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As temperatures rise this season, staying safe in Regional Parks requires a little extra planning. Preparation helps everyone enjoy the parks safely this summer.
• Bring plenty of water—more than you think you’ll need—and drink it before you feel thirsty. Bring water for pets, too, as drinking from streams and ponds may not be safe.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen.
• Plan hikes for early morning to avoid peak heat and stick to shaded trails when possible.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, or headache, and take breaks as needed.
• Keep pets safe by protecting them from hot surfaces. Feel the ground with your palm: if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for a pet’s paws.
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The Little Fire, a wildfire that erupted on July 21, scorched 1,007 acres near Sunol and Pleasanton. Park District lifeguards, fire personnel, police, and park operations staff ensured an orderly evacuation at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, as the park closed for approximately 24 hours out of caution.
Fire crews from several agencies worked to contain the blaze overtaking nearby open space with several residential neighborhoods close by. The Park District Police Department's helicopter, Eagle 7, completed over 100 water drops to help slow the fire's forward progress.
The Police Department also responded to an urgent mutual aid request from the Pleasanton Police Department with 15 personnel and the Mobile Incident Command vehicle. Police personnel assisted with the evacuations of over 1,500 residences.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of all the public safety agencies, the fire was fully contained on July 26 and no structures were damaged or destroyed.
| Passing of Former Assistant General Manager Jerry Kent | Former Assistant General Manager Jerry Kent passed away on July 14, 2026. Jerry leaves an amazing legacy, from starting his first job at the Park District in 1962 as a “park groundsman” to becoming a park supervisor, firefighter, maintenance supervisor, and assistant general manager. During the span of his 41-year career, the Park District grew from 6,000 acres and six parks to 93,000 acres and 63 parks. Read more on our Jerry Kent Remembrance. | | |
Grazing animals play an important role in keeping Regional Parks healthy and resilient. Cattle, sheep, and goats help manage grasslands by reducing excess vegetation, which lowers wildfre risk and supports native plants and wildlife.
During calving season, typically August through October, park visitors may encounter mother cows and their young along trails. It’s important to give them plenty of space, as protective mothers can become defensive if they feel threatened.
• Never approach, touch, or take selfies with calves.
• Avoid coming between a mother and her calf.
• Keep dogs leashed and away from cattle.
By observing from a distance and respecting grazing animals, visitors help protect both wildlife and themselves. Learn more on our Grazing webpage.
| National Night Out at Lake Chabot: Aug. 4 | Come out to Lake Chabot in Castro Valley for a fun and free National Night Out event. Connect with Park District police, fire, and lifeguard teams and discover how they work together to keep our Regional Parks safe and welcoming for everyone. Enjoy games, activities, snacks, and great company. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening. Event info. | How to Attend Board Meetings | The public is welcome to attend all East Bay Regional Park District public meetings. Most take place at Park District headquarters at 2950 Peralta Oaks Ct., Oakland. AC Transit line 57, Foothill Boulevard @ 108th Avenue is a half-mile walk. Visit ebparks.org/public-meetings to confirm meeting locations and details, view livestream links, and access agendas. Agendas for regular meetings are posted online at least 72 hours in advance and include instructions for submitting public comments. | | Farm Fest at Tilden Nature Area: Aug. 9 | Become a farm hand for the day at the Tilden Nature Area Farm Fest on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 10am to 1pm. Spend the day at the Little Farm in Berkeley enjoying hands-on crafts, activities, and up-close encounters with the farm animals. Celebrate how farms connect us to food, fiber, and community. More info. | | Crab Cove Fish Festival: Aug. 29 | On Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10am to 3pm, the Doug Siden Visitor Center and Aquarium at Crab Cove in Alameda hosts its annual Fish Festival. Visitors can observe fish up close at the Mobile Fish Exhibit and enjoy fish crafts, face-painting, fishy games, and much more! More info. | | District Plan Feedback Window Concludes in August | |
We’ve enjoyed connecting with community members at our Parks & Community Resource Fairs this summer and hearing your ideas as we develop the next District Plan. Join us at our next event: Saturday, Aug. 1, from 1 to 3pm at the San Lorenzo Community Center. AC Transit Line 93, Bockman Road @ Bandoni Avenue is a half-mile walk.
Stop by to share your feedback in person, or visit the District Plan webpage and click the Share Feedback button to participate online. A series of short activities will help us understand how you would prioritize the Park District’s work over the coming decades.
This round of public engagement continues through the end of August. We’d love to hear from you!
Visit the District Plan webpage for a full list of upcoming events, as well as an online activity/questionnaire.
• Aug. 1, 1-3pm. San Lorenzo Community Center.
• Aug. 8, 10am-2pm. Tabling at a Health Fair hosted by Allen Temple Baptist Church, Oakland.
