News

Tilden’s South Park Drive Closed for Newt Migration

emma — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:32:02 -0800

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

November 17, 2008

Tilden’s South Park Drive will be closed to vehicle traffic from November 1 through April 1. Every year beginning in November, the road is closed to traffic for the seasonal newt migration. Thousands of newts rely on crossing the street as a means to reach Wildcat Creek for breeding. The newt is a type of salamander that is five to six inches long and a gold-bronze color. It remains dormant in the dry season living in woods and fields. With the arrival of rains, newts migrate to streams and ponds to mate.

Although not a threatened species, the overall newt population has decreased over the past several decades primarily due to loss of habitat. Road kill is a major contributor to adult mortality in areas with an urban wildlife interface. About ten years ago, the Park District took a proactive role in keeping newts thriving in Tilden Regional Park by closing the road. Visitors can still drive through the park by using Grizzly Peak Blvd., Wildcat Canyon Road and Central Park.

One benefit of closing the road is it provides opportunity for naturalist programs and nature hikes to observe this migration. Tilden Environmental Education Center offers many programs throughout the season. Walkers and cyclists (with care) can use the road keeping an eye out for newts. Please do not handle or remove them from their habitat. Newts can secrete a toxic substance from their skin that can cause great discomfort if that substance comes in contact with eyes or mouth. It can be fatal if ingested. If you accidentally come in contact with a newt you should always wash your hands and especially keep dogs away to avoid a costly visit to the vet.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Tilden’s South Park Drive Closed for Newt Migration

emma — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:15:30 -0800

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

November 17, 2008

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Monarchs Return to Ardenwood

emma — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:30:39 -0800

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

November 13, 2008

Each year at about this time, hundreds of monarch butterflies make their appearance at Ardenwood Regional Preserve in Fremont, where they over-winter in the eucalyptus groves as part of their amazing life cycle.

Ardenwood is really the only place in the East Bay where you can view this beautiful spectacle. A smaller contingent of monarchs used to show up at Pt. Pinole in Richmond, but that hasn’t happened in recent years.

As a kind of introduction to the monarch butterfly season, naturalist Gaeta Bell will host a slide show and walk to Ardenwood’s monarch groves at 1 p.m. and again at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28. Additional hikes, walks, and programs occur throughout December and early January.

Click HERE for Details and registration information on EBParks Online.

Ardenwood is located at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of Highway 84 (the Dumbarton Bridge approach) in Fremont. For more information, phone the park at 510-796-0199.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Whitney Dotson of Richmond Elected to Board of Directors

emma — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:21:07 -0800

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

November 13, 2008

The East Bay Regional Park District will soon have a new member on its board of directors. He is Whitney Dotson of Richmond, who won election to the seat on Nov. 4. Dotson will replace Nancy Skinner of Berkeley, who was elected to the State Assembly. He will be sworn into office at the board meeting on Jan. 13, 2009.

Dotson has a master’s degree in public health from U.C. Berkeley. Long active in environmental organizations, he is a member of the park district’s Park Advisory Committee and a board member of Citizens for the Eastshore State Park.

Dotson will represent the park district’s Ward 1, which comprises Richmond, San Pablo, Albany, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Kensington, Berkeley, Emeryville and parts of Oakland and Pinole.

Parks in Ward 1 include Pt. Pinole, Miller-Knox, Pt. Isabel, Brooks Island, Sobrante Ridge, Kennedy Grove, Wildcat Canyon and Tilden.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Measure WW Passes

emma — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:16:34 -0800

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

November 4, 2008

Measure WW Passes

Thank you Alameda County and Contra Costa County voters for supporting your Regional Parks. On November 4, Measure WW was approved by over two thirds of you. This Regional Open Space, Wildlife, Shoreline and Parks Bond will provide critical funding to protect open space and create additional regional parks and trails for recreation. And remember, because it is an extension of a 1988 bond measure, your tax rate WILL NOT increase and millions of dollars will be allocated to community parks and recreation facilities too.

Interactive Measure WW Project Map
Use your home address to find a Measure WW project near you.

In July 2008, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors voted to place Measure WW, a $500 million park bond extension measure, on the November 4 ballot. The proposition, which has the ballot designation of Measure WW, would replicate and extend the successful $225 million bond measure (Measure AA) passed in 1988 without raising the present property tax rates above the present rate of $10 per year, per $100,000.

