Ohlone Park, Berkeley - Image 1
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Ohlone Park Berkeley

4.5
·622 reviews·Berkeley, United States

A lively Berkeley park with renovated playgrounds, sports facilities, and a scenic path, serving as a community hub.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Tranquil atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Ohlone Park, Berkeley - Image 1

Ohlone Park Berkeley

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Tranquil atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A lively Berkeley park with renovated playgrounds, sports facilities, and a scenic path, serving as a community hub.

4.5
(622 reviews)

"One of the most vibrant, colorful parks along the Greenway. Always full of life!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nature-Inspired Playgrounds

Nature-Inspired Playgrounds

Hearst St. between Milvia and Shattuck

Recently renovated, these fenced playgrounds feature fun, nature-themed equipment perfect for toddlers and kids.

Instagram
The Greenway Path

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.

Instagram
Community Fitness Hub

Community Fitness Hub

Various open spaces

Join outdoor yoga, HIIT classes, or even rugby meetups for a vibrant, active experience in the park.

Instagram+3
Dog Park Delights

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.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Park Life

Ohlone Park is a lively community hub, but be aware of its dual nature. While it offers great playgrounds and green spaces, some areas are also used for encampments. Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts, especially if you encounter uncomfortable situations. TikTok

Best Times for Play & Peace

For the best experience, aim for weekday mornings or early afternoons. Weekends can get busy with organized events and families. Early mornings offer a more tranquil atmosphere for walks or dog outings. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Tranquil atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Early afternoons
Why
Less crowded than weekends
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend late afternoons
Why
Post-event calm
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

things are getting pretty fascy out here y’all. stay vigilent and protect each other ❤️‍🔥 #peoplespark #berkeley #ucberkeley #cal #california #uc #ohlonelands #stopcopcity
@maddysprout
97.5K likes • 347.8K views

🎯 Playground Safety First

The newer playgrounds are fenced, offering extra safety for little ones. Instagram :child:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Greenway

This path is great for walks, runs, or bike rides connecting different park areas. Instagram :athletic_shoe:

Please support by emailing the Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii to have the encampment where this man is living removed: mayor@berkeleyca.gov This happened at Ohlone Park in Berkeley CA and the city is not taking our concerns and safety seriously. Trust your gut! I didn’t trust myself and it could have been way worse. …The man who stalked & threatened me was let off by the DA and then upon being rel...
@anaisfelt
11.4K likes • 104K views
North Berkeley, The Ohlone Park Playground has gotten a makeover! It’s fenced in for toddler safety and the nature-inspired equipment is really fun and satisfying. It’s on Hearst between Milvia and Shattuck. Yay @cityofberkeley! #discoveredinberkeley #berkeley #berkeleyside #northberkeley
510families
341 likes • 21K views

🐶 Dog Park Etiquette

Respect the separate areas for large and small dogs for a safe and fun experience. Reddit :dog:

🧘‍♀️ Join Outdoor Workouts

Check schedules for yoga and fitness classes held in the park. Instagram+1 :muscle:

We dropped supplies at Ohlone Park today at 1p...this is the curbside community being threatened with eviction for being dangerous, unsanitary, loud, and dirty.. What do you think? Thank you Berkeley Homeless Union for your efforts protecting these residents. Sweeps are one of the top bulwarks impeding folks' efforts to get housed because people are disconnected, stressed, and are unable to ...
town.bizness
10 likes • 500 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Playground Safety First

The newer playgrounds are fenced, offering extra safety for little ones. Instagram :child:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Greenway

This path is great for walks, runs, or bike rides connecting different park areas. Instagram :athletic_shoe:

🐶 Dog Park Etiquette

Respect the separate areas for large and small dogs for a safe and fun experience. Reddit :dog:

🧘‍♀️ Join Outdoor Workouts

Check schedules for yoga and fitness classes held in the park. Instagram+1 :muscle:

⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings

While a community park, be mindful of encampments and stay vigilant. TikTok :warning:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(622 reviews)

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. TikTokReddit

"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

Vibrant community atmosphere
Great playgrounds
Dog park amenities

What People Dislike

Presence of encampments

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. Reddit 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. InstagramReddit+1 :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. Instagram+1 :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. Reddit :dog:

Absolutely! You can find basketball courts, open fields for soccer or frisbee, and even join outdoor yoga and fitness classes. Instagram+1 :runner: :yoga:

It's a vibrant community park, often full of life with families, dog walkers, and fitness enthusiasts. Reddit However, be aware that some areas may have encampments. TikTok :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. Reddit :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. TikTok :camera:

While it's a community park, there are some native plant gardens and mature trees that offer pleasant nature photography subjects. Reddit :evergreen_tree:

Yes, the park often hosts community events, fitness classes, and sports games, providing dynamic subjects for photography. Instagram+1 :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. TikTok :sunriseovermountains:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ohlone Park is a fantastic choice for families. The two recently renovated playgrounds are a highlight, with one being fenced for added toddler safety and featuring nature-inspired equipment. Instagram+1 The rubberized surfacing ensures safe play. The park also offers open spaces for running around and picnics. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as there are no concessions on-site. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Dog lovers will appreciate Ohlone Park's dedicated dog park, which has separate areas for large and small dogs. Reddit It's a great place for your furry friends to socialize and get their exercise. The Greenway path is also perfect for leisurely dog walks. Be sure to keep your dog leashed outside the designated dog park areas and always clean up after them. :dog:

🏃‍♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts

Ohlone Park is an excellent outdoor gym! You can join community yoga and HIIT classes held regularly in the park. Instagram+2 The basketball courts and open fields are also available for pickup games or personal training sessions. It's a great way to combine your workout with fresh air and scenic surroundings. :muscle: :yoga:

🚶‍♂️ Walkers & Cyclists

The Greenway path that runs through Ohlone Park is ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling. Instagram It provides a pleasant route connecting various parts of the park, offering a scenic and relatively flat terrain. It's a perfect way to explore the park and get some exercise. :athletic_shoe: :bike:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Dual Nature of Ohlone Park

Ohlone Park serves as a vital community space in Berkeley, offering recreational amenities like playgrounds, sports fields, and walking paths. It's a place where families gather, fitness enthusiasts exercise, and dog owners socialize. The park's recent playground renovations have made it even more appealing for families with young children. Instagram+1

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

Active Living in Ohlone Park

Ohlone Park is a popular spot for outdoor fitness and sports. The park features basketball courts and open fields that are frequently used for casual games and organized activities like soccer. Reddit

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. Instagram+3

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. Instagram 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 playgrounds at Ohlone Park are a major draw for families. The park features two distinct play areas, with one particularly noted for its recent makeover. This upgraded playground is fenced, providing an extra layer of security for parents with toddlers and young children. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1