Park District Opens First Shoreline Campground
A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA B. LANDRETH
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On August 28, 2021, the Park District celebrated the grand opening of the District’s new Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay – a large public campground built on the site of a closed rock quarry, close to the East Bay’s diverse and urban community, and, amazingly, built with private funding, not taxpayer funding.
The campground is the District’s first along the San Francisco Bay shoreline and one of the newest large campgrounds opened in California in three decades.
Over 40 years in the making, Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay is a story of vision, creative innovation, and strong public/private partnership between the Park District, City of Fremont, and the Oliver Gates Company, the quarry’s former owner. Plans first called for transforming the 320-foot deep, 1,000 feet wide rock quarry into a small park, then a recreation area with freshwater lake, and finally a large public campground when the challenges obtaining a fresh water source for the lake became apparent. The quarry pit was filled with six million cubic yards of clean dirt from construction projects in the region, with the funds generated going toward construction of the new campground.
The campground currently includes 63 family campsites (60 with water, power, and sewer hookups), a camp store, shower buildings, a playground and day use area, reservable picnic sites, and access to shoreline trails in Coyote Hills Regional Park and Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge. Future plans call for 19 additional family campsites, 28 convenience cabins, and two large group camping areas – also built with private funding, not taxpayer funds.
Please enjoy this wonderful addition to your Regional Parks!
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Fire Danger Extreme This Time of Year |
Fall brings a high risk of wildfires in the East Bay after months of hot, dry weather take a toll on vegetation. This year, the danger is even greater due to the extreme drought and sudden tree die-off, a recently discovered phenomenon affecting many varieties of trees throughout California. Because of these factors, and climate change, California is facing what is potentially worst fire season on record.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Maintain 30 feet of “clean and green” and 100 feet of “reduced fuel” space around your home.
- Do not smoke in the regional parks, including vaping.
- Be aware of Red Flag Warning, fire danger levels, and fire safety rules.
- Be alert for any potential fire hazards and report them.
- If you see a fire while in a park, call 911 immediately.
- During any emergency, cooperate with all instructions from firefighters, police, and park rangers.
- Parks may close depending on conditions. Do not enter if closed.
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Park District Staying Ready for Wildfire |
The Park District’s wildfire preparations and training continue year-round. The District maintains a professional fire department with 50 fully-trained full-time and on-call firefighters, a 12-member year-round fuels reduction crew, four remote weather stations (RAWS) that provide data on temperature, moisture levels, and winds to help determine fire dangers, staffing levels, and deployment of resources, and two helicopters equipped with 250-gallon Bambi buckets to drop water on fires.
The Park District also has agreements with CAL FIRE and other area fire agencies to collectively fight fires when needed.
Park District firefighters and park rangers are always on the lookout for potential fires, and park visitors can help too, both by practicing basic fire safety and reporting any suspicious or dangerous activity.
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Regional Trails: Recreation & Transportation |
In the 1970s, the Park District pioneered the concept of a regional trail system of paved and unpaved trails for recreation and to connect users to transit hubs, schools, work sites, shopping centers, parks, and open space. Today, the District’s regional trail network has more than 200 miles interlinking its Regional Parks and communities.
A recent review of Regional Trail needs identified 21 critical projects necessary to improve safety, enhance transit connectivity, and help lower traffic congestion. Additional funding is needed to plan, design, and construct these vital projects. Regional Trail Needs and Priorities
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Tentative Labor Agreement Reached |
The East Bay Regional Park District and leaders of its employee labor union, AFSCME Local 2428, have reached a tentative agreement on a three-year contract. During the past 18 months of the unprecedented COVID pandemic, Regional Parks have been essential destinations for the public to enjoy nature, and maintain physical and mental health. Keeping these parks open 365 days a year, and especially during this time, has been achieved by the District's dedicated and committed employees. The jointly negotiated contract is fair, sustainable, and reflects value and respect for their service. More Info
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NAI Recognizes Park District Supervising Naturalist for Outstanding Achievements |
Congratulations to Supervising Naturalist Kevin Damstra, recent recipient of the National Association of Interpretation 2021 Master Interpretive Manager Award. This award is presented to one supervisor or manager in the interpretive field each year. Nominees from across the country are recognized for their mastery of interpretive techniques, excellent staff management, and the ability to pass these skills on to others. This year, Kevin Damstra was nominated for navigating the Park District's transition to digital learning during the global pandemic, introducing new virtual and augmented reality experiences, and continuing to inspire interpretive staff in cutting-edge interpretive techniques. Congratulations, Kevin! |
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Tidewater Improvement Project Receives $1 Million Grant |
The Park District's project to expand and improve the Tidewater Day Use Area along the Oakland Estuary has received a $1 million grant from the National Park Service. The District's Tidewater Day Use Area is part of Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline.
The project will expand the current Tidewater Day Use Are by 6 acres and add picnic and barbecue areas, a public playground, and multi-use pathways.
The first phase of the project will begin soon and includes importing soil to raise the elevation of the site to withstand anticipated sea level. The second phase will begin as early as spring 2023 and includes public access improvements at a cost of $10 million dollars.
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Brazilian Room 80th Anniversary - Enter Your Event Photos! |
For the past 80 years, the Brazilian Room has provided a beautiful backdrop for countless weddings and special events. To celebrate the 80th anniversary of this iconic East Bay venue, the Park District will hold a commemorative event on September 25, 2021. Share your event photos and be a part of the celebration! Upload Photo
Pictured: A family wedding to celebrate the 2018 marriage of Elodia & Eliseo, submitted by Monica Juarez
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Celebrating World Peace Day & Unveiling of Peace Pole at Lake Chabot |
Join people of all ages, cultures, and faith traditions at Lake Chabot Regional Park on Saturday, September 18, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to share ways we can build peace and transform our world into one that is more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and healthy.
The event includes the unveiling of a 12-foot PEACE POLE – a symbol of the hopes and dreams of the global family for Peace on Earth. There will be peace messages, singing, arts and crafts, and more. More Info
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There are two ways to celebrate the 37th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day this year! Register for our In-person Cleanup Event on September 18th, or register for the Self-guided Neighborhood Cleanup event which can be done any time between Sept. 1-30 in your local neighborhoods or parks. More Info
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Roddy Ranch Golf Course Habitat Restoration and Public Access Plan Open House |
On Saturday, September 25, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., the East Bay Regional Park District and East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy will be hosting a free, on-site OPEN HOUSE at the former Roddy Ranch Golf Course in Antioch.
The 230-acre former golf course property is part of the District’s planned 3,500-acre Deer Valley Regional Park. The property was acquired by the Park District in 2018 with funding from the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy and the District’s Measure W, approved by voters in 2008.
The open house is an opportunity to see the site in person, walk along a section of former golf cart paths, and learn about park planning efforts, design ideas, and habitat restoration. Capacity is limited, so registration is required. More Info | Registration
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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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Sat, Sept 25, 9-11am, Canine Capers, Sunol (registration required)
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Connecting Parks to People |
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