Of the $500 million raised by Measure WW, $375 million (75%) will fund regional park acquisitions and capital projects, with $26.2 million (7%) held in reserve for unanticipated future needs and opportunities.

In addition, $125 million (25%) of proceeds will go to cities, special park and recreation districts, and county service areas for their park and recreation services. Livermore voters are not part of this extension tax as Murray Township was not within the East Bay Regional Park District's jurisdiction in the initial bond measure. The Park District continues to serve this community through new acquisitions of parklands.

Quick Facts:

Measure WW brochure downloads

For more information about the successful 1988 Measure AA, visit www.ebparks.org/news/measureAA.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Wildland Fire Season Officially Declared Closed For 2008

emma — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:05:04 -0800

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

November 13, 2008

The Alameda County and Contra Costa County Fire Chiefs and the East Bay Regional Park District, in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire), have declared the 2008 wildland fire season to be officially over effective Monday, November 10 at 8 am.

During the 2008 fire season, dry and windy conditions brought Red Flag Warnings to Contra Costa and Alameda counties resulting in restrictions and some park closures. There were no significant fires in the area during Red Flag days thanks in part to cooperation of area homeowners following firesafe guidelines set forth by the Park District and local fire departments. With 2008 fire season officially ended, now is a good time to service home heating systems, check smoke detector batteries, and continuing firewise vegetation management around homes and buildings.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Important Measure WW Ballot Information for Alameda County Registered Voters

Lanepowell — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:38:58 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

October 22, 2008

The ballots prepared by Alameda Country do not contain the title and summary of Measure WW, the East Bay Regional Park District bond measure.

For your information, following is the correct title and summary of East Bay Regional Park District Measure WW as it should have appeared on all Alameda County ballots:

EXTEND EXISTING EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BOND WITH NO INCREASE IN TAX RATE

To continue restoring urban creeks, protect wildlife, purchase/save open space, wetlands/shoreline, acquire/develop/improve local and regional parks, trails and recreational facilities, shall East Bay Regional Park District be authorized to issue up to $500 million in general obligation bonds, provided repayment projections, verified by independent auditors, demonstrate that property tax rates will not increase beyond present rates of $10 per year, per $100,000 of assessed valuation?

The Alameda County Registrar of Voters office has acknowledged the error and will be sending notices to Alameda County registered voters beginning on October 20, 2008. For more information from the County Registrar, please contact (510) 267-8683.
Click here for more information on East Bay Regional Park District’s Measure WW.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Winners Announced in Landscape Art Show at the Bankhead Theater

Lanepowell — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 16:26:06 -0700

Contact name

Nancy Mueller

News

October 9, 2008

“A Different View” exhibition celebrates a variety of the 65 Regional Parks that dominate the East Bay landscape. The works will be on display and open to the public at the Bankhead Theater this Saturday, October 11, during ArtWalk Livermore, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on display during performances through the end of October.

The intention of the exhibition was to capture the Regional Parks in an individualistic and artistic form, showcasing the personal expressions of what the Regional Parks means to each of us. One hundred-fifty entries were received, and more than a dozen parks were highlighted in many multi-media art forms, including black-and-white and color photography, oil on canvas, 3 dimensional, pastel on canvas, and more.

In addition to the Bankhead exhibition, some of the pieces will be featured in an Oakland Airport exhibit featuring the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), on display from November 2008 through February 2009; at an exhibition planned for May 2009 at Tilden Nature Area in Berkeley; in a commemorative 2009 EBRPD calendar coming out in December 2008; and in a variety of ads and other printed materials as created by EBRPD and the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center.

All work submitted for the exhibition was juried by an esteemed list of judges, who also selected seven artist honoraries who will receive special recognition. The judges included Cherie Newell, Director of Professional Services, Oakland Museum; Claudia Hess, Worthington Gallery West; and Carin Adams, Curatorial Specialist, Oakland Museum.

