MAY 2017
Your monthly EBRPD news & updates
Vargas Plateau Re-Opens, Point Pinole dedications, Memorial Day in the parks, and activities.
New Park Amenities for You
Thanks to Measure CC

The East Bay is loaded with beautiful places to enjoy outdoors, and East Bay Regional Park District just added some new amenities we think you’ll really like.  Thanks to voter approved funding from Measure CC, the $12 annual parcel tax goes a long way to invest in regional trail improvements, fire hazard reduction, shoreline restoration and infrastructure repairs through twenty of the oldest and busiest regional parks in western Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.   Some newly completed projects include:

  • Miller Knox, Richmond:  Renovated 79 family and group picnic tables, barbecues and added four flush restrooms and drinking fountains.

  • Nearby Richmond Bay Trail:  Installation of one mile Bay Trail segment around West County Wastewater facility was completed connecting Wildcat Creek Trail to San Pablo Creek and Point Pinole to the Richmond Parkway.

  • Roberts Regional Park, Oakland:   Renovated ballfield in addition to new picnic tables, barbecues and pathways. 

  • Tilden Park, Berkeley:  Accessibility improvements to the parking area and pathways near the Little Farm were installed, as well as a wheelchair accessible ramp at the Big Leaf picnic area.

  • Point Pinole, Richmond: Completed Dotson Marsh restoration as well as new park access entry bridge at Atlas Road.  (see story below for more information).

  • All told, over $35 million in regional park projects have been completed since 2004.  Read more on our website.  Thanks for your continued support of your Regional Parks.  We couldn’t do it without you!

General Manager Robert E. Doyle

Doyle GM pic update
Vargas Plateau to Re-Open May 15
Vargas Plateau Regional Park in Fremont will reopen to the public on Monday, May 15th, nearly a full year after an Alameda County judge issued a preliminary injunction ordering that the park be closed. The announcement of the park’s reopening comes after a settlement agreement was reached with the two park neighbors who sued the Park District to close the park.

“The public has waited a long time for access to this park, and we are appreciative for the patience many people have shown.” said EBRPD General Manager Robert Doyle. “While we didn’t agree with the court’s unprecedented injunction that closed Vargas Plateau Regional Park, we have worked very hard on a fair settlement that ultimately is in the best interest of the public and their access to our park.” Mr. Doyle also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the City of Fremont in resolving this matter.

Press Release
 
If you plan to visit, access Vargas Plateau Regional Park via I-680 to the Vargas Road exit and go north. Drive about 1.6 miles to Morrison Canyon Road and turn right. The staging area is ahead on the left about 0.4 miles. Car-pooling is strongly recommended as staging area parking is limited.


Photo: Kevin Fox
District Dedicates Projects in Richmond
On April 22, 2017 the East Bay Regional Park District dedicated two important completed projects at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Together the projects represent the largest park investment in EBRPD history, totaling over $46 million.

The Atlas Road Bridge provides a new main entrance and staging area to Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. The bridge serves as both a vehicle and ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge. It also connects to the San Francisco Bay Trail. 

The newly renamed Dotson Family Marsh boasts an extensive habitat restoration and public access project. The 150-acre site has undergone an extensive $14 million habitat restoration and public access project funded by more than 10 agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with the East Bay Regional Park District through local bond Measures CC and WW.

Read More

Photos by Sukirat Kaur. Top to bottom: Atlas Road Bridge dedication; Walking through the park; Dotson Family with sign at dedication.

What Residents Need to Know about State Assembly Bill 898

The Park District was recently targeted to transfer some of its property tax revenues in Contra Costa County to fund the East Contra Costa County Fire District. We fought this unfair tax transfer that was proposed in a legislative bill as AB 898.  

We appreciate the many EBRPD-supportive comments that were shared with the legislature as well as the local media.  A very favorable editorial against this bill was presented by Bay Area News Group. We are continuing to watch any movement on this bill and are pleased to report at this time there has been no committee hearing scheduled on this topic.

Read the GM's Letter in Full
2017 Fire Season Begins
  Wildland Fire Season officially begins May 15 in the Regional Parks.

EBRPD offers these park fire safety recommendations:

  • Be extra careful with fire. Of the 6,000+ California wildfires every year, more than 90% are caused by people.
  • Be prepared for the worst. Have a plan for gathering family members, pets and valuables in case an approaching wildfire requires evacuation.
  • Observe and obey the Fire Department warning signs and park restrictions.
  • Be alert and report any small fires immediately by calling 9-1-1.
  • While visiting our parks use extra caution with charcoal and gas barbecues. Be sure to use your barbecue in a clear area, away from dry grass or brush. Make sure coals are cold before disposing of them.

In some cases, parks may be closed because of fire danger, and everyone should comply to help prevent fires in our beautiful regional parks. Visit www.ebparks.org/fireweather for more information.


  Press Release
In the middle of a bunch of American flags on a clear day
Memorial Day Visit Tips
Memorial Day is among the busiest weekends in the East Bay Regional Park District.

Visit Tips & Reminders
Avoiding crowds, park rules, swimming & more



Memorial Day in the Parks
Reflect upon and remember the sacrifices of those in the Armed Services. Then renew, refresh and reconnect in your Regional Parks.

Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont
Free Admission

Crab Cove Visitor Ctr, Alameda
Open House

Coyote Hills Visitor Center, Fremont
Open House

Tilden Nature Area
Open House

Kick Back for the Parks
Just in time for summer... Drake's Brewing Co. in San Leandro is bringing back the Kick Back Ale. Proceeds benefit the Regional Parks Foundation. Save the Date for a First Friday fundraiser at Drake's on June 2 with cold brews and live tunes.
 
Careers at EBRPD
Administrative Analyst, Dispatcher, Fire Chief, Heavy Equipment Operator, Ecological Services Coordinator and Police Officer are some of the positions currently open.

Seasonal positions are still open for recreation leaders, as well.

JOBS

Featured Activities


Delta Discoveries, weekends at Big Break
Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Drop in program for all ages.


Saturday, May 6, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Off-Leash Dog Recall & Safety
Wildcat Canyon
Registration Required
Class repeats May 21

Saturday, May 6, 7 - 8 a.m.
Dawn Chorus Yoga
Big Break


Saturday, May 6, 9 - 11 a.m.
Pine Creek Stroll
Diablo Foothills


Sunday, May 7, 12 - 1 p.m.
Rural Farm Home Remedies
Ardenwood


Monday, May 8, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Birding at Crocket Hills


Saturday, May 13, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
After the Flood
Del Valle


Saturday, May 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pet First Aid
Lake Chabot


Saturday, May 13, 1 - 3 p.m.
Catch of the Day
Point Pinole


Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday Railroad Adventure Day
Ardenwood


Saturday, May 20, 1 - 3 p.m.
Citizen Bioblitz
Coyote Hills

Monday, May 29
Memorial Day
Various Parks

Discover even more fun! Search online by park, date or other keywords. Or browse through a PDF of our bi-monthly activity guide, Regional in Nature.

Photo: wildflowers at Sunol Regional Wilderness by Enesa Batakovic.

Invasive Plant Management
California Invasive Plant Council is partnering with local organizations - including EBRPD - to provide free public workshops for outdoors volunteers.

June 3 at Trudeau Training Center, Redwood Regional Park, Oakland. Additional dates/Locations in June & July.


Register
Support State Parks
A proposed commemorative license plate could raise funds for California State Parks. The Ca. DMV needs 7,500 pre-paid orders by May 18 to produce the plate, which features an image of a redwood forest.

  East Bay Regional Park District |1 (888) EBPARKS | info@ebparks.org | www.ebparks.org