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Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

4.7 (46 reviews)

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Phil A.

They really used this space well when they built this park!! This huge park opened in 2018, and I believe it's the largest park in the city of Alameda at 25 acres!! The kids play area includes zip lines, a huge slide and climbing structures. They also have a fix your own flat bike repair station, clean restrooms, and a covered pavilion for Barbecues. The bike trail is approximately 3/4 miles long, which is next to a walking trail, both paved and smooth. The parking lot is not very big, and this park is popular so parking sometimes can be an issue, especially on weekends depending on when you come. Definitely one of the nicest parks in Alameda!!

Climbing frame
Pat C.

This is a gorgeous well thought out park/ open space. Volunteers look after the newly planted monarch butterflies friendly garden. The long cycling lane is perfect to get your kiddos to understand cycling rules before you hit the open road with them. Let's not forget the zip line , huge slide and fun spider web structure. Clean toilets, fresh water, shade, peace and quite for all. Clever clever use of this narrow yet super long strip. Well done Alameda Parks and Rec.

Lily S.

This is a newish open space area in Alameda. There's a little kids playground, a bigger kids playground, a sandbox, a zip line, a pavilion for large parties, open grass for picnics, and paved walking/biking trails. There's something for everyone! And a lot of it isn't even built yet, so I can't wait to see what else is coming. I think the architecture and decor is really nice. There are evergreens and logs, so you get that campground vibe. The little and big kids have their own separate playgrounds. My only minor complaint is the little kids playground is covered in bark, which kids can get splinters from. I prefer the foamy pads. Now that the word is out, it does get busy on weekends. It can be hard to find parking when it gets busy.

Maggie G.

Nice little hidden gem situated near a lot of offices. Well not exactly "little"! It's quite huge! 27 acres to be exact? It's fairly new park with nice size Pavilion available for rent. Rests rooms are available. There's activities for all kids. Paved bike lanes available for kids to ride their bikes safely. Lots of grass area for picnic. Little kids love the sandbox there. It used to be a lot slower prior to the pandemic. Today was my first visiting since pandemic. Bit was packed of kids! Probably eat to visit during the week days. Also, plenty of parking spaces are available. Don't have to worry about looking for a parking space.

To the top!
Nicole G.

WARNING: at least 7-10 adults without masks around the children's play area. So annoyingly frustrating when you're being an example of 'following the rules'. If you don't want to wear a mask stay home! Or move to another state.. Anyway.. back to the regular program. The park is newish (2 years or so), which is great but the playground itself is exciting for 4 and under. Plenty of seating on wood stumps for parents to watch closely. 1/2 mile trail to the Main Street from the playground. The zip line was probably the most exciting for myself and a nice addition.

Spider web swing

This is one of the nicest parks I've ever been to. Lots of things for kids to do. The big slide looks to be the most popular. I'm amazed to see how all these kids can climb up, down and around the slide with ease. Thankfully they built a set of stairs near the slide if parents wanted to safely go up and down without the fear of hurting themselves. Other fun things to do includes a climbing structure, xylophone, spider web swing, sand area, a big rock that turns and tree stumps with connecting logs that kids can balance and walk across. Unfortunately it looks like they removed the zip line. There's also a play structure for toddlers and baby bucket swings. The mens restroom was clean. There was a changing table located right next to the sink. Imagine trying to wash your hands while a diaper gets changed. The water from the sink was really weak. No paper towels but there was a small hand dryer next to the sink. It's not a hand dryer I'm use to seeing so people can easily miss it. A few things to be aware of. 1) The main play area doesn't have a fence fully around it so if you have active kids that likes to run around, you might want to keep an eye on them. 2) Bring a hat and some sunscreen because there isn't a lot of shade. The best shade is sitting under the trees where the big rocks are located but you need to watch out for ants. 3) I don't recommend your kids going down the big slide on hot days because they can easily burn themselves. You might want to touch how hot the slide is before letting your kids play on it.

Carol C.