The winners were announced by EBRPD Board President Ayn Wieskamp, and LVPAC Executive Director Len Alexander, at a reception and awards ceremony at the Bankhead Theater on September 24. Winners included:

First Place
Kimberly D’Adamo-Muanga
Title: Bay Point Estuary
Park: Bay Point Regional Shoreline

Second Place
Peter Tonningsen
Flotsam & Jetsam
Title: 2008 Cassette
Park: Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline and Crown Memorial State Beach

Third Place
Joanie Popeo
Title: Lone Tree on the Graham Trail
Park: Redwood Regional Park

Most Creative Use of Materials
Bill Carmel
Title: Target Earth
Park: Briones Regional Park

Juror’s Award of Merit
Juror: Cherie L. Newell, Director Professional Services Division, Oakland Museum of California
Joanne Clapp Fullagar
Title: Peacock - A Different View
Park: Ardenwood Historic Farm

Juror’s Award of Merit
Juror: Claudia W. Hess, Worthington Gallery West
Ted Wieskamp
Title: Window on Brushy Peak
Park: Brushy Peak

Juror’s Award of Merit
Juror: Carin Adams, Museum Curatorial Specialist
Marc Davis
Title: Del Valle Shadows
Park: Del Valle Regional Park

Proceeds from the exhibition will help support the Bothwell Arts Center, a multi-arts facility that provides affordable space to over 30 artists and arts groups. The Bankhead Theater and the Bothwell are projects of the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, committed to community enrichment. The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park agency of its kind in the nation. No other park agency has the breadth of locations, experiences available and number of acreage of open space (close to 100,000) for the public to enjoy.

Contact Email

nmueller@livermoreperformingarts.org

Winners Announced in Landscape Art Show at Livermore's Bankhead Theater

Lanepowell — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 16:21:21 -0700

Contact name

Nancy Mueller

News

October 6, 2008

First Place
Kimberly D’Adamo-Muanga
Title: Bay Point Estuary
Park: Bay Point Regional Shoreline

Second Place
Peter Tonningsen
Flotsam & Jetsam
Title: 2008 Cassette
Park: Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline and Crown Memorial State Beach

Third Place
Joanie Popeo
Title: Lone Tree on the Graham Trail
Park: Redwood Regional Park

Most Creative Use of Materials
Bill Carmel
Title: Target Earth
Park: Briones Regional Park

Juror’s Award of Merit
Juror: Claudia W. Hess, Worthington Gallery West
Ted Wieskamp
Title: Window on Brushy Peak
Park: Brushy Peak

Juror’s Award of Merit
Juror: Carin Adams, Museum Curatorial Specialist
Marc Davis
Title: Del Valle Shadows
Park: Del Valle Regional Park

Contact Email

nmueller@livermoreperformingarts.org

Eden Landing Restoration Project to Provide Recreation Access, Create Habitat for Endangered Wildlife

Lanepowell — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:49:59 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

– UPDATE –
Due to a delay in construction, the Eden Landing staging area and trail have not opened as of today.
The expected open date is early December. This website will be updated soon. Thank you for your patience.

September 30, 2008

Years of planning and construction to reconnect a link between former salt ponds at Eden Landing Ecological Reserve (ELER) in Hayward and San Francisco Bay will culminate October 8. The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), along with the Wildlife Conservation Board, the East Bay Regional Park District, Save The Bay, and other state and local agencies, will implement the final levee breach along Mt. Eden Creek and allow millions of gallons of Bay water to rush into more than 300 acres of former salt ponds.

Allowing tidal action to return to this portion of ELER will restore vegetated tidal marsh in the coming decades and re-establish miles of historic slough channels that will provide vital habitat for fish, wildlife, and endangered species like the California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse. Restoring Bay wetlands also contributes to the overall productivity of the Bay and its fishery and improves water quality.

The linking of this former salt pond to the Bay sets the stage for the completion of a segment of the Bay Trail through the ELER. The East Bay Regional Park District contributed funding and staff time to design and oversee the construction of this important San Francisco Bay restoration project. Along with the restoration of tidal action to the site, a new spine segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail will be opened that will provide connectivity from the Hayward area to the north via Hayward Regional Shoreline to points south in Union City.

The trail, which will be completed by the end of October 2008, will open up wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities to residents who have been walled off from the shoreline for more than a century because the land had been in private ownership.

Save The Bay, with support from the NOAA Restoration Center, and DFG have been working with hundreds of volunteers since September 2005 to remove more than 10,000 pounds of debris from this site and collect native plant seeds for a re-vegetation project underway. This year, volunteers will have participated in two dozen restoration projects and planted native plants along a transitional section of shoreline. For information on volunteering, please visit Save The Bay’s Web site at www.saveSFbay.org.

