Highlight • Rest Area
Ohlone Park
Road cycling
4.7
(16)
Ohlone Park is a vibrant urban green space spanning five blocks in the heart of Berkeley, California. This linear park, situated directly above the underground Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) subway lines, serves as a significant section of the popular Ohlone Greenway, a paved trail connecting various neighborhoods. At a low elevation of just 4 meters, it offers a welcoming, accessible environment for recreation and relaxation in the bustling East Bay region.
Visitors consistently praise Ohlone Park for its diverse range of amenities and its inclusive atmosphere. Many appreciate the expansive open lawns and the well-maintained facilities that cater to all ages, making it a truly family-friendly destination. The presence of an off-leash dog park, one of the first of its kind in the United States, also makes it a favorite spot for pet owners, ensuring a welcoming experience for furry companions.
Before visiting, it's helpful to know that Ohlone Park is easily accessible, especially via public transport, being within walking distance of the North Berkeley BART station. While specific parking information isn't detailed, street parking is generally available in urban areas. The park features paved walking and biking trails, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, and restrooms are available for public use. Given its urban setting, it's a popular spot, so expect a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends.
The park is ideal for a wide array of activities throughout the year, offering something for everyone. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, engage in sports on the basketball, soccer, softball, or volleyball courts, or let children explore the distinct playgrounds, Ohlone Park facilities provide ample opportunity. Its role as a key segment of the Ohlone Greenway also makes it perfect for longer walks, jogs, or bike rides.
Beyond recreation, Ohlone Park offers a unique cultural experience. A striking public art mural by Native American artist Jean Lamarr, located on a BART vent, beautifully depicts the creation story and history of the Ohlone people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Bay Area. This artwork, along with the park's name, serves as a powerful tribute and educational landmark within the green space.
For those seeking a blend of outdoor activity and community engagement, Ohlone Park delivers. It’s a place where you can see families picnicking, dogs playing freely in designated areas, and individuals utilizing the outdoor fitness stations. The community garden adds another layer of local charm, reflecting the park's origins as a grassroots effort by Berkeley citizens to create public green space.
To explore the various paths and discover all the Ohlone Park facilities, consider planning your visit with komoot. You'll find numerous routes for walking, cycling, and running that weave through this vibrant urban oasis, connecting you to the wider Ohlone Greenway and other nearby attractions.
Tips
November 29, 2023
Road cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Ohlone Park
5
riders
32.2km
01:22
160m
160m
Embark on an easy road cycling adventure along the Ohlone Greenway and Bay Trail Loop, a 20.0 miles (32.2 km) route that offers varied scenery and a gentle 509 feet (155 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this ride in about 1 hour and 22 minutes. As you cycle, you'll transition from tree-lined urban greenways to expansive waterfront views, with highlights like the San Francisco Bay and the Berkeley Marina, especially around Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park.
This route is generally easy to ride, making it accessible for many road cyclists. The surfaces are mostly paved, ensuring a smooth journey. Be aware that the Ohlone Greenway section has frequent street crossings, which might interrupt your continuous cycling flow. The Bay Trail portion, however, focuses on well-paved sections specifically chosen to suit road bikes.
This loop uniquely combines two significant regional trails, offering a diverse experience in the East Bay. The Ohlone Greenway provides a path through residential areas and community gardens, complete with interpretive kiosks that share local insights. Connecting to the Bay Trail then opens up broad vistas towards the Golden Gate, showcasing the region's natural beauty and urban landscape.
33.8km
02:47
100m
100m
Cycle the 21.0-mile Downtown Berkeley to Middle Harbor Shoreline Park loop, a moderate road cycling route with bay views.
4.0
(1)
280
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of recreational facilities are available at Ohlone Park?
Ohlone Park offers a wide array of facilities for various activities. You'll find expansive open lawns, two distinct playgrounds (one fenced for younger children and another with nature-inspired structures for older kids), basketball courts, soccer fields, softball fields, and volleyball courts. There are also outdoor fitness stations with parallel bars and gymnastic rings, as well as picnic areas and restrooms.
Is Ohlone Park suitable for families with young children?
Absolutely. Ohlone Park is highly family-friendly, featuring two dedicated playgrounds. One is fenced and equipped with classic play structures for younger children, while the other offers nature-inspired log and rope structures for older kids. The open lawns are also perfect for family games and picnics.
Does Ohlone Park have an off-leash area for dogs?
Yes, Ohlone Park is very dog-friendly and boasts an off-leash dog park. Established in 1979, it was one of the first of its kind in the United States and includes separate areas for both large and small dogs, allowing your furry companions to play freely.
What is the best way to get to Ohlone Park using public transport?
Ohlone Park is conveniently located within walking distance of the North Berkeley BART station, making it easily accessible via public transportation. The park is situated along Hearst Avenue, from Milvia Street to Sacramento Street, making it a straightforward walk from the BART exit.
Are there any significant landmarks or cultural features to see in Ohlone Park?
Yes, the park features notable public art honoring the indigenous Ohlone people. A striking mural by Native American artist Jean Lamarr is located on a large concrete vent for the underground BART tunnels. This mural depicts the Ohlone creation story, their preparations to greet early European visitors, and a collage of their ancestors and descendants, offering a unique cultural and historical insight.
What are the trail conditions like in Ohlone Park, and are they accessible?
Ohlone Park features paved walking and biking trails that are an integral part of the larger Ohlone Greenway. These trails are generally flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and casual walks or bike rides. The park's low elevation of just 4 meters ensures an easy and accessible experience for most visitors.
Are there any cafes or amenities near Ohlone Park?
Given its urban location in central Berkeley, Ohlone Park is surrounded by various amenities. You'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops within walking distance, particularly along Hearst Avenue and in the wider Berkeley area, offering plenty of options for refreshments and dining before or after your visit.
What is the history behind Ohlone Park's creation?
Ohlone Park has a rich history rooted in community activism. The land was initially cleared for BART subway construction, and BART intended to build apartments there. However, Berkeley citizens, inspired by the People's Park controversy, began planting trees and sod, creating a 'People's Park Annex.' This grassroots effort led to years of advocacy, and the City of Berkeley eventually took over the land, officially dedicating and naming it Ohlone Park in 1979 in homage to the indigenous people.
How crowded does Ohlone Park get, especially on weekends?
As a vibrant urban green space with diverse facilities and a convenient location, Ohlone Park can get quite lively, especially on weekends and during pleasant weather. It's a popular spot for families, dog owners, and sports enthusiasts. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting during weekday mornings or late afternoons might be ideal.
Are there any specific routes or loop trails within Ohlone Park?
While Ohlone Park itself is a linear park spanning five blocks, its paved trails are part of the extensive Ohlone Greenway. This means you can easily connect to longer walking, jogging, or cycling routes that extend beyond the park's boundaries. Within the park, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the main paved path, utilizing the various cross-paths to explore the different recreational areas and features.
Is camping permitted in Ohlone Park?
No, Ohlone Park is an urban day-use park and does not permit camping or overnight stays. It is designed for recreational activities and relaxation during daylight hours. For camping options, you would need to look into regional parks or wilderness areas outside of central Berkeley.