Date: 12/15/2018 Time: 10:00 AM 58° Cloudy The City of Alameda along with the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department held its grand opening of the Jean Sweeney Open Space Park. The east entrance is located at Atlantic Avenue and Sherman Street. The Grand Opening Ceremony Speakers were the dignitaries from the Alameda City Council (Mayor Trish Herrera Spencer, Councilmembers Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Frank Matarrese and Jim Odie), Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Assemblymember Rob Bonta, Sedrick V. Mitchell, Deputy Director, representing the California Department of State Parks and Recreation. Other keynote speakers were Jim Sweeney and Dorothy Freeman of the Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Foundation. The emcee was Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director for the City of Alameda. During all the fanfare and the acknowledgement of the people on the Recreation and Parks Department, the community was treated to free Starbucks coffee. They ran out of coffee quick. Afterwards, the volunteers of ARPD provided the community with a variety of snacks (fruit, danish pastry, granola bar, trail mix, popcorn, mini blueberry muffin and scone). This park is a new 25-acre community park. It has plenty of open space areas, a natural based playground, picnic pavilion with two barbecue pits, open lawn, parking, restroom facilities, benches, small picnic area and the landscape consists of California native and drought-tolerant plants. It also includes the Cross Alameda Trail, which is a bicycle/pedestrian trail. The trail ultimately will link the entire island of Alameda. Future phases of the park will include a community garden, demonstration gardens, outdoor classroom, bicycle skills loop and plenty of open space and trails for the community enjoyment. Eventually when all the phases are completed, this new park will be the biggest in the City of Alameda. I thought the walking trail would be a long one, but to my surprise when I walked from the east entrance to the west entrance/exit located on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Constitution Way, it was slightly over a half-mile. Also the trail consists of two paths - one for bicyclists and the other for pedestrians. No more moving aside to let a bicyclist pass by. Finally, I thank all who were involved in making this park possible for the City of Alameda and surrounding communities. The event music by the Franz-Nichols Band and OGMC (Oakland Gay Men's Chorus) was entertaining. Two other people who were heavily involved in this project were Dorothy Freeman and Joe Woodward of Joseph Woodward Multimedia. Kudos to them for their diligence and hours "spent taking video and photos of the park design, advocacy and construction to document this momentous project..." (Quoted passage is from the Grand Opening Program).

Definitely lots of open spaces, benches, and structures for kids to play with
Kenneth T.

Love the open space, large children's playground (they even have a mini zipline!), covered BBQ area with picnic seatings, lots of greens, and bike route. Definitely a place for everyone. If you are someone who doesn't even like the outdoors, this place still has something for you where there's plenty of shades and roofed structures as well. But if you're looking for somewhere to hide from the cold wind, that, unfortunately, can't be helped - as the space is so open and it's pretty much a long exposed area with no buildings, you do get some wind and some major wind when it's a windy day - good for flying kites though.

Zip line
Jesse C.

Very nice park that has lots to do for your kids. It's pretty amazing as they have new play rope structures, obstacles and climbing things, zip line, sand pit that has water, large green space areas, and a toddler play structure. I think it's cool that alameda has added a new park instead of building more houses. Great place to spend a nice day in the park! There is even a covered area with lots of tables if you want a picnic. I must say the kids loved the zip line. Dog friendly as well.

Great playground!

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Beautiful new park. With lots of cooler play equipment for kids. We'll kept. Clean. Paved bike trail for mew bike riders!

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nice clean beautiful park.. i wish i would have had my God daughter bring her bike or scooter.

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Ask the Community - Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

To have a birthday or a bbq there is it first come first serve or do you have to reserve and pay somewhere?

There's a reservable picnic area that is covered and has BBQ grills - you can reserve through the City of Alameda by going to https://www.alamedaca.gov/Departments/Recreation-Parks

Is there a dog park itself in this park?

I believe no however it's very dog friendly

Are the playgrounds and bathroom open?

Yes!

Is the playground open during this time of the pandemic right now it's September?

Yes! It's open as of 10/11/20! I'm here right now as I type this message!

View All 6 Questions

Review Highlights - Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

Zip line to swap covid germs, sand box for the rug rat to share with neighborhood cat's larger than life litter box.

Mentioned in 14 reviews

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4.3(21 reviews)
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Littlejohn Park - Play structures

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Small parking lot and just street parking Wide flat paved…read moreroads, not that many trash cans but still please clean up after yourselves Lots of locations to play sports, basketball court, baseball field, pickleball courts There's a playground for the kids with swings, an exercising area and a picnic area with lots of tables and seats Small short walks, pet friendly, clean and very lively with family and friends

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Lincoln Park - Updated image of larger kids play area

Updated image of larger kids play area

Lincoln Park - Big kid play structure

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Washington Park - Softball Saturday

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Jean Sweeney Open Space Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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