Additional plans for habitat restoration, flood protection, and public access at ELER are being developed as part of the South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration Project (www.southbayrestoration.org).

Background on Eden Landing
In 1996, DFG, working with the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), East Bay Regional Park District, California Wildlife Foundation, Caltrans, and the cities of San Jose, Milpitas, and Fremont acquired the Baumberg Tract from Cargill Salt Company at the ELER and began efforts to restore more than 830 acres of former salt ponds to vital habitat. In 2003, DFG acquired an additional 5,500 acres of former salt ponds for ELER as part of the 15,100-acre South Bay Salt Pond acquisition that was accomplished with $72 million from WCB, $8 million from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and $20 million from four private foundations.

Restoration in Progress
Today, DFG is actively managing the 6,300 acres of former salt ponds at ELER and moving forward on its restoration to create a mix of tidal marsh and managed pond habitat. Restoring tidal action to thousands of acres of diked salt ponds throughout the South Bay is essential to bringing back the natural wetland habitat. In April 2004, DFG successfully created an extension of North Creek from the Old Alameda Creek channel. In 2006, North Creek was connected to restore more than 300 acres to tidal action and re-establish several miles of sloughs. The current project will complete the connection of Mt. Eden Creek and restore about 300 acres to tidal action and re-establish several miles of sloughs. Future restoration plans are underway to link more ponds to tidal action and the Bay as part of the 15,100-acre South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project.

Further information:
California Department of Fish and Game--www.dfg.ca.gov
Wildlife Conservation Board--www.wcb.ca.gov
Save The Bay--www.saveSFbay.org
South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project--www.southbayrestoration.org

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Meyers Estate Dry Creek Gardens Now Open

Lanepowell — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 09:34:37 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones, Public Information Representative

News

The grand opening of Meyers Estate Dry Creek Gardens was celebrated on Saturday, September 20, 2008. East Bay Regional Park District Board Member Carol Severin, on behalf of the EBRPD Board of Directors, emceed the event. The open house featured live music and refreshments in a beautiful garden setting on the grounds of the former Meyers Ranch estate.

Dry Creek Cottage was a popular summer home of Edith, Mildred, and Jeanette Meyers, three sisters of Alameda who were very involved in local charities and fundraisers during the early and mid-1900s. The sisters also owned the 1,200-acre Dry Creek Ranch, which was donated to the Park District in 1979 and later opened as Dry Creek/Pioneer Regional Park. Upon the passing of the last surviving Meyers sister, the Dry Creek Cottage and its garden were also donated to the Park District.

The Park District plans to eventually open the cottage for receptions, weddings, and similar events, and will also house a small visitor center. The estate is located within the Garin and Dry Creek/Pioneer Regional Parks at 550 May Road in Hayward, off Whipple Road and Mission Boulevard. The garden is open to the public every Thursday and the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The parking lot is open all week until dusk, offering easy access to the park's southern trails. For information see http://www.ebparks.org/parks/garin or call the park at 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, extension 4530.

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

Alameda Point Bay Trail Dedication Set For October 11

Lanepowell — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 09:21:13 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones, Public Information Representative

News

Please join East Bay Regional Park District Board Member Doug Siden and Alameda Mayor Beverly Johnson at a dedication celebration for the Alameda Point segment of the Bay Trail on Saturday, October 11, at 11:30 a.m.

Alameda Point Bay Trail is approximately one mile of waterfront Bay Trail along the former Alameda Naval Base's southeastern shoreline. The trail was completed in fall 2007 by the East Bay Regional Park District with funding provided by Proposition 12. It is adjacent to the Encinal High School track and sports field and the Encinal boat ramp. This beautiful waterfront trail provides residents with additional shoreline acess to San Francisco Bay.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 1 (888) EBPARKS. Directions to the dedication: from the intersection of Central Avenue and Lincoln Avenue, look for signs indicating access to the trail, adjacent to Encinal High School, which is at 210 Central Avenue.

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

Tilden Park Carousel Grand Re-Opening On October 4

Lanepowell — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 09:08:13 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones, Public Information Representative

News

September 19, 2008

Please join East Bay Regional Park District Board Member Nancy Skinner and the Regional Parks Foundation Board of Directors in celebrating the grand re-opening of the newly refurbished Tilden Carousel on Saturday, October 4, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This free event is open to the public. Enjoy a free ride, ice cream and cookies.

