Park Happenings for May

🌿Survey Seeks Input on Future of East Bay Regional Parks. The East Bay Regional Park District is launching a bold new journey—developing a District Plan for the future of the parks and people they serve. The plan will set priorities and guide how the Park District manages and protects parks, open space, and community resources across the East Bay. Take a short survey, explore the project timeline, and learn more about where we’re headed together at ebparks.org/district-plan.

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🥾Explore Garin Regional Park with the Trails Challenge. Enjoy the views and vistas of Garin Regional Park with a guided Trails Challenge hike on Sunday, May 4, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Hike to Garin’s Vista Peak, on a moderate 5-mile naturalist-led trek along the Vista Peak Loop Trail. Guidebooks, t-shirts, and a new 2025 Trails Challenge bandana will be available to participants (one per person, while supplies last). This drop-in program meets at the Garin Red Barn Visitor Center. Download the guidebook at ebparks.org/trailschallenge.

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🔥National Wildfire Awareness Month. The month of May is National Wildfire Awareness Month, a time when the East Bay Regional Park District and other agencies come together to highlight the importance of preparing for the upcoming wildfire season. While the Park District works year-round to reduce wildfire risks, it’s everyone’s collective efforts and vigilance that can make the difference. Make sure to follow all safety rules in parks and maintain defensible space around your home. Your help matters! For more information, visit  ebparks.org/fire-safety.

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💧Boat Inspection Program Updated for Golden Mussel Prevention. New boat inspection and banding policies take effect May 7 in response to increasing concerns about the presence of invasive golden mussels in the Delta. The banding program will now utilize lake-specific, color-coded bands. Watercraft returning to the same lake or reservoir with an intact lake-specific band and a copy of the prior inspection documents will receive an abbreviated inspection and will not be subject to an inspection fee. Boats without a lake-specific band will require a full inspection and associated fee. Boaters coming from a different waterbody should plan on additional time for inspections. The inspection process for car-top watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, and inflatables has not changed; they are inspected each time they enter a lake, and a fee is charged only once every 30 days. Visit ebparks.org/mussels for more information.

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📷Photos Needed—Submit a ParkPic. Have you taken stunning photos of East Bay Regional Parks? The Park District is on the hunt for breathtaking, high-quality photos that capture the natural beauty of the East Bay. Photos with iconic views and vistas, awe-inspiring park landscapes, eye-catching wildlife, and visitors enjoying nature are needed. Photo resolution of 300 ppi (pixels per inch) is preferred. Photo credit will be given to photographers whenever possible.

Selected photos may be used in Park District publications, including a chance to be featured in the Park District’s 2026 Wall Calendar. To be considered for the Wall Calendar, photo must be a minimum 300 ppi and 11" wide by 8.5" high. 600 ppi is preferred. Photos selected for the annual wall calendar will receive photo credit and a $100 honorarium. For more information, visit ebparks.org/submit-a-parkpic.

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🚂 Next Stop—Ardenwood Rail Fair. Head to Ardenwood Historic Farm’s annual Rail Fair on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 24, through Monday, May 26, where train enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy train rides, model and live steam trains, historic railroad equipment on display, and live music. There will even be a full-size locomotive. The event runs daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets are available for advance purchase. Adults are $16, seniors are $14, and children ages 4-17 are $13. Children age 3 and under are free. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search for “Rail Fair.”

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🏊🏽 Grab Beach Towels and Sunscreen—Swim Season Is Fast Approaching! Some Park District swim facilities and shorelines are already open for swimming on weekends and holidays. Weekday and weekend swimming begin in late May and early June depending on the facility.

Stay safe around water by swimming only in areas with a lifeguard on duty, keeping a close eye on children, and following all rules and posted signs. Those unsure of their swimming abilities can borrow and wear a life jacket—available free of charge courtesy of the Regional Parks Foundation.

For a list of swim facilities and operating hours, visit ebparks.org/swimming.

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