Did you know… Parks Edition
Did you know that the East Bay Regional Parks District is THE biggest park district in the United States? Our parks are one of our greatest assets here in the Bay Area and I’ve invited Dr. John Graves to tell us all about the parks and how you and all your four-legged friends can get out and enjoy them. I’ll let John take it from here…
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Dr. John Aaron Graves. I am a hiker, trail runner, camper, mountain biker, kayaker, dog-walker, birder and wildlife photographer who has visited 70 of 73 East Bay Regional Parks. I am an Ambassador for the East Bay Regional Park (EBRPD). I’m a member of the park district’s Trail User Working Group and the Multicultural Advisory Committee.
Tell me a little bit about the EBRPD and all it has to offer local residents.
The EBRPD is the largest park district in the United States. It has 73 parks with 1,250 miles of trails and 55 miles of shoreline. In total, it is made up of 125,000 acres and serves 2.8 million people in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
What is unique about our park district compared to others?
The EBRPD is unique in its variety. It’s made up of parks, wilderness areas, shorelines, recreation areas and so forth. The park district offers places to hike, bike, boat, fish, horseback ride, camp, swim, picnic, learn, volunteer, etc.
How do these parks enhance quality of life here in the East Bay?
Science tells us that time in nature is time well spent. Going for a simple walk and breathing in some fresh air is great for all of us. The motto of the EBRPD is “Healthy Parks Healthy People.”
If someone isn’t familiar with the parks, what’s a good way to get started?
The EBRPD has a great website that’s loaded with information. That’s the best place to start. When you get to the site, click on Visit a Park > Parks. Then scroll through all the parks in the district. That’s a quick way to see how big and varied the park district is. If any of the parks catch your eye, click on it for more details.
Healthy Parks Healthy People | East Bay Parks (ebparks.org)
What advice/tips would you give park-goers?
I was surprised at the number of people who live in this area and don’t frequent the parks. The folks who do seem to only visit one or two. I suggest exploring all of them. Yes, there may be one or two near your home and they serve your purpose (dog-walking, jogging, hiking, or whatever) but I can tell you, you’re really missing out if you don’t, at least, go to the others one time. If nothing else, you can check some of them off your list. In other cases, you may find that hidden gem that’s worth driving to from time to time.
For our equestrian community, what do the parks offer them?
The EBRPD is a great place for Equestrians. Eight of its parks are designated as Equestrian Parks: Anthony Chabot, Del Valle, Diablo Foothills, Las Trampas, Martinez, Redwood, Sunol and Tilden.
There are a number of staging areas and trails available to equestrians at many of the other parks in the park district.
There are horse riding arenas at Martinez and Redwood. There is horse camping at Anthony Chabot, Del Valle and Tilden. If you’re new to riding, the EBRPD offers lessons and day camps at Anthony Chabot, Las Trampas and Redwood.
For more details, click here: Horseback Riding | East Bay Parks (ebparks.org)
What do the parks offer dog owners?
Unlike our California state parks, the EBRPD allows dog owners to explore many of the parks and trails with their furry friends. The EBRPD is known for being one of the most dog-friendly agencies in the country. Most of the parks have areas where your pet can be unleashed. They can enjoy miles and miles of trails.
Obviously, there are areas where your dog must remain on leash (in developed areas like parking lots, picnic areas, playgrounds, etc.). There are a few places in the park district that are off limits to dogs (e.g., marshes and other designated wildlife habits), so pay attention to all park signage.
For more information, click here: Dogs | East Bay Parks (ebparks.org)
What is your favorite part of the EBRPD?
The EBRPD is truly for everyone. Not only does it offer 73 parks with 125,000 acres of land and 55 miles of shoreline, it offers programs for the 2.8 million people it serves in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. There are a countless number of educational programs for children and their families. There are citizen science opportunities for the public to participate in (e.g., bird counts, bat counts, otter searches, etc.). There are naturalist programs, outdoor recreation programs, fitness programs, digital learning programs, day camps, volunteer programs, etc. The list goes on and on. There is something for ALL to enjoy. If you live in the East Bay, you should be taking advantage of the resources we have in our backyards.
Anything else you’d like to add?
In our upcoming November election, I am running for a seat on the Board of Directors for the East Bay Regional Park District. Please keep me in mind as you cast your vote. Thanks!