• Aug. 29, 1-4pm. Tabling at a Health Fair hosted by the Newark Library.
| | Senator McNerney and Civicorps Visit Pleasanton Ridge | |
On July 15, California State Senator Jerry McNerney (District 5) joined Civicorps and Park District leadership, Board members, and staff at Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. This gathering was an opportunity for Corps members to introduce the senator to their Trails Crew and share details of their special parks projects. Park District Rangeland Specialist Allison Rofe also spoke about the importance of pond restoration in the Regional Parks.
For many years, the East Bay Regional Park District has provided training for Civicorps members, bolstering their qualifications for related Park District positions and inspiring and preparing Corps members to apply for Park District jobs.
| | A Real Nature Walk: Saturdays at Tilden | Every Saturday in August, from 11am to noon, naturalists at Tilden Nature Area in Berkeley will take visitors on an easy walk to look for insects, birds, plants, and to share photography tips. Meet in front of the Visitor Center. More info. | Coal Mine Experience: Weekends at Black Diamond Mines | Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch was once home to the most productive coal mines in California and the thriving mining communities that supported its industry. Step into the past on a self-guided underground tour to explore historic mine tunnels and exhibits that reveal how coal helped power the growth of the Bay Area. Experience the coal mine era Saturdays and Sunday in 30-minute time slots, at 10:30am, 11:30am, and 1:30pm. Ages 7 and up. Registration required. More info. | Saturday Night Campfires at Dumbarton Quarry | |
Head to Dumbarton Quarry Campground in Fremont on Saturday evenings and create special campfire memories. A naturalist leads after-dark fun around the campfire including a nature-themed story on a rotating series of topics, games, songs, and s’mores. Meet at the amphitheater. More info.
• Aug. 1, 8:30-9:30pm: Animal Sounds
• Aug. 8, 8:30-9:30pm: Marine Mammals
• Aug. 15, 8:30-9:30pm: Bats of East Bay
• Aug. 22, 8-9pm: Marvelous Moths
• Aug. 29, 8-9pm: Moon Magic
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Head out first thing in the morning and enjoy a naturalist-led hike before the day's hot weather hits.
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, Antioch
Hike up the ridge and through the shaded Chaparral Loop. Registration required.
Saturday, Aug. 8, 8:30-10:30am
Sunday Aug. 16, 8:30-10:30am
Round Valley Regional Preserve, Brentwood
Get your steps in during the cooler morning hours. Ages 13 and up. Registration required.
Saturday, Aug. 15, 7:30-9:30am
Brushy Peak Regional Preserve, Livermore
Join a naturalist on a hike in Brushy Peak to see how animals and plants adapt to the hot August weather. Ages 8 and up. Meet at the Laughlin Staging Area. Drop-in; no registration required.
Sunday Aug. 16, 8-10am
| | Campground Stargazing at Del Valle: Aug. 14, 21, 28 | Come to Lake Del Valle in Livermore when the sun goes down to witness the wonder of the stars, the planets, and beyond. Meet in the campground amphitheater. Non-campers can park behind the camp store. More info. | Family Movie Night at Ardenwood: Aug. 22 | Head to Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont on Saturday, Aug. 22, for a free showing of the hit movie Zootopia 2, rated PG with a run time of 1 hour 48 minutes. The movie begins shortly after sunset. Arrive early to secure a good seat on the lawn. Bring a flashlight, warm clothes, and a blanket or low-back chairs for sitting. Pets are not allowed. More info. | Sharp Skills—A Weekend of Stone-Tool Crafting at Coyote Hills: Aug. 22 & 23 | Drop in at the Coyote Hills Visitor Center on Aug. 22 and 23 any time from 10am to 3pm to watch skilled stone-tool makers demonstrate the art of flintknapping, showcasing how chert and obsidian are transformed into spear points and arrow points. Observe experienced artisans at work and discover the techniques behind turning raw materials into artisanal shaped stones. All ages. Parent participation required. Parking fees apply where charged. More info. | Flavors of the Delta at Big Break: Aug. 22 & 23 | Come to the Big Break Visitor Center on Aug. 22 and 23 from 2 to 3pm and celebrate flavors of the Delta. Enjoy freshly made ice cream with unique local flavors, such as savory asparagus. More info. | Trail Sips: A Native Plant Exploration at Sunol: Aug. 23 | Join Sunol naturalists on Aug. 23 from 9:30am to noon for a native plant exploration. Learn to identify local plants and uncover their traditional uses. Afterward. beat the summer heat with a refreshing iced tea with flavors inspired by some of the plants discovered along the way. Ages 18 and up. Registration required. More info. | | Connecting Parks to People | | | | |
