Lake Chabot Regional Park is an absolutely beautiful place and easily one of the most peaceful…read moreoutdoor spaces in the area. From the moment you arrive, it feels like a true escape from the city--quiet, expansive, and surrounded by nature. The scenery alone is worth the visit. The lake is stunning, especially when the light hits the water, and the surrounding hills and greenery make it feel immersive and calming. It's the kind of place that instantly slows you down and helps you breathe a little deeper. One of the biggest highlights is the sheer number of trails available. There are so many options, whether you're looking for a casual walk, a longer hike, or something more challenging. The trails are well maintained and offer a great mix of lake views, wooded areas, and open stretches. It's also a great park because it works for so many different types of outings. You'll see hikers, runners, cyclists, families, and people just enjoying time outdoors. There's plenty of space, so it never feels overcrowded, even when it's busy. Lake Chabot Regional Park is a true gem. The natural beauty, variety of trails, and peaceful atmosphere make it a place you'll want to return to again and again. Whether you're local or just visiting, it's absolutely worth spending time here.

I am writing to formally express my disappointment regarding my recent experience at the park and…read moremarina area. During my visit, my children and I waited nearly two hours to get on a pontoon boat while I observed management allowing other individuals to board boats based on personal relationships or favoritism. This felt unfair and unprofessional In addition the staff behavior inside the café was extremely disappointing and lacked professionalism. The only positive part of the experience was the young men working on the dock, who remained respectful and uplifting once they noticed I was upset. They handled themselves professionally despite the stressful environment around them I also noticed several safety and cleanliness concerns throughout the area. Many of the boats appeared old poorly maintained and dirty From what I observed employees were mainly instructed to spray the boats down quickly with hoses, with little to no proper cleaning supplies being used This does not appear to be an effective or safe maintenance process for equipment being used by families and visitors Another concern was the way some employees were treated by management I witnessed behavior that appeared disrespectful and unprofessional toward staff members. I strongly believe all visitors and employees should be treated with courtesy, fairness, and professionalism at all times, regardless of background or position Overall the lack of organization, customer service, assistance, and maintenance created a very frustrating experience for my family and negatively impacted our visit to the park I respectfully ask that management seriously review these concerns and take appropriate action to improve customer service, employee treatment, safety standards, cleanliness, and overall operations moving forward

Hudson Gymnastics is a wonderful gym! It's clean, spacious & the instructors are warm, professional…read more& great with the kids! My daughter takes classes with Ms. Tawnya; she is amazing (as is all the staff)! We love that the monthly classes are themed (e.g., one month was a dinosaur theme), and we highly recommend them!

My toddlers (started at 2.5 years old) love going to Hudson Gymnastics! They get to freely explore…read moreso many different equipment at their own pace. Coach Rawnna is always keeping a close eye on all the kiddos and will offer support and brief 1-1 instruction throughout the class. I appreciate her gentle and warm approach to get my kids to try new skills/movements. We definitely wanna keep signing up!

It's outdoor pool check! A lot of lanes which i love especially when you are doing laps swimming…read more It's open to the public from Monday till Saturday just check on their website which is accurate and always updated everyday. They got a punch card (10) passes for $64, not bad, if you want to swim for a day, they offer a 1 day pass for only $8 . Parking is free, just on the other side of the road but if you have a handicapped placard you can park near the vicinity. The pool is almost near the post entrance, it's just kinda tricky. I go by my Waze app and type the Trefethen Aquatic Center by Mills college.

The hot tub was dirty and filthy and not clean. It was a lot of people in there would not be going…read morethere again

Wonderful large park. Saw various birthday parties being held on same day and plenty of space to…read morenot be in each other's way. But because so many people use this park parking can be a bit challenging. We ended up parking on the street. They have a splash pad and playground with different slides. Kids had fun. We also attended a family event at the community center. Large space that also includes a small playground for the kids. A kitchen area with a refrigerator. Overall great park.

Parking lot small but there's a few street parking Clean…read morespacious organized and well kept Tennis courts kid playground basketball courts BBQ pits seating area and wide grass field for soccer Yeah, I think they got everything here I prob missed some other positives too Try this spot out

I used to live nearby, and this would be my go-to place for jogging, skating, and/or just enjoying…read morethe peaceful environment surrounded by nature. This was my first time back after at least a decade, unless you count our unsuccessful attempt at taking my bf's boat out from the Wes McClure Boat Launch several years ago when the tide was too low. Not much has changed with this place. Went for a run on Sunday, and took in the sunset views on this beautiful evening, while making my way around the small lagoon at the park. The trail connects to the SF Bay Trail, so there's plenty of options for getting your steps in. The marina was busy as expected on the weekend but not as crowded as it gets during the spring and summer. I like that there are exercise stations along the pathway, as well as a few benches situated among the rocky shoreline. Parking and restrooms are conveniently available on site, too. The place isn't perfect, but it's one of the nicest spots in the San Leandro area.

Mama my cousin and I drove here. We decided to have a little food from Dixons! Very soothing water…read more We sat ate chatted! Very nice family.

