Limited Day Use, Camping, Boating Returning to Del Valle, Quarry Lakes, and Anthony Chabot Oct 2

Camping Reservations & Boat Launch Fee Payment Required in Advance

Sunday, September 20, 2020 (Oakland, CA) – During COVID-19, 99 percent of the District’s 130,000 acres of parklands, 55 miles of shoreline, and 1,300 miles of recreational trails have been open and accessible to the public. However, some limited park areas and facilities have been closed since March 25, 2020 to avoid overcrowding and prevent activities that are restricted by state and local health orders. On Friday, October 2, day-use, camping, and boating will return to some closed areas and facilities, with capacity limitations in place.

“The Park District Board and staff have worked hard to keep parks and trails open throughout the District as much as possible during COVID-19,” said General Manager Robert Doyle. “Regional Parks have played an essential role in the community as a place for people to maintain their mental and physical health when most people have been in their homes the majority of the day.”

Those park areas and facilities reopening on October 2 will have limited capacity with day use vehicle entrance provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additionally, all picnic areas, barbecues, and group campsites will remain closed in accordance with state and local health orders. Campgrounds will be open by reservation only. There is also NO SWIMMING ALLOWED at any designated District swim facilities, which have remained closed this swim season due to COVID-19; however, swimming continues to be allowed at Crown Beach and Keller Beach.

The Park District is continuing to evaluate and plan for additional park area and facility openings. Some park areas and facilities remain closed. For up-to-date information on park status during COVID-19, visit www.ebparks.org/COVID-19.

Round Valley, Morgan Territory, Sunol, and Ohlone Wilderness remain closed due to the impacts from recent wildfires. Mission Peak reopened on September 15. However, the Ohlone Wilderness Trail which heads East from the summit of Mission Peak remains closed due to the recent wildfires. The remaining parks are being evaluated for safety hazards and must be deemed safe before reopening to the public.

OCTOBER 2nd PARK AREA & FACILITY REOPENINGS:

Family Camping:
The Del Valle and Anthony Chabot family campgrounds will be open at 50 percent capacity. A CalFire Burn Ban is in effect due to extreme fire conditions. No open fires, campfires, wood-burning, or charcoal barbecues are allowed; gas or propane-fueled stoves are permitted. At Del Valle, there will also be no showers available due to renovation of the park’s 60-year-old water system.

Camping reservations open Monday, September 21. Reservations can be made online at www.ebparks.org/Register or by phone at 1 (888) 327-2757, option 2: Monday - Friday, 10:00am-3:00pm.

Boat Launching/Fishing by Boat:
Boaters are required to prepay boat inspection and boat launch at Del Valle and Quarry Lakes at Watercraft Launch and Quagga Inspection Registration and bring proof with them to limit touchpoints.

Masks & Social Distancing:
Visitors should continue to follow all social distancing guidelines from local health agencies. In particular, visitors should make sure they bring a mask or face covering to parks and wear it within six feet of others.

BACKGROUND:

The COVID-19 health emergency has been an unprecedented and evolving situation. On Monday, March 16, 2020, a “Shelter in Place” order was issued for six Bay Area counties – San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Contra Costa, and Alameda – prohibiting non-essential business and directing residents to stay inside their homes and away from others as much as possible. The “Shelter in Place” order did allow outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking, and running, as long as specific social distancing requirements are followed.However, with limited entertainment and recreational activities available, parks everywhere, especially regional parks and shorelines, became very busy with some overcrowding. On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, the Park District implemented some limited park area and facility closures to address unsafe overcrowding and help ensure public health and safety.

Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor
510-544-2217
dmason@ebparks.org