Visitor Centers Reopening
A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA B. LANDRETH
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We are happy to announce that our visitor centers are once again able to welcome the public for information and walk-throughs. However, the hours of operation and capacity are limited, and visitors must follow all safety protocols, including mask-wearing, to prevent a resurgence of the COVID-19 virus.
The Park District will continue to reopen facilities and expand capacity as conditions improve. We are proud that, through proper planning and safety protocols, we've been able to keep over 99 percent of the District’s accessible parklands, shorelines, and recreational trails open to the public throughout the pandemic.
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Staying COVID Safe When Visiting Regional Parks |
Park District staff remain concerned for the well-being of visitors and themselves when interacting in the parks and ask that park users continue to wear a mask over the nose and mouth when passing others closer than 6 feet. Do your part to help prevent a COVID-19 resurgence by complying with all rules in the parks and along trails. |
Park District Stands with Asian Community |
On Tuesday, April 6, 2021, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution denouncing racism, xenophobia, and violence against Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, harmful and xenophobic rhetoric related to the geographic origins of the disease resulted in a rise in reported hate incidents and violent crimes against the AAPI community.
It is critical for businesses, community groups, and government agencies to speak out and stand in solidarity with the AAPI community members who are concerned for their safety and well-being.
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Tree Die-Off a Major Fire Concern |
Since October 2020, we have seen sudden tree mortality and dieback in many different species of trees, including eucalyptus, acacia, bay, and pine. The most significant Regional Parks impacted are Anthony Chabot, Reinhardt Redwood, and Tilden. So far, we have tracked approximately 1000 acres of tree die-off.
Sudden tree mortality and dieback is a major regional issue given its impacts on wildfire risks. Dead standing trees burn hotter, faster, and have the ability to cast embers far ahead of the original fire – igniting dangerous new fires or spot fires. Additionally, many of the areas impacted are in old eucalyptus groves, which have a very high tree density.
We are developing a plan for addressing the sudden tree dieback and reallocating some existing fire resources within its existing Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan. However, additional funds are needed to address this problem.
The cause of tree mortality and dieback is not fully known but most likely has a direct correlation to drought caused by climate change. We are also working in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS), UC Berkeley, and CAL FIRE to determine the cause.
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Park District Receives Three Awards of Distinction from the California Park & Recreation Society |
Despite the many challenges we faced in 2020, the Park District persevered and was recognized by the California Park & Recreation Society for some of last year’s many achievements. Congratulations to the entire Park District staff for their accomplishments in 2020!
🌟Excellence in Design – Park Planning: The Park District received this award for three shoreline projects in Bay Point, Albany, and Oakland to provide public access to the bay, mitigate sea level rise, and restore habitat.
🌟Excellence in Marketing & Communications - Marketing Campaign - COVID-19 Communications Campaign
🌟Excellence in Marketing & Communications - Digital Media (Web/Social Media) – #LoveEBRPD Social Media Campaign.
The Public Affairs Division received two awards in this award category, which recognizes excellence in communications that promotes the parks, facilities, recreation, or leisure services programs, and demonstrates an increased level of public awareness.
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Protecting Parks and Trails from Climate Change |
Since 1966, the Park District has invested more than $85 million in acquisition of shoreline parks and over $184 million toward improvement projects, including projects that respond to the climate crisis and sea level rise risks. Explore the District's new StoryMap about how climate change is affecting shoreline parks, the benefits of restoration and public access projects, and our ongoing efforts to protect parks and trails from changing climate and sea level rise. More Info.
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Swim Facilities to Reopen Memorial Day Weekend |
After a year of lake closures due to COVID-19, we are pleased to reopen regional park swimming facilities on Saturday, May 29 of Memorial Day Weekend. Regrettably, Shadow Cliffs’ swim facility will remain closed due to low water levels until further notice.
To adhere to health department COVID-19 requirements, swim facilities will allow limited capacity with RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Visitors must make reservations prior to arriving at the swim facility. Payment will not be accepted at the swim gate.
