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NEWS FROM EAST BAY REGIONAL PARKS

Looking Forward to the Next 90 Years and Beyond

A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA LANDRETH

Last year was a landmark year filled with many Park District celebrations and milestones – most notably our 90th Anniversary. Thank you to those of you who celebrated with us in 2024 at special events and activities commemorating our 90th Anniversary and our legacy of service to the community.

In 2025, we look to the future and prepare for the next 90 years and beyond. Join us in the new year as we celebrate groundbreakings and new park openings and plan for the future of the Park District through the District’s Second Century District Plan, which will begin its public engagement phase in 2025. 

January is the perfect month to head into the Regional Parks for the 2025 Trails Challenge, which features new and exciting goals to aim for while taking the challenge (see story to right).

See you on the trails!

Lynda Deschambault and Luana España

New Park District Board Members and 2025 Board Officers

The Park District welcomes two newly elected board members and a new slate of board officers, who begin their yearlong terms this month. Below are the 2025 Park District Board of Directors.

Ward 1, Elizabeth Echols

Ward 2, Lynda Deschambault - new member

Ward 3, Dennis Waespi - Secretary

Ward 4, Luana España - new member

Ward 5, Olivia Sanwong - Vice President 

Ward 6, John Mercurio - President 

Ward 7, Colin Coffey - Treasurer 

2025 Park District Budget Prioritizes Opening Up and Protecting Parklands, Resource Conservation

On Dec. 17, 2024, the Park District Board of Directors approved the $358 million budget for 2025. The budget priorities for 2025 include trail development and maintenance, strategic land acquisition and opening new parklands, fuel suppression and wildfire prevention, cultural and environmental resource conservation, infrastructure for park users and climate change response, among others. More info.

2025 Trails Challenge Launches with New and Exciting Features

For the past 32 years, the Park District has encouraged the public to explore their Regional Parks through its annual Trails Challenge program. This free program connects people with nature and healthy recreation by providing 20 designated trails for hiking and biking, ranging from easy to moderate to challenging.

This year, some new and exciting features have been added to the program.

• Free One Month AllTrails+ Membership
• Monthly Trails Challenge Pop-Ups
• Guided Trails Challenge Hikes
• Spanish Language Trails Challenge Guidebook ( online and limited printed copies coming soon)

Special giveaways and awards for:

• Monthly Drawing for First-Time Finishers
• Monthly Drawing for All Finishers
• First to All 20 Award
• All 20 Trails Club
• Kids (1-9)
• Tweens (10-12)
• Teens (13-18)
• Seniors (65+)

More info.

Visiting Nature Just Got Easier

Parking Fees Simplified, Dog Fees Eliminated for 2025

Regional Parks with parking kiosks will now charge a $5 flat fee, and dog fees will no longer be charged at all. Parking fees previously ranged from $3 to $6 depending on the specific park.

The new fee does not apply to Del Valle Regional Park on weekends and holidays April through Labor Day, which has a flat $10 entrance fee on those peak days that covers parking and other fees.

A dog permit is still required to walk more than three dogs at a time, and professional dog walkers are still required to obtain a permit. More info.

Passing of Former Board Director Doug Siden

Former East Bay Regional Park District Board Director Doug Siden, an Alameda resident who served as Board Director of Ward 4 between 1993 and 2017, passed away on Jan. 7, 2025. Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth made the following statement about Siden’s passing: “Doug Siden was a champion for civil rights and a dogged advocate for access, and social and environmental justice. His efforts to support opening thousands of acres of shoreline and parks within the East Bay Regional Parks system is part of his legacy. He will be deeply missed.” More info.

IN THE PARKS

Trails Challenge Pop-Up at Temescal: Jan. 25

Head to Temescal Regional Park for the first Trails Challenge Pop-Up event! Stop by the Trails Challenge table for t-shirts, guidebooks while supplies last, and enjoy the 1.71-mile easy hike that's part of the 2025 Trails Challenge. Jan. 25 (Sat), 9 a.m.-noon. More info.

Tilden Fungus Fair: Feb. 1-2

Learn more about fungi and celebrate the fruits of winter! View hundreds of local mushroom specimens, mingle with the mycological community and enjoy presentations by guest speakers at this two-day special event. All ages welcome. Feb. 1 & 2 (Sat & Sun) 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. More info.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Volunteer at Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: Jan. 20

On Monday, Jan. 20 from 9 am to noon, community volunteers will join Park District staff at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline for the annual shoreline clean-up event honoring Dr. King. Volunteer projects will take place at the Oakport Staging Area and Tidewater Boating Center. Walk-ups are welcome! More info.

Renovated Briones Lafayette Ridge Staging Area Fully Reopened

In 2024, the Lafayette Ridge Staging Area on the southern end of Briones Regional Park was completely renovated and has fully reopened to the public. The staging area now offers new ADA accessible restrooms and parking spaces, ample parking, and access to the Lafayette Ridge Trail. This staging area is also the starting point for one of the challenging 2025 Trails Challenge hikes! More info.

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

Manzanitas at Sobrante Ridge: Jan. 17

When most plants go dormant for the winter, manzanitas begin to flower. Hike to a grove of rare endemic pallid manzanitas to take in the spectacle and learn about this iconic California plant. Meet at Coach Road entrance to Sobrante Ridge. Jan. 17 (Fri), 2-3:30 p.m. More info.

Sand Dune Habitat Restoration at Encinal Beach: Jan. 18

In 2020, a beautiful sand dune habitat was created at Encinal Beach with unique California native plants. Weed warriors/good Samaritans are needed to pull invasive weeds to prevent them from taking over the dunes and to help pick up trash washed onto the beach. Snacks and refreshments served and tools provided. Students can earn community service hours. Heavy rain cancels. Jan. 18 (Sat), 1-3:30 p.m. More info/Registration.

Native Plant and Butterfly Gardening at the Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove: Jan. 25

Help beautify the gardens around the Crab Cove Visitor Center and provide food for wildlife as we prepare the butterfly and native plant gardens for spring. You choose the work: weeding, pruning, mulching, and general clean-up. Snacks and refreshments served; tools provided. Students earn community service hours. Heavy rain cancels. Ages eight years and up. Registration required. Jan. 25 (Sat), 12:30-3:30 p.m. More info.

Celebrate Lunar New Year at Ardenwood: Jan. 25 & Feb. 1

It's the year of the snake! Celebrate Lunar New Year and make a paper lantern while learning about the history of Chinese immigrants who worked at Ardenwood. Jan. 25 & Feb. 1 (Sat), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. More info.

Connecting Parks to People

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



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