The Tilden Carousel is re-opening after a six-month closure to restore the outer building structure, install new doors, renovate the carousel floor, and repair the North Tonawanda organ. Funding for this project was provided by voter-approved Measure CC, the Regional Parks Foundation, and a Partners in Preservation grant from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Each year 150,000 visitors enjoy this 1911 Herscell-Spillman "Menagerie Edition" Carousel, one of only two still operating in the U.S. Since it was relocated from Southern California in 1948, the Tilden Park Carousel has delighted visitors with the opportunity to ride on and view its 59 hand-carved and hand-painted animals. This National Register-listed Carousel has provided generations the chance to live and re-live the joys of childhood.

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

Grand Opening of the Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex

Lanepowell — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:14:23 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

For more information about reserving or using the sports field please contact:

Association of Sports Fields Users:
Doug Fielding at 510-597-3533 or leave a message on the hotline at 510-981-5161, option 2.

September 19, 2008

Residents from all over the East Bay celebrated the opening of the Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex when the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) and the five East Bay cities of Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, and Richmond hosted opening ceremonies on Saturday, September 6.

The state-of-the-art facility is the result of an unprecedented joint venture between the five cities that was forged to create solutions to the shortage of sports fields in the region. The complex includes cutting-edge "green" features, and is intended to serve teams from around the region who play soccer, rugby, lacrosse, and more. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on the north synthetic turf field at the facility, and was followed by scheduled sports league games.

"The Park District is committed to encouraging youths to be active outdoors, and so is quite pleased to work with the City of Berkeley on such a greatly needed sports facility," said Pat O’Brien, General Manager of the East Bay Regional Park District.

To ease the demand for playing fields for the region's estimated 17,000 players, the five East Bay cities entered into a joint powers agreement (JPA) in late 2003 to develop a regional sports complex on the Gilman Street property. Located at the intersection of I-80 and Gilman Street in northwest Berkeley. The property is owned by EBRPD.

Design began in May 2005, and construction in June 2007. The first phase of construction was completed in September 2008 and consisted of two all-purpose lighted synthetic fields built to accommodate soccer, rugby, and lacrosse. Three non-lighted natural turf fields can also accommodate baseball and will be ready for play in spring 2009. After funding has been secured for the second phase, the facility will provide two softball fields, one baseball field, and additional site amenities. An East Bay non-profit organization will manage and operate the fields on a fee-based, reservation-only system. The fields are located in, and will be leased by, the City of Berkeley, but will be regionally accessible.

"Everyone involved with the Albany-Berkeley Soccer Club is excited about the opening of the fields," said Steven Morrison, General Manager of the Albany-Berkeley Soccer Club. "Youth soccer is desperate for more fields. Not only are the new facilities great, but they also help to take the pressure off our existing fields, improving the athletic experience for thousands of children in the region."

The sports complex was designed by SFE Landscape Design Inc., located in San Ramon and Moraga, and constructed by McGuire and Hester Inc. of Oakland. The construction company of R.C. Knapp Inc. donated approximately 99,000 tons of clean soil. The project has the following conservation features:

-A "bio-swale," or a grass strip, on the west side of the fields will filter all storm water runoff from the synthetic turf fields of urban contaminants and particulates before it drains to the Bay.

-The synthetic turf fields will not require water or mowing, which uses fuel, drastically reducing the carbon footprint of the fields.

-Special "grey water" pipes will allow the fields to be watered with reclaimed "grey" water as soon as East Bay Municipal Utility District makes that service available.

Funding to acquire the property came from $8.5 million in East Bay Regional Park District Measure AA Bond Funds; $2 million from the State Coastal Conservancy; a charitable donation of $3.6 million from Magna Entertainment Corporation, which previously owned the property; and an additional $750,000 from EBRPD for land reclamation. Construction was funded by $5 million from California State Parks, $2 million from CBS Outdoors Inc., and additional funding from the five East Bay cities.

Directions: From I-80 westbound in Berkeley, take the Gilman Street exit. At the stop sign, turn right onto Gilman Street towards the Bay. Enter the sports complex on the left. From I-80 eastbound in Berkeley, take the Gilman Street exit. Turn left at the stop sign onto Gilman Street towards the Bay. Enter the sports complex on the left. Additional parking will be at the end of Gilman Street on right hand side under the tree lane.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

San Pablo Dam Construction Project Affects Kennedy Grove Park Entrances

Lanepowell — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:59:24 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

August 2008

The San Pablo Dam Reservoir, located to the east of Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area, is undergoing a major construction project lasting about two years. This construction project will affect the operation of Kennedy Grove park entrances.

Weekday park users should enter the park at 6530 Hillside Drive, El Sobrante, CA 94803.

On weekends and major holidays park users should use the park entrance at 6531 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante, CA 94803.

Orange directional/detour signs will assist with finding the correct entrance, which will depend on the day of the week. Please see the Kennedy Grove Web page for a map for clarification. Call Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area at 1-888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4534, with questions or for assistance in finding the park.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Regional Sports Fields at Gilman Street to be Unveiled September 6

Lanepowell — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:14:13 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

The grand opening of a new regional sports complex at Gilman Street in Berkeley will be celebrated by elected officials, community leaders, and sports enthusiasts on Saturday, September 6. The state-of-the-art facility is the result of an unprecedented joint effort between the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) and the five East Bay cities of Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, and Richmond.

Speakers will include Master of Ceremonies and EBRPD General Manager Pat O’Brien, Assemblymember Loni Hancock (D-East Bay), Albany Mayor Robert Lieber, Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, El Cerrito Mayor William C. Jones, Emeryville Mayor Ken Bukowski, Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, a representative from California State Parks, EBRPD Board Member Nancy Skinner, and sports and environmental community leaders.

The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at 400 Gilman Street in Berkeley (west of Frontage Road at the Bay).

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Contra Loma Regional Park Fishing Docks Closed

Lanepowell — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:27:46 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis

News

The fishing docks at Contra Loma Regional Park are closed due to a Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) water drawdown. CCWD is lowering the reservoir elevation to 198 feet and the drawdown should be completed by Tuesday, August 19. Due to the poor water supply outlook the reservoir will not be refilled until December. The lowered reservoir water levels requires that all fishing docks remain closed until further notice.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Temporary Trail Closure at Berkeley Meadow, Eastshore State Park, August 25-October 15

Lanepowell — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:05:42 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones

News

On Monday, August 25, East Bay Regional Park District staff will close the north-south trail at the Berkeley Meadow as part of the Phase II restoration project. The closure is for public safety during this restoration project.

The trail is slightly less than one-third of a mile and bisects the eastern and western parts of the Meadow. It will be closed on weekdays only and will be open holidays and weekends. The other trail through the Meadow will not be affected and perimeter trails will be open except for brief periods of time when trucks are entering the construction site. The trail should be re-opened by October 15.

The 13-acre Phase II project, when completed, will be an extension of the 17-acre Phase I. The overall restoration project includes restoring seasonal wetlands and creating coastal scrub and native grasslands. It provides good habitat for wildlife such as northern harriers, white-tailed kites, and western burrowing owls. About $1.7 million in funds and improvements have been provided by Bailey Estates LLC to construct this project. After Phase II is completed, a third and final phase of 37-acres is planned to restore the remaining portions of the Meadow. Download restoration project information.

The first phase of the program has been open to the public since 2005 and includes paths and interpretive panels.

The Berkeley Meadow, which is north of University Avenue between Frontage and Marina Boulevard, is part of Eastshore State Park

Contact Email

IPJones@ebparks.org

Invasive Mussel Boat Inspections At East Bay Regional Park District Lakes

Lanepowell — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:47:01 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis

News

October 8, 2008

A mandatory boat inspection program is underway at Lake Chabot, Del Valle, Contra Loma, and Quarry Lakes. Wet boats, or boats with wet motors or gear, will be denied launching.

Boat owners should note that several boats fail inspection each day and unfortunately are not allowed to launch. The most common reason for failing is water in the outboard motor. DO NOT FLUSH YOUR MOTOR PRIOR TO VISITING THE PARK. Staff recommends allowing at least a five-day waiting period after flushing your motor to give it plenty of time to dry. Double check before leaving home that the motor is dry, many people are surprised that, when asked to lower their motor, water comes out. By contract, inspectors cannot pass these boats to launch. Water in live wells accounts for the second most common reason for not passing inspection.

