11/26/2019
Oakland, CA – For the last five years, the Park District has turned Black Friday “green” by making Regional Parks free to the public. Black Friday has traditionally been a busy day of holiday shopping, but with more than half of holiday shopping taking place online, the public has more time to spend with family and friends, including the day after Thanksgiving.
To encourage the public to spend quality family time in nature rather than shopping, the Park District is waiving all fees on Nov. 29 for parking, dogs, horses, boat launching and fishing, including entrance to Ardenwood Historic Farm.
“Exploring Regional Parks together is a great way to spend time with loved ones,” said East Bay Regional Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. “Spending time in nature enhances physical and mental health, and strengthens bonds and connections with friends and family.”
“This is the fifth straight year the Park District has made the day after Thanksgiving free to visitors,” added Doyle.
The Park District’s Green Friday is part of the “#OptOutside” movement that started in 2015 when REI closed its doors on Black Friday and encouraged its employees and the public to explore the outdoors instead of shopping. Millions of people and hundreds of organizations now participate in #OptOutside each year.
“On Green Friday, Tilden Regional Park sees huge numbers of families spending quality time together,” said Tilden Regional Park Supervisor Dave Weaver. “It’s great to see so many smiling happy faces enjoying the trails, picnic sites, and Little Farm.”
The Green Friday fee waiver does not apply to state fees, including fishing licenses and watercraft inspections for invasive mussels, or District concessions such as the Tilden Merry-Go-Round and Redwood Valley Railway steam train.
To find a park or activity, visit our parks page and calendar page.
Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor
510-544-2217
Over the last few years, electric bikes (e-bikes) have gained momentum and have increased access to the outdoors for exercise and recreation.
10/30/2019
East Bay Regional Parks and Regional Trails are scheduled to reopen 5:00 a.m., Thursday, October 31. Parks have been temporarily closed since Sunday due to potential public safety risks associated with damaged and falling trees, as well as extreme fire dangers.
Park Staff will continue to assess damage and safety hazards in the parks and clean up debris. Staff will also continue to assess potential safety risks, such as hanging limbs.
To report non-emergency safety hazards, or damaged trails and facilities, please contact a park ranger or call Park Operations at (510) 544-2510. Be sure to mention the nature and exact location of the problem, including trail or area name. To report urgent safety hazards, call (510) 881-1121.
The Park District thanks the public for their cooperation and understanding during the temporary park closed.
Dave Mason
9254827078
dmason@ebparks.org
East Bay Regional Parks and Regional Trails are scheduled to reopen 5:00 a.m., Thursday, October 31.
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