This is a critical review because there is nowhere else to criticize the programs I have issues…read morewith. Alameda Rec blanket covers these bad programs and allows the to continue despite obvious shortcomings. My daughter took a variety of summer camps in 2023. We went through the catalogue in the spring and had no issues picking any of our selections. She enjoyed, Hanabi Judo: Pokemon Camp, Young Rembrandts: Colorful Critters Workshop & Children's Aikido. The issues were with: CRTW: Oodles of Noodles, Play-Well: Minecraft Engineering w/ LEGO & Play-Well: STEM + Animal Architects w/ LEGO. Oodles of Noodles was the main offender with an additional $150 for materials that were is definitely overpriced. My daughter chopped vegis for two days of five and not much more than that. She did not learn a single sauce recipe or even tired various sauces to learn what's out there. The teachers were often on their phones bragging about the door dash being delivered to eat in front of the kids but not share. The Lego classes were generally a disappointment, with minor projects loosely tiesdto a theme but most of the time was just freeplay. My daughter was excited for weeks looking forward to the minecraft camp, but left deflated. I honestly felt like I let her down because there wasn't an opportunity to switch another camp, just money paid for "glorified" childcare. We will never sign up for these class again, will advise all within my social circle the same and will do thorough research before selecting future classes within Alameda Rec. I do think there are worthy camps to select.

There has got to be some serious Happy Juice infused in the water that the ARPD staff drinks…read more Seriously, I don't think I've ever used any city's parks, camps, after-school daycare, teen center and field trip operation with such a collectively friendly, helpful, and patient staff. Personally, as the victim of constant 'Mom Poisoning," which typical symptoms often include: random forgetfulness, sleep deprivation, looking constantly dazed and confused, referring to one of your children in a conversation when you were really meaning to refer to another one, talking to the imaginary little plump fairies flying around you a lot of the time while in mid-conversation with a real human being, and sailing away merrily alone in your car after forgetting to make sure that your child actually managed to make his/her way physically into the car with you when you came to pick him/her up. Despite all of my Mom Poisoning symptoms, the ARPD staff has always treated me with the utmost cheerful understanding and respect. Let's look at a few examples of my interactions with them, and compare the responses to what Your Average (anyplace) City Schmuck Park Employee (YACSPE) *could* say to me, the Mom-Poisoned ("MP"). Me (MP) to the ARPD WOW camp staff after taking 6 year old wild child to the completely wrong park thinking it was a the week of a certain soccer camp that actually wasn't happening for another two weeks. MP: I can't believe I got this soccer camp week wrong by two weeks. ARPD staff: No problem, Ms. S. Turns out his regular camp park group is coming over in about 45 minutes for a camp-wide special event at our park so they can just give him a ride back to the correct park and camp after that. MP: I feel like such a ditz ARPD: Don't worry Ms. S., it happens all the time. What a "Your Average Daily City Schmuck Park Employee" (YACSPE) would at least think: What the hell kind of mother are you? That camp isn't for two more weeks! Don't you ever look at a calendar and write these things down? Nutso parent! Get a clue! MP: To the ARPD counselors at the Teen Center after my then twelve-year-old son questioned the existence of God a bit too bluntly to some both very sensitive and even more "very* Christian home-schooled tweens there: MP: I'm really sorry that he offended those kids. Anything that seems "Fundamentalist' to him when discussing religion gets him as riled up as a particular very openly opinionated, sarcastic, swearing, liberal uncle who means well and advocates free speech....and I've reminded him time and again that it's okay to ask questions, but try not to offend people when you do, even if you don't agree with them one bit. ARPD: That's okay. We discussed that he needed to think through what he is going to say in advance since it really did hurt those kids' feelings. However, there wasn't any real harm done. YACSPE might say: Why isn't your son on some serious meds to keep him sedated? Now we could face a major lawsuit against the local churches those students attend! MP to the ARPD RAP (after-school care) staff after wild child decided to get in a tussle with an older kid over wall ball and taking turns that turned into a huge brawl. MP: I'm so sorry he got so worked up. He didn't get enough sleep last night and has been in an atypical bad mood most of the day. He knows he should be using words, not hitting. *migraine ensues* ARPD: Well, we took each of the boys aside and explained how hitting isn't allowed and then eventually had the two of them talk it out. They seem to be good friends now. YACSPE: Christ, I bet you or your Old Man beat the crap out of that kid at home or something for him to get into a fight like that. We're calling CPS! ARPD's staff is even kind enough to call around the night before your kid goes on a field trip and remind you what time to be there the next morning since the tour bus will depart at a set-in-stone time. You know how certain, *ahem*, Night Owls definitely need these reminders so we can set at least two alarm clocks with the loudest one being placed at least 10 feet away from the bed in order to even get out of bed early. Even the person I typically deal with on the phone for scheduling changes and payments is always cheerful and courteous. They now have an online scheduling/payment system too. How convenient is that? There is something in that Happy juice going on, and I'm telling you it's a wonderful thing. Thank you, ARPD staff for your graciousness and your programs. You make a single, working, full-time parent of three kids' schedules so much easier to plan when they all too typically border on the impossible to coordinate.