Park District-trained staff and/or contract employees will inspect all watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, and float tubes. Fees for inspections at all lakes are $6 per trailered boat and $3 per car for car-top boats. Only boats with electric motors are permitted at Quarry Lakes and Contra Loma; private watercraft may not be launched at Lake Chabot (more boating information). Boats and accessories must be ABSOLUTELY CLEAN AND DRY, which includes motor, deck, hull, bilge and bait wells, ropes, lines, floats, fishing equipment, trailer, rear of vehicle, personal flotation devices, and any other inflatable watercraft. Boats that fail inspection will not be permitted to launch and must wait five days before returning.

A banding program is available to all trailered boats that have passed the inspection. Banded boats with unbroken bands will be able to launch with no inspection or inspection fees at all East Bay Regional Park District lakes. Kayaks, canoes, and rowboats can get a 30-day pass upon inspection. Float tube inspections are free.

The purpose of the boat inspection program is it to look for invasive quagga and zebra mussels, which are spread mainly via boats and trailers originating from infected lakes. Veligers, or microscopic larvae, can be spread from standing water or wet surfaces. The mussels reproduce rapidly and destroy water system components along with changing the natural environment of lakes and rivers. Their presence is often devastating to the plant and fish life in the reservoirs. Zebra mussels have been identified at San Justo Reservoir near Hollister, which is less than 90 miles from East Bay Regional Park District lakes. No mussels have been identified in any East Bay bodies of water at this time.

Alameda County Water District (ACWD) is a partner in this program and is helping fund inspections at Lake Del Valle and Quarry Lakes, two of is four water sources.

The California Department of Fish and Game is the lead agency on these invasive mussels and their status within the State. Visit www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/quaggamussel/ for more information or call their hotline at 1-866-440-9430.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Historic Rail Fair Features Train-Themed Fun

Lanepowell — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:02:42 -0700

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Isa Polt-Jones

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Historic Rail Fair Features Train-Themed Fun

Tuesday, August 12

All aboard for the 8th Annual Rail Fair, which returns to Ardenwood Historic Farm over Labor Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, August 30 through September 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The centerpiece of this year's event will be the 1891 Baldwin steam locomotive "Deanna." Enjoy train rides, handcar rides, displays of garden railroads, rail yard equipment displays, food, the children's hobo game, music, and much more! This year, the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association brings out their collection of old "putt-putt" engines. There will be food, music, and blacksmith demonstrations. The Patterson house will be open for tours.

The Historic Rail Fair is presented by the Society for the Preservation of Carter Railroad Resources (SPCRR) in partnership with the Park District, the Patterson House, the Picnic People, and the Blacksmith. The SPCRR is named after the South Pacific Coast Railroad, which brought goods through Alameda and Santa Clara Counties in the 1880s. The Carter Brothers created and maintained railroad equipment, in what was Newark’s first enterprise. Today’s SPCRR is a non-profit organization based at Ardenwood Historic Farm and dedicated to the restoration and interpretation of historical narrow gauge railroads.

Ardenwood Historic Farm is located at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard in Fremont. For more information visit www.spcrr.org, or call (866) 417-7277. Fees are $8 for adults (18+ years), $6 for seniors (62+ years), and $5 for children (4-17 years). Parking is free.

Contact Email

IPJones@ebparks.org

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Tilden’s South Park Drive Closed for Newt Migration

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Tilden’s South Park Drive Closed for Newt Migration

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Monarchs Return to Ardenwood

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Whitney Dotson of Richmond Elected to Board of Directors

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Measure WW Passes

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Measure WW Passes

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Measure WW brochure downloads

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Wildland Fire Season Officially Declared Closed For 2008

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Important Measure WW Ballot Information for Alameda County Registered Voters

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Eden Landing Restoration Project to Provide Recreation Access, Create Habitat for Endangered Wildlife

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Grand Opening of the Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex

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For more information about reserving or using the sports field please contact: Association of Sports Fields Users: Doug Fielding at 510-597-3533 or leave a message on the hotline at 510-981-5161, option 2.

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San Pablo Dam Construction Project Affects Kennedy Grove Park Entrances

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Regional Sports Fields at Gilman Street to be Unveiled September 6

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Contra Loma Regional Park Fishing Docks Closed

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Temporary Trail Closure at Berkeley Meadow, Eastshore State Park, August 25-October 15

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Invasive Mussel Boat Inspections At East Bay Regional Park District Lakes

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For more information about reserving or using the sports field please contact:

Association of Sports Fields Users:
Doug Fielding at 510-597-3533 or leave a message on the hotline at 510-981-5161, option 2.