Nature Pavilion Coming Soon to Shadow Cliffs

November 27, 2018

Nature Pavilion Coming Soon to Shadow Cliffs

Plans have been approved and finalized for a new 1,000 square foot outdoor interpretive pavilion at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton – complete with educational exhibits highlighting the natural and cultural history of the park, as well as the recreational opportunities available in the park's nature area.

“During peak months, Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area sees 35,000-45,000 visitors per month, many for swimming, boating, and fishing at the lake,” said East Bay Regional Park District Ward 5 Director Ayn Wieskamp. “The Nature Pavilion will help better connect visitors to the park’s larger nature area and its trails for walking, hiking, biking, and nature watching.”

The Shadow Cliffs nature area includes 116 acres of cottonwood and willow-lined creek open space, providing a natural oasis for a wide array of wildlife.

The nature pavilion will also serve as a shaded and weather-protected gathering spot for school children that visit year-round on field trips.

Thousands of school children visit the Park District’s Shadow Cliffs each year to participate in naturalist-lead walks of the nature area. The pavilion will help the Park District serve even more school children each year, with modern, up-to-date educational exhibits.

The Pavilion will also help serve the growing number of public, non-school programs, including the monthly Lakeside Littles and “How Does Your Garden Grow” programs.

The nature pavilion is made possible by state and non-profit grants and individual donations, including a lead gift of $200,000 from Nancy and Gary Harrington of Pleasanton, funding from a California State Parks Grant, and a generous grant from the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation. The remainder is being funded by the
Park District. The total project cost is $900,000.

The Pavilion groundbreaking is scheduled for April 2019.

The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 121,000 acres in 73 parks including over1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and nature learning.