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June 2023

NEWS & FEATURES

June Celebrations in Regional Parks

A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA B. LANDRETH

June is a celebratory month in the Regional Parks. Whether enjoying a Free Park Day on Sunday, June 18, for Juneteenth and Father's Day, heading out on the trails for a Pride hike, or spending time with friends and family at one of the swimming facilities or picnic sites, the East Bay Regional Park District has lots to offer this month.

Enjoy summertime in your Regional Parks!

Celebrating Juneteenth with a Free Park Day on Sunday, June 18

The Park District is honoring Juneteenth this year with a Free Park Day and special programs on Sunday, June 18. The District is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and making our parks and agency more welcoming and reflective of the communities we serve.

Due to the majority of District programming occurring on weekends, the Free Park Day will take place on Sunday, June 18 (the state and federal holiday is June 19).

Park District fees waived on Juneteenth include park entrance, parking, dogs, horses, boat launching, and fishing. However, the fee waiver does not apply to swimming, camping, reservable picnic facilities (due to capacity limits), District concessions, state fees for fishing licenses, and watercraft inspections for invasive mussels. More info.

Pride in Regional Parks

In celebration of Pride Month, the Park District raises the Pride flag in Regional Parks where flag poles are present.

The first Pride march was held on June 28, 1970, on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Today's Pride Month recognizes and honors the movement for LGBTQ+ rights.

Two Pride hikes are scheduled for June 10 at Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley and Black Diamond Mines in Antioch focusing on connecting the LGBTQ+ community to the natural world. All are welcome!

Join the Park District in celebrating diversity in parks and creating welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy. More info.

Shadow Cliffs Scheduled to Reopen on June 16

The lake at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area is full after years of severe drought and historic low water levels. The return of swimming is planned for a June 16 opening, based on water quality testing and park and lifeguard staffing. Fishing from shore is allowed. The return of boating is planned for late June, dependent on quagga mussel inspection staffing. Shadow Cliffs has been closed to swimming for the past three years, first due to the pandemic and then drought conditions.

In early May, the Park District entered into an agreement to purchase surplus water from the Zone 7 Water District via Arroyo Valle to refill Shadow Cliffs to return recreational opportunities to the lake. More info.

Swimming Fun is Here

The 2023 swim season is in full swing with most Park District swim facilities and shoreline beaches open daily. Swimming fees vary by facility. Did you know that swimming is free for Regional Parks Foundation members? Learn how to become a member.

Open Swim Facilities

Del Valle, Lake Temescal, Lake Anza, Quarry Lakes, Don Castro Lagoon, Cull Canyon Lagoon, and Castle Rock Pool. Shadow Cliffs reopening June 16, 2023!

Swim Facilities Under Construction

Contra Loma Lagoon (safety repairs and maintenance) and Roberts Pool (pool facility renovation and enhancements).

Visitors are encouraged to check swim facility status and hours before they go. More info.

District Honored with Awards of Distinction from California Association of Recreation and Parks

Congratulations to the UN Day of Peace event community partners and Amelia Sue Marshall for their well-deserved awards.

Outstanding Program/Event - Fifth Anniversary of UN International Day of Peace Celebration is a unique annual program that welcomes diverse members of the global community, creates a sense of belonging, and establishes a common goal of practicing peace.

Outstanding Volunteer - Amelia Sue Marshall has been volunteering for the Park District for more than 25 years as a Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol member, a Regional Parks Ambassador, and as a member of the District Archives. As a Hiking Patrol member, she provides park visitors with trail directions and park information.

IN THE PARKS

Briones Pilot Project: Benefits of Odd/Even Weekend Day Strategy

The Briones Pilot Project is testing trail use strategies to improve the overall trail use experience for visitors, including designating access on odd and even numbered weekend days.

ODD/EVEN Weekend Day Benefits:

• Mountain Biking Benefits – On ODD weekend days, bikers and & hikers are allowed on designated trails in the pilot zone with no horses allowed.

• Equestrian Benefits – On EVEN weekend days, horses & hikers are allowed on designated trails in the pilot zone with no bikes allowed.

• Hiker Benefits – Hikers are permitted on most trails in the pilot zone on all days and can hike bike-free on specific trails on EVEN weekend days and horse-free on ODD weekend days, creating a unique trail user experience. More info.

Wildcat Bike Trail Study

Share your thoughts about a potential bike-optimized trail in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. Learn more about the trail study, watch the April 25 community engagement meeting about the study, and share your comments. More info.

Del Valle Campground Closed through October 1

Due to severe winter storm damage, Del Valle Campground remains closed through October 1, 2023. Extensive repairs are needed. Campsites are being assessed and will be reopened based on safety conditions. A small, upper portion of the campground, convenience cabins, equestrian campsites, and some group campsites have reopened. Del Valle Regional Park is open with limited amenities. More info.

IN THE COMMUNITY

San Ramon Iron Horse Trail Project Groundbreaking

On May 18, the City of San Ramon broke ground on the Iron Horse Trail Bollinger Canyon Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing Project. The city notes that the overcrossing will safely bridge the Iron Horse Trail at Bollinger Canyon Road, which will reduce conflicts between pedestrians/bicycles and vehicles and encourage pedestrian and bicycle usage along the trail. Learn more about the Iron Horse Regional Trail. Image credit: COWI

Upcoming Walk and Talk Town Hall with Asm. Tim Grayson at Round Valley

Assemblymember Tim Grayson will host a Walk and Talk Town Hall on Saturday, June 24, at 9:30 am at Round Valley Regional Preserve. Join us for a group hike with a naturalist and hear updates from Asm. Grayson. More info.

Support Youth through Foundation Camperships

Your donations to the Regional Parks Foundation are an investment in youth. The Foundation's flagship "Campership" program offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the Regional Parks for underserved youth who otherwise would not be able to attend camp during the summer or participate in outdoor environmental education during the academic school year. Learn more and support Youth Development.

Walk and Talk Town Hall at Big Break with Rep. Mark DeSaulnier

On Saturday, June 3, Representative Mark DeSaulnier joined members of the community for a Walk and Talk Town Hall at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. Supervising Naturalist Wyatt Moore led a guided nature walk with insights into the Delta's flora and fauna, and Rep. DeSaulnier provided a congressional update to the members of the community at the event.

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

Enjoy Father’s Day in Your Regional Parks on Sunday, June 18 (Free Park Day)

Celebrate Father's Day with a day in nature, or check out one of the themed activities planned in Regional Parks. Bonus: it's also a Free Park Day due to observation of the Juneteenth holiday!

Hugs & Quiches For Dad - 11 am to noon at Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont

Father's Day Celebration - 11 am to 4 pm at Crab Cove, Alameda

Father's Day Family Hike - 11:30 am to 1 pm at Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore