Your monthly EBRPD news & updates
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20 Years in The Making
Concord Hills Regional Park
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For those growing up in the East Bay, the Concord Naval Weapons Station was an active and off-limits navy base with an unsettling sea of munitions bunkers known as “bunker city.” Now a change is coming. After 20 years of consistent and unrelenting advocacy by the Park District and community leaders, 2,500 hillside acres of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station is on its way to becoming a regional park.
On Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Park District and National Park Service will celebrate the formal assignment of the future parkland to the National Park Service – the first step in officially transferring ownership of the property to the Park District.
The event will also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Port Chicago explosion that occurred on July 17, 1944. Over 5,000 tons of munitions exploded, killing 320 mostly enlisted African American sailors.
The Park District invites the public to attend this celebration at the Former Concord Naval Weapons Station.
The future Concord Hills Regional Park (working title) will include various visitor and recreational amenities, including a joint visitor center with the National Park Service, public access staging areas, and miles of recreational trails for hiking, biking, and nature viewing. The park opening is several years out and will require significant financial resources.
See you on the trails!
Robert E. Doyle
General Manager
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East Bay Fire Agencies Hold News Conference to Urge Residents to Stay Ready for Wildfire
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East Bay fire agencies came together Wednesday, June 26, 2019, for a press conference in Tilden Regional Park to encourage residents to stay ready for wildfire. “The statistics are sobering. Ten of the most destructive fires in California history have occurred in the past four years. A year-round fire season is now the “new normal” in California," said Park District Fire Chief Aileen Theile.
"The Park District is working every day, reducing fire fuels, monitoring weather conditions, utilizing and maintaining specialized state-of-the-art wildland equipment, providing advanced wildland firefighting training, educating the public about wildfire dangers, and collaborating with local and regional fire agencies. While our efforts to reduce the risk of wildfires are extensive, it is the collective efforts of homeowners and neighbors like you that can have the greatest impact. By reducing fire fuels around your home and taking other precautions, you can help prevent small fires from becoming large disasters.”
More info
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Park District Prepares for 2019 Fire Season With Advanced Wildland Firefighting Training
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On June 25th and 28th, the Park District conducted prescribed burns and firefighter training at Point Pinole Regional Park in Richmond. Firefighters trained specifically in wildland firefighting, including mobile response, progressive hose lay, and handline construction (fireline constructed with hand tools). The Park District's helicopters also participated by practicing water bucket drops.
Throughout the year, Park District personnel train specifically for wildfire response, including employees who work as on-call firefighters. The training is part of the Park District’s specialized focus on wildland fires.
More info
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Arrive Early to Enjoy the 4th of July in Regional Parks
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The 4th of July holiday is typically one of the busiest days of the year in the Park District. With so many people coming to enjoy regional parks and shorelines, visitors are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they can find parking and picnic space – some of the more popular parks may reach capacity by mid-morning. Early arrival at swim facilities is also highly recommended. Once a swim facility has reached capacity, there will be no new entries allowed for the remainder of the day (or at the discretion of the Park Supervisor), for the safety of the public. With a little planning and an early start, spending the 4th of July in Regional Parks will be memorable and a lot of fun.
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Celebrate the 4th of July with the East Bay Regional Park District
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The Bay Area offers many exciting parades and events to celebrate Independence Day. Here are a few in which the East Bay Regional Park District will be participating – we hope to see you there!
- Danville - Join Director Beverly Lane and the Park District Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol (VTSP) at the Danville 4th of July Parade. This festive hometown event attracts over 30,000 attendees each year and features marching bands, floats, Boy and Girl Scout troops, veterans’ organizations, classic cars, and more.
- Hercules - Stop by the East Bay Regional Park District information table and say hello to Director Colin Coffey at the Hercules Fourth of July Festival. This fun-filled festival features the Hercules Dynamite 5K run/walk, awards, refreshments, entertainment, vendor booths, and a 4th of July Parade.
- Alameda - Check out the Park District’s Mobile Visitor Center at the Alameda 4th of July Parade. Join in the fun or just enjoy the show from the sidewalk.
- Fremont - Join us for a fun-filled 1900’s style community festival at the Ardenwood Historic Farm Independence Day Celebration. Enjoy music, games, contests, and races all day long. Bring a picnic and spend the day in an old-fashioned way!
- Alameda - Drop by the Crab Cove Visitor Center after the Alameda parade for the 4th of July Open House, featuring family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon.
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No Fireworks Allowed in Regional Parks
Do your part to protect against wildfire
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With extremely dry summer conditions in the East Bay, Park District fire officials are urging the public to be extra cautious when visiting Regional Parks on the 4th of July. Please remember that the
possession and discharge of fireworks, including sparklers and other so-called “safe and sane” fireworks, is illegal in all Regional Parks. Fireworks can easily ignite vegetation and quickly start a wildfire or spread to structures, neighborhoods, and cities. Legal, organized 4th of July firework displays and other celebrations are planned throughout the Bay Area. Find out what is happening near you and have a safe holiday!
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2019 Community Survey
We Need Your Input!
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The East Bay Regional Park District, in partnership with the Regional Parks Foundation, has launched a community survey to obtain public input on some of the most pressing issues the Park District faces today.
Join the 3,000+ residents that have already provided feedback. The deadline for feedback is Friday, August 2.
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Join the 85th Anniversary Celebration!
Next FREE Concert July 12 at Crab Cove
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The next free concert to celebrate the Park District’s 85th Anniversary is
Friday, July 12 from 5:30-7:30pm at Crown Beach (CONCERT AT THE COVE) in Alameda with Majestic – the Ultimate Tribute to the Bay Area's very own rock band, Journey.
Bring your blanket and lawn chair. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Beer and wine (21 and older with valid ID) are also available.
Other free concerts include:
- Friday, August 9, 5:30-7:30pm – CONCERT AT THE COVE, Crown Beach, Alameda (Jazz Mafia: Jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, and electronica)
- Friday, August 23, 6-8pm – CONCERT IN THE PARK, Contra Loma, Antioch (The David Perez Band: Latin Pop/Rock, Cumbia, Tex Mex, Salsa)
- Friday, September 13, 5:30-7:30pm – CONCERT AT THE COVE, Crown Beach, Alameda (SambaDa: Traditional Afro-Brazilian heritage music blended with funk, rock, and reggae)
- Saturday, September 28, 1-5pm – FAM FEST! FALL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL at the Bridge Yard Building, Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline, 210 Burma Road, Oakland (Saul Paul, a Musician with a Message entertains, inspires, and empowers as our MC - mixing it up with local artists, musicians, and performers, in partnership with Oakhella.)
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Public Meeting Scheduled for July 11 to Discuss Proposed Point Pinole Water Trail Improvements
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A public meeting will take place on Thursday, July 11 at 10am to gather community input on proposed Point Pinole Bay Water Trail improvements. The meeting will take place at Point Pinole Regional Park near the fishing pier. The proposed improvements would create an accessible route for kayakers from the high tide line to existing restrooms near the Group Camp. Proposed conceptual layouts will be on display. Shuttles will be available at the Atlas Road staging area to bring participants to and from the project site.
More Info
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Staying Safe in the Summer Heat
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Summer is the busiest time in the East Bay Regional Park District as thousands of visitors enjoy barbecues, hikes, picnics, swimming, and other activities. Here are a few tips and reminders park visitors should follow to stay safe during the hot summer season.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine, which can worsen the heat's effects on your body.
- Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect some of the sun’s energy. Protect your face and neck with a wide-brim hat.
- During the hottest parts of the day, keep physical activities to a minimum. Stay in the shade.
- Slow down while hiking. Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day – in the morning between 7 and 10 a.m., and in the evening.
- Never leave infants, children, elderly or infirm individuals, or animals unattended in a parked car. Even if in the shade.
- Don’t forget your pets! Dogs are also vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Protect your canine companion and carry extra water for them, as water from streams or ponds is not always available or safe to drink. Consider keeping them home on the hottest days.
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Calling Park Shutterbugs: August Photo Exhibitions at Big Break and Crab Cove
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Have you taken a nature photo in one of the East Bay Regional Parks that you would like to share with others? Enter your best nature photo in one of our photography exhibitions!
Crab Cove: Entries are due Friday, July 19. A reception and evening photography stroll are scheduled on Friday, August 2. Photos will be displayed weekends in August from 10-5.
More info.
Big Break: Entries are due Sunday, August 4. A reception and photography stroll are scheduled for Friday, August 16. Photography will be on display from Friday, Aug 16 through Sunday, Aug 18.
More info.
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UC Berkeley Peregrine Falcon Chicks Take Flight!
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Two fledgling peregrine falcons, which hatched back in April amid a flutter of social media excitement, took their first flights on June 5th. Their newfound flight was bittersweet news for the falcon family followers on social media and the UC Berkeley Campanile Peregrine webcams. After their initial flights, the two males, Cade and Carson, were rarely spotted on camera or in the nest. Mary Malec, a volunteer raptor coordinator with the East Bay Regional Park District, stood guard the first few days as part of the fledge-watch crew assigned to monitor their progress and to be available to assist the chicks if they ended up on the ground, which could have endangered them. We wish Cade and Carson great success in their next phase of life!
Read more
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Celebrate 50 Years with the Regional Parks Foundation
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Join us for
A Night to Remember, Golden Gala
, as the Regional Parks Foundation celebrates its 50th anniversary with performer Michael McDonald. This celebration will benefit the Foundation’s work in support of the East Bay Regional Park District. Guests are invited to wear ’60s apparel (or cocktail attire). Thursday, Oct. 10, 5:30–10:30 p.m. at Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery in Pleasanton. For details and to purchase tickets, visit the
Regional Parks Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Gala
web page.
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Discover even more fun!
Search online
by park, date, or other keywords. Or you can browse through a PDF of our bi-monthly activity guide,
Regional in Nature
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