Bruce in the Parks
The East Bay Regional Park District is made up of 73 parks and trails that span over 125,000 acres in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Ward 5 contains some of Bruce's favorite parks, and he wants to encourage other residents of his district to get out and explore! Below, you will find some of Bruce's recommendations and favorite things about the EBRPD parks he frequents.
Pleasanton Ridge
Foothill Staging Area
This is one of Bruce's most-visited parks. His favorite areas include Sinbad canyon, Valle Vista Trail for biking, Woodland Trail for hiking.
Fun fact: There is an urban legend about a black panther that lives on the Ridge. Though no such panther exists, longtime Pleasanton residents are often familiar with the legend.
Coyote Hills Regional Park
Bruce's favorite part of this park is the butterfly and nectar garden.
Fun Fact: Before becoming a park, this area's history included ranching, farming, salt production, a duck hunting club, a dairy, rock quarrying, a NIKE missile base, and a biosonar research facility.
Shadow Cliffs
Arroyo Trails
Bruce loves that this is a great park for family and social gatherings with a beach, swimming, fishing, boating, barbecues, and picnic tables. There is excellent bird watching.
Fun Fact: Shadow Cliffs’ solar panels generate 1.2 megawatts of energy annually – enough to offset electricity use for almost the entire Park District!
Vargas Plateau Regional Park
Bruce recommends this park for its stunning views.
Fun fact: Rare species found here include the Alameda Whipsnake and the California Tiger Salamander.
