The “Painted Rock” is a famous, well-known landmark in Piedmont Pines, often fully painted with birthday or anniversary messages. Painted Rock is located at the ‘Y” where Ascot Drive and Chelton Drive
The area was called Sulphur Springs Park.
Some History
In the 1930s, the Rock was placed in a project under the auspice of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). I believe they created the benches.
In the 1960s, residents began painting messages on the rock. This tradition has continued to this day.
Early on, the area residents complained about the messages that appeared on the Rock. Some called it “grafitti rock.“
A Bufano Statue
There was talk of placing a Bufano statue at the rock.
At the crossroads
“There’s a rock at the intersection of Ascot and Chelton drives and it’s become almost a national monument in Piedmont Pines”
Peggy Stinnett 1966
“People who live in Piedmont Pines drive past the rock twice a day more or less”
Peggy Stinnett 1966
There was even a “Save the Rock” campaign for a while. They insisted the Rock should stay in its natural state. Others said the Rock should be a “servant to young mankind, a forum for self-expression.” While the groups were going back and forth, city crews came in and sandblasted the Rock. The controversy didn’t happen when the Rock was painted in purple.
“I am a Rock.”
The Rock is Famous
The above article was repeated or excerpted in many newspapers across the nation.
Name Change
In 2003, Piedmont Pines residents petitioned the City of Oakland to honor Marjorie Saunders (1909-2009) many contributions by renaming Sulphur Springs Park (“Painted Rock”) to “Marjorie Saunders Park.”
On June 26, 2004, more than 100 neighbors and dignitaries turned out for the Park’s dedication in her name.
Toxic
A middle school student, Cameron Cox, reported on the potential pollution associated with painting the Rock.
“After passing by the rock nearly every day on her way to school, 12-year-old Cameron Cox, decided to test the water that runs off the rock into a creek for a Bentley School project, and found harmfully high levels of levels of acetone, butanone, benzene and other volatile compounds.”
East Bay Times April 19, 2018
“The runoff from the paint contains toxins and pollutes the watershed. I believe in honoring tradition, but not at the environment’s expense.”
East Bay Times April 19, 2018
Photos of Painted Rock
More Info:
Does anyone have photos of painted Rock that they would like to share? Please let me know. Thanks
Marjorie Saunders Park and the Painted Rock – Fact Sheet
This fact sheet addresses recent concerns associated with potential pollution associated with the painting of the Rock at Marjorie Saunders Park.
“For almost 70 years, PPNA has been the voluntary steward of this Park and has recently been in discussions with the city to address the pollution concerns that have been raised.” – website.
The city confirmed that painting the Rock is not permitted
- Friends of Sausel Creek – Marjorie Saunders Park
- Piedmont Pines Neighborhood Association – Marjorie Saunders Park
- Rabbi Has Concern Over Painted Rock – East Bay Times August 15, 2017
- Oakland’ Painted Rock’ tradition harms ecosystem, sixth-grader finds – East Bay Times April 19, 2018
