Masks Required In Regional Parks

A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER ROBERT E. DOYLE

Thanks to good planning and visitors' efforts to follow the rules, our parks have remained open and accessible during COVID-19. For many, Regional Parks have been a sanity-saver!

To address recent increases in the state, Governor Newsom has closed State Park beach parking lots, museums, bars and restaurants, but has left closure decisions to the county health departments in the Bay Area. Because July 4th is such an important and needed holiday, most locally-operated coastal beaches will remain open including ALL East Bay Regional Park District shoreline parks.

To keep parks and beaches safely open, everyone needs to do their part. The best way to keep parks safe and slow the spread of COVID-19 is to wear a mask at or around your neck and cover your nose and mouth when around other people. So, when in parks, wear your mask with pride because you are helping protect yourself and others.

Join us in keeping parks safe and accessible by wearing your masks around others.

Robert E. Doyle

General Manager

Park District Board Passes Resolution Denouncing Racism

On June 16, 2020, the Park District Board unanimously approved a resolution denouncing racism and systemic racial injustice. The resolution also expresses Solidarity with Black Americans and all People of Color. The Park District’s vision is to forever provide opportunities for a growing and diverse community to experience nature nearby. More Info.

Enjoy Independence Day Safely in Regional Parks

Although many 4th of July activities are curtailed due to COVID-19, nearly all Regional Parks are open and visitors can still enjoy nature over the holiday weekend.

Let's work together to keep parks safe during the Independence Day weekend.

Here are some reminders for park visitors:

For more info, visit www.ebparks.org.

“Rocking the Mask” in Regional Parks

COVID-19 has changed – for the short term – the way we visit parks and nature. Just a few months ago, being a good park visitor meant bringing water, not littering, and picking up after our pets. Now it also means bringing a mask and wearing it when around other visitors.

While some might see wearing a mask as an inconvenience, it is really a small price to pay to preserve access to parks and nature during this time. So, protect yourself and others by bringing masks and wearing them when around other visitors.

ROCK YOUR MASK when visiting East Bay Regional Parks. # RockingTheMaskEBRPD

2021 Calendar Theme is # LoveEBRPD

Enter Your Pic for a Chance to be included

Over the past few months, we have seen some very impressive Regional Park user photography through our # LoveEBRPD campaign. Based on this response, we've decided to make 2021 Calendar theme # LoveEBRPD , and feature photos from the public! Enter our 2021 Calendar photo contest and tell us how you # LoveEBRPD. Photos and testimonials will be accepted through August 31, 2020. Enter Photo Contest

Have Your Next Online Meeting in Your Favorite Regional Park!

Over 100 photographers answered the call for beautiful park photos and submitted entries for our Virtual Background photo campaign. Download photos from our new virtual background gallery and bring nature into online meetings. Virtual Backgrounds

Staying Wildfire Ready

During COVID-19, the Park District is staying ready for wildfires through ongoing fire hazard reduction, weather monitoring, and wildland firefighting training – all essential activities that continued throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Recent activities include three FEMA and CalFire fuels reduction projects, an eight-person fuels reduction crew, goat grazing, and virtual and in-person firefighter training. More Info.

Naturalists Getting Ready to Return

East Bay Regional Park District Naturalists are back in uniform and in the parks! Digital learning and online videos will continue, but you will start to see them in the parks more, too. Look for them – masked and socially distancing, of course – the next time you and your family are out in the parks. More Info.

Parks to People Digital Learning Program

New Field Study & Creature Feature Videos

During COVID-19, the Park District’s naturalist and recreation staff, who typically provide interpretive and recreation programs and activities at our visitor centers or out in the parks, have been bringing their live classes and activities to large audiences online through virtual and digital platforms. Luckily, before COVID-19 happened, naturalists and outdoor recreation staff were already developing content for short educational videos and were ready to utilize virtual and digital platforms.

The Park District’s Parks to People Digital Learning Program offers Virtual Park Tours, Nature & Field Study Videos, and Downloadable Activities & Games. More Info.

Thank You, Congressman DeSaulnier

The East Bay Regional Park District sincerely thanks Representative Mark DeSaulnier for ensuring multi-county special districts, like the Park District, are eligible for bike, pedestrian, and environmental innovation program funding in the new House Infrastructure Bill: The Moving America Forward Act (H.R. 2). The bill would invest nearly $500 billion in new transportation projects that will create millions of jobs, reduce carbon pollution, improve safety, and stimulate economic activity. And the bill infuses $1.5 billion a year for four years into the Active Transportation program and ensures more of the funds are distributed directly to local governments.

Together # WeAreEBRPD

When the COVID-19 shelter-in-place health order first began, most Regional Parks stayed open and accessible to the public for recreation and health benefits. Early on, public health officials identified parks as an essential service. Our staff has taken this responsibility seriously and modified schedules and activities according to new social distancing guidelines. The # WeAreEBRPD campaign acknowledges the hard work and dedication of Park District staff. Look for our posts on Instagram and Facebook!

Is It a Rattlesnake or a Gopher Snake?

Learn more about two of the most common snakes that you will see in the parks, rattlesnakes and gopher snakes. Video

Albany San Francisco Bay Trail Extension Opened

The Park District recently opened a one-mile extension of the San Francisco Bay Trail near Albany Beach – removing one of the largest gaps in the Bay Trail and creating 18 miles of continuous Bay Trail from Richmond to Oakland. The new trail provides spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and San Francisco skyline. The project also restored beach habitat and improved public access at Albany Beach, including additional parking, restrooms, and picnic tables.

Groundbreaking for Major Creek Restoration Project

Wilcox Station Staging Area Closed

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve’s Wilcox Station Staging Area and McCosker Loop Trail are closed for construction from June 2020 to Spring 2023 for creek restoration and public access enhancements. The project will restore over 3,000 feet of creek habitat – the largest creek restoration project in the Park District’s history – including daylighting 2,800 feet that are culverted underground. The project aims to re-establish habitat for 10 special-status species and will expand public access with additional parking, restrooms, water fountains, trails, and a group campsite. The project is expected to be complete in 2023. Look for nearby trailheads on the Sibley trail map.

Support Your Four-Hoofed Firefighters

Grazing cattle play an important role in wildfire protection by reducing and controlling vegetation and fire risks. Grazing animals are also an important vegetation management tool utilized to maintain and improve natural habitat. When in parks, remember the important role they play and, like all wildlife, treat them with respect and give them as much distance as possible. Additionally, as outlined in Ordinance 38, dogs are required to be on-leash at all times when grazing animals are present.

Reserve Your Visit at the Botanical Garden  

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park has reopened to visitors, by reservation only. The Botanic Garden will be open Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and social distancing requirements are in effect. Reservations can be scheduled with Botanic Garden office staff Mon-Fri from 9-4, up to two weeks in advance. More Info.