Help Name Alameda Marina’s New Park ‘Svendsen Maritime Park’

Alameda and the Bay Area lost more than a great friend, sailor, and maritime business entrepreneur with the passing of Svend Svendsen in 2013. We lost a great piece of the maritime trades, heritage and culture that kept the island community of Alameda rooted in its maritime legacy. The local community is now working together to help honor Svend and his contributions to Bay Area boaters, with Svendsen’s Boat Works.

The Svendsen’s Marine & Industrial Supply ad in the current issue stated how you can help:

“We have a chance to name the new park at Alameda Marina ‘Svendsen Maritime Park,’ in honor of Svend Svendsen and the legacy of Svendsen’s Boat Works. If you have stories or memories of how Svend or the boat works made a difference in the community, in innovation, or in your life, we’d love to hear them. Your stories can help ensure the park carries a name that reflects the true spirit of Alameda’s maritime heritage.

“Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Memories of community events or initiatives Svend supported.
• How the Boat Works fostered a love for sailing and the sea in many of us.
• Stories of innovation, like the development of eco-friendly boatyard practices.
• The impact Svend had on individuals’ careers and lives, inspiring entrepreneurship and a passion for craftsmanship.

“Every story helps, no matter how big or small. Let’s make sure the park celebrates a legacy that has touched so many lives. Please email your stories to Justin Long at [email protected], and please also copy Svend’s daughter Sabrina at [email protected].

“Thank you so much for your help in honoring Svend!”

For those able to make a public comment at a town council meeting, we’ve been told it is scheduled to be on the agenda for the second meeting in April, which looks to be the third Tuesday of the month. Schedule here. We presume the agenda will get posted here.

We think it’s a terrific way to honor the connection between land and sea, as well as honoring Svend Svendsen and the marine business he created that contributed so much to the lives of sailors, the working waterfront and the community of Alameda.

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