Walked in Mother and have been wanting to join. Greeted very warmly by Daffany. She loves…read morebutterflies! I said your short and office space is so lovely. Decorated with butterflies. She said she loves butterflies. I said my Mother here is called Mother Butterfly at her church. She gave my Mother a beautiful butterfly you put in your yard. That was kind of her. Her energy, being so warm and friendly. This is perfect job for her. She had me sold on joining. She was the best. We walked around so the center. She explained everything in great details. I can't wait to experience the fun. Thank You ever so much Daffany.

A hidden gem in East Oakland with plenty of open-space parking. Near a library, senior center,…read moreyouth recreation building with indoor pool and gym, and outdoor tennis courts beside the no-dog park. One of the newest, most pristine Oakland Parks & Rec center. Classrooms have a separator that can facilitate mid-size group break-out activities. Indoor basketball courts can facilitate little junior bball games with plenty of spectators. The library(?) room serves well as an executive lounge. A small kitchen with working kitchen equipments perfect for serving hot meals. There are flushing toilets in each male and female bathrooms. Overall, it is a great venue to hold community forums, mid- to large-size group trainings and festivities.

5 stars for Kristy and H.A.R.D…read more 0 star for Mega Math. They are a scam. We signed up for the EV3 robotics with embedded programming camp this week, the instructor 's name is Megha Salpekar. She is unprofessional and no manner. The class was unstructured and was not teaching in a classroom setting. She just put the Lego and laptops on the floor so the kids will have to work independently. However, no scope of project or theme was given. It's all free build. My son has never taken any programming class so he doesn't know anything about it. So he keeps asking the teacher questions about how it works. After "too many" questions asked, she scream at him and told him to go back to his seat and do his own stuff. He got frustrated because the teacher was not helpful and not provide any guidance, so he play video games for 3 hours. He said the teacher said it's okay to play video games because it's summer time. After learning the situation on the first day, I talked to Kristy trying to find a solution and then I also went to talk to the teacher on the second day. She was showing me the program that they use on the laptop. After asked my second question trying to find out how the class was structured, she started to get mad and yell at me. She seems to get annoyed pretty easily and have no patience with kids or parents. She's already not teaching and when you ask "too many" question, she will yell at you. Please avoid at all times. Most of their classes in H.A.R.D were cancelled. Now I know why. So their class was just to provide the laptop, software and Legos. Then she gets angry if you ask question. For $330, why don't I just get the stuff at home and we can play it for longer than a month! We have spike prime at home and my son enjoys it too and do not need to get yelled at.

I have been hiking the East Avenue trail for fifty years. This morning I arrived at my rest stop,…read morewhich I call Indian rock, and I noticed some children from the summer camp painted their names on the rock. I am very dismayed because this specific rock formation is the best one on the trail. I hope the camp people stop having painting activities for the children outdoors because the picnic tables, the new bridge foundation and now "painted rock" look terrible.

I'm not someone who suffers from a syndrome I like to call "hiking hubris", I.e., I don't…read moremindlessly skip along on loose gravel presuming I have the scaling dexterity of a Nepalese sherpa. The De La Veaga Trail is rated as "Moderate", and they're not kidding. It connects Scotts Peak off Grizzly Peak Blvd in Tilden Park with central Orinda near the BART station. I didn't think these two points connected until I saw there was a whole area called Siesta Valley. While it's rustically scenic with Mt. Diablo views, there is little else except steep hillsides and the two trails that traverse it of which the De La Veaga is the longer one. It started on a narrow but relatively flat trail that runs along Grizzly Peak judging from the sound of traffic from above. Once I turned into the valley itself, the gravel felt a lot looser, and there were long stretches of mud even though it had not rained in over three weeks. The trail climbed pretty abruptly into the ridge line overlooking Hwy 24 in the distance. There was a cattle gate that signaled the trail was going to descend. It did and right onto a fire road where the pastoral setting was interrupted by the presence of high voltage power towers. Surprisingly it was on the way down winding into Orinda where I faced most of the challenge as there wasn't much traction provided by the loose gravel on the road. I slipped several times coming down the hill to the point where I had to pause and acknowledge my age. Perhaps walking sticks are a good idea at least for a "Moderate" trail although I have to say some that are labeled in that category were not as challenging as this one. Walking back to my starting point was much more manageable because I knew the watch-out points. This is probably not a trail that I'll walk frequently. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails that I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU

SIESTA VALLEY RECREATION AREA is managed by East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), which has…read morea business address of 375 11th Street in Oakland, CA. Siesta Valley Recreation Area takes the form of huge series of rolling hills, mostly taking the form of grassy meadows, with scenic groves of eucalyptus trees located here and there. The attached Google map photo shows how the trail weaves through groves of trees (see, PHOTO). There is one main trail, which can best be accessed by parking at the parking lot for the Little Train. The second of the two attached Google map photos shows where to find the Little Train parking lot, and