After undergoing an extensive renovation, the park on the western side of Public Market is now open and has been transformed.

Christie Park is the next gem in the City of Emeryville’s Recreation and Parks department, courtesy of Public Market’s development team and designers Hart Howerton. With numerous improvements and the addition of nearly half an acre, the revitalized park is a welcoming space for events, social gathering, recreation and relaxing.

Kids in particular will have a whale of a good time on the new park’s focal point: a life-size, 50-foot blue whale. The centerpiece was designed and fabricated by Monstrum, a Danish firm that specializes in playground structures.

Delivered via sea freight container, the spruce plywood structure required a crane to lift and position into place.

Inside, the whale is equipped with ladders and access to the whale’s mouth, teeth included. Outside, the whale is covered with barnacles and platforms for climbing and a slide.

Activating children’s imaginations is at the heart of Monstrum’s designs. As the company founders say, “Why play on a climbing frame if you can play on a moon rocket, a submarine, a giant snail house or a Trojan horse?”

Christie Park also includes an enclosed dog park, walking trails, picnic benches and lawns. We’re sure this new element and Christie Park, in general, will become a beloved place to visit again and again. What are you waiting for? Grab a meal at the Food Hall and enjoy Christie Park today!