently, the park is “chaos,” according to Nicholas Alexander, a resource coordinator who helps run the kitchen in the park.

A study published last month by UC Berkeley Public Health researchers found that access to public restrooms reduces reports of public defecation, especially in neighborhoods with people that experience houselessness.

In an unannounced overnight move, UC Berkeley began the process of fencing off People’s Park for construction of student housing Wednesday morning. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation as part of a $22 billion package meant to address homelessness, mental health services and housing affordability.

After the Board of Regents approved UC Berkeley’s plans to build on People’s Park, the community responded with varying degrees of support and criticism.

Students and activists blocked off Sather Gate on Wednesday to protest against UC Berkeley’s plans to build on People’s Park.

For Berkeley community member Joe Liesner, getting out of the concrete-covered city of Berkeley and exploring a state park or beach feels wonderful.

Park advocates and the UC system have collided over People's Park for nearly as long as the park itself has been around, marking decades of struggle over the land.