If you plan on visiting a District swim facility this year, things will look different due to required capacity limits and safety protocols, including:
• Wearing a mask
• Bringing hand sanitizer
• Maintaining distance from other groups
Visit www.ebparks.org PRIOR to your visit to swim facilities for up-to-date information on the status of the Park District’s swim facilities.
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The Largest Creek Restoration Project in Park District History Underway |
The largest creek restoration project in the Park District’s history is underway at Alder Creek and Leatherwood Creek in Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. The project daylights 3,000 feet of currently-culverted creek and will re-establish natural habitat for 10 special-status species. Planned amenities include parking, restrooms, water fountains, trails, and a group campsite. The project is expected to be complete in 2023. |
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10 Great Parks for Wildflowers |
The Regional Parks are awash with colorful spring wildflower blooms! Check out our new Wildflowers in Your Parks webpage dedicated to this favorite springtime sight. Or enjoy these 10 great parks to see beautiful blooms.
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South Park Drive Closure Extended to June 1 |
Closure of South Park Drive in Tilden Regional Park has been extended to June 1, 2021 to coincide with expected reopening of reservable group picnic areas.
Tilden's South Park Drive closes every year from October 31 to March 31 to protect migrating and breeding California News. South Park Drive was kept closed in 2020 and into 2021 due to COVID-19.
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April is Volunteer Appreciation Month |
What better month to reintroduce our most resourceful in-the-field volunteers than April, known as Volunteer Appreciation Month. We certainly do appreciate the Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol (VTSP), who have been on hiatus for a year due to COVID-19 but resumed service on April 1 to provide visitors with information and assistance, report on trail status, and advise Park District staff of hazardous conditions or anything else requiring action. VTSP members will be out in one of the five patrol groups – mounted patrol, bicycle patrol, hiking patrol, a companion dog patrol, and marine safety unit. Feel free to give them a wave or thumbs up, ask a question, or report a problem – they are well-trained in Park District safety protocols and will be happy to assist.
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Thank you to Fremont Bank for their recent $40,000 donation to the Regional Parks Foundation to help purchase auto extrication tools for use in responding to life-threatening emergencies. Park District police and fire respond to all types of emergencies in and around Regional Parks, including medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, and search and rescue efforts. Having the right equipment helps save lives. |
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Park Lovers Wanted!
Working in Your Regional Parks
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Have you ever dreamt of working in nature? Consider joining the hundreds of hardworking Park District employees and staff who share your love of parks and enjoy jobs in a variety of fields. More Info.
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Sunol Regional Wilderness Virtual Wildflower Season – March 26 thru May 3 |
This year, join us for Sunol Virtual Wildflower Season with online and in-person programs, naturalist videos, and wildflower activities and guides. Tune into the Sunol Regional Wilderness Facebook page for Monday Motivation – trail suggestions and where to see flowers, Wildflower Wednesdays – learn about a different flower each week, and Friday Films – a new video all about wildflowers.
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Earth Month Neighborhood Cleanup – April 22 thru May 31 |
Honor our planet for Earth Day this year and join our Earth Month Celebration. There will be no organized cleanups in parks this year due to COVID 19, but you can sign up to clean up your own neighborhood starting April 22 (Earth Day) through the end of May. Sign up on our Volunteer Event Registration page to register and conduct cleanups and to log your hours. Your efforts will help make our parks, neighborhoods, and communities better spaces for future generations! More Info.
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Due to COVID-19, activities and events are taking place with social distancing measures in place. Some programs are virtual and use Zoom or Facebook Live or YouTube Premiere, some are drop-in and have staff roving in the park to provide socially distanced info to visitors, and some are self-guided for family groups to enjoy independently. Parks and Visitor Centers schedule some activities through their social media pages. Please plan ahead, check to be sure the park is open, and register or download info, depending on the activity’s guidance.
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Connecting Parks to People |
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