Ohlone Park Berkeley
A lively Berkeley park with renovated playgrounds, sports facilities, and a scenic path, serving as a community hub.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere
Ohlone Park Berkeley
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lively Berkeley park with renovated playgrounds, sports facilities, and a scenic path, serving as a community hub.
"One of the most vibrant, colorful parks along the Greenway. Always full of life!"
🎯 Playground Safety First
The newer playgrounds are fenced, offering extra safety for little ones. :child:
🚶♀️ Explore the Greenway
This path is great for walks, runs, or bike rides connecting different park areas. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nature-Inspired Playgrounds
Hearst St. between Milvia and Shattuck
Recently renovated, these fenced playgrounds feature fun, nature-themed equipment perfect for toddlers and kids.
The Greenway Path
Stretches along Hearst St.
A scenic path perfect for walks, jogging, or biking, connecting various park amenities like dog parks and sports courts.
Community Fitness Hub
Various open spaces
Join outdoor yoga, HIIT classes, or even rugby meetups for a vibrant, active experience in the park.
Dog Park Delights
South end of the park
Separate areas for large and small dogs make it a great spot for your furry friends to socialize and play.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Park Life
Best Times for Play & Peace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Playground Safety First
The newer playgrounds are fenced, offering extra safety for little ones. :child:
🚶♀️ Explore the Greenway
This path is great for walks, runs, or bike rides connecting different park areas. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog Park Etiquette
Respect the separate areas for large and small dogs for a safe and fun experience. :dog:
🧘♀️ Join Outdoor Workouts
Check schedules for yoga and fitness classes held in the park. :muscle:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Playground Safety First
The newer playgrounds are fenced, offering extra safety for little ones. :child:
🚶♀️ Explore the Greenway
This path is great for walks, runs, or bike rides connecting different park areas. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog Park Etiquette
Respect the separate areas for large and small dogs for a safe and fun experience. :dog:
🧘♀️ Join Outdoor Workouts
Check schedules for yoga and fitness classes held in the park. :muscle:
⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings
While a community park, be mindful of encampments and stay vigilant. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ohlone Park is celebrated as a vibrant community hub with excellent amenities like playgrounds, sports fields, and a dog park. Visitors appreciate its lively atmosphere and the convenience of portable restrooms. However, some reviews mention the presence of encampments, which can impact the overall experience for some.
"One of the most vibrant, colorful parks along the Greenway. Always full of life!"
Raphaela Pandy
"Wonderful community park, it has multiple fields, play ground and basketball hoops. There is also portable potties which is rare to find public bathrooms in the bay. It is a great place for a kids birthday party."
Cody Gibson
"Wonderful park..ballfields, playgrounds and a nice dog park. i have 3 dogs I get out daily as we need the exercise and fresh air..Todays air is exquisite!
From what I know about this park, it runs over the BART tunnel installed downtown berkeley and north berkeley BART stations back in the 60's. (My 1st decade of existence). before the park it was peoples homes , (Emminent domain you know) because BART had to go in. I remember Downtown San Francisco Market St was also installing BART Tunnels too. It's is a wonderful city park....Parks can be wonderful places. This is a comfortable good feeling place. Needed inhopes the the next generations actually get out of their boxes and take in the earth the air the sun the moon the wind the stars."
Xavier Zion
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ohlone Park is accessible by car and public transport. It runs over the BART tunnel, with the North Berkeley BART station nearby. Several bus lines also serve the area. Parking can be found along the streets bordering the park. :bus: :train:
Street parking is available around the park's perimeter, particularly along Hearst Street. Be aware that parking can be competitive, especially on weekends. :car:
Yes, Ohlone Park has a bike path and is a great destination for cyclists. There are bike racks available in some areas. :bike:
Absolutely! The North Berkeley BART station is close by, and multiple AC Transit bus lines stop near the park, making it easy to reach without a car. :bus: :train:
The Greenway path runs through the park, connecting most of the amenities. It's a good central point for exploring the different sections. :walking:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ohlone Park is a public park and entry is free for everyone. :free_entrance:
Ohlone Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific areas like playgrounds may have slightly different hours, but the park itself is accessible during daylight. :clock1:
The basketball courts and open fields are typically free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations might be needed for organized sports events or parties. :basketball:
For larger gatherings or birthday parties, it's advisable to check with the City of Berkeley Parks and Recreation department about reservation options for picnic areas or fields. :party_popper:
No, the dog park is free to use as part of the public park amenities. :dog:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Ohlone Park boasts two renovated playgrounds, a scenic Greenway path, basketball courts, open fields for sports, and dedicated dog parks. :playground_slide: :dog: :basketball:
Yes, there are two excellent, nature-inspired playgrounds, one of which is fenced for toddler safety. They were recently upgraded and are very popular. :child:
Definitely! Ohlone Park features a well-maintained dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs, making it a great spot for canine companions. :dog:
Absolutely! You can find basketball courts, open fields for soccer or frisbee, and even join outdoor yoga and fitness classes. :runner: :yoga:
It's a vibrant community park, often full of life with families, dog walkers, and fitness enthusiasts. However, be aware that some areas may have encampments. :peopleholdinghands:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or cafes directly within Ohlone Park. It's best to bring your own picnic or grab food from nearby eateries in Berkeley. :sandwich:
Yes, Ohlone Park is a great spot for picnics! You can bring your own food and find plenty of grassy areas to spread out a blanket. :picnic_table:
Yes, the park has portable potties, which are noted as a convenient amenity, especially since public bathrooms can be rare in the Bay Area. :toilet:
The park is located in North Berkeley, close to many restaurants and cafes along Shattuck Avenue and surrounding streets, offering diverse culinary choices. :forkandknife:
Park rules regarding alcohol can vary. It's best to check the City of Berkeley's specific regulations for public parks before consuming alcohol. :wine_glass:
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant playgrounds, the scenic Greenway path, and the lively community atmosphere. Sunsets over the Bay Area can also be beautiful from here. :camera:
While it's a community park, there are some native plant gardens and mature trees that offer pleasant nature photography subjects. :evergreen_tree:
Yes, the park often hosts community events, fitness classes, and sports games, providing dynamic subjects for photography. :microphone:
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial photography or if photographing specific groups or events, it's wise to seek permission. :camerawithflash:
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Midday can be bright but good for capturing the park's lively activities. :sunriseovermountains:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
🚶♂️ Walkers & Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dual Nature of Ohlone Park
However, it's important to acknowledge that parts of Ohlone Park have also become a site for homeless encampments. This dual reality means visitors might encounter both the vibrant community life and the challenges of homelessness. Some social media content highlights concerns about safety and sanitation in these areas, urging visitors to be aware of their surroundings.
Despite these complexities, many visitors find the park to be a place full of life and a valuable resource for recreation and community connection. The presence of portable restrooms is noted as a practical amenity.
Active Living in Ohlone Park
Beyond traditional sports, the park is a hub for group fitness classes. Yoga sessions and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes are regularly held here, often organized by local fitness groups. These classes offer a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors while getting a workout, and they welcome participants of all levels.
For those looking to connect with local sports clubs, the Berkeley RFC (Rugby Football Club) even holds introductory sessions at the park's baseball field, inviting newcomers to learn the basics and socialize. This makes Ohlone Park a dynamic destination for anyone looking to stay active and engaged in the Berkeley community.
Family Fun at the Playgrounds
The design of the new equipment is nature-inspired, incorporating wood and natural elements that make it both visually appealing and fun for kids to explore. The rubberized surfacing adds to the safety of the play areas.
These playgrounds are situated along the Greenway path, making them easily accessible and part of a larger network of park amenities. They are a testament to the park's role as a family-friendly destination within Berkeley.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit