Harrison Park

Located at the Northwest corner of Berkeley, this park features a skate park and several soccer fields. If you ever sign your kids up for the Albany-Berkeley Soccer Club, you will be spending a lot of time here. The park is well-maintained, but there don't seem to be any playground structures, so it isn't great for small kids.

 

Greg Brown Mini-Park

Wow. Greg Brown's park is hard to find, but worth the effort. The only entrance is crammed between two closely spaced buildings and is guarded by an eight foot steel gate. Inside however, the park is very charming. My favorite feature is a stone-lined picnic area with a large fire-pit/grill. There is a decent size lawn, a full size basketball court, and a nice playground area. My kid's favorite part was the blackberry bush in the Northwest corner. I will definitely be back - next time with firewood and food.

Maps and Directions

Halcyon Commons

This is another "traffic circle turned green space" located in South Berkeley. The roads surrounding the park don't get much traffic due to some well-placed traffic barriers. I like how the trees and shurbs are placed, which really maximize the park's potential. The highlight of the park for my kids was a tire swing.

 

 

 

Le Conte School Park

You get what you expect from this school park. The playground equipment is mediocre, but one bonus is a row of basketball hoops.

 

 

Mortar Rock Park

I love this park. It is a perfect example of how places in the Berkeley Hills can suddenly make you feel like you are in the most peaceful place on earth. The trees grow against the rocks on one side, making it very fun to climb. Watch out for the large drop off on the West side.



Maps and Directions

Monkey Island

My kids said it best: "If they name a park with an exciting name, it really should be an funner park". Alas, there are no monkeys and by island they mean 'surrounded by asphalt'. Even so, the neighborhood is nice and there isn't much traffic.



Maps and Directions

Horseshoe Park

It turns out this is just a grass area on the marina with mounds of dirt and trees in a horseshoe shape. It was hard to be disappointed, however, because of the fantastic sunset and walk on the pier.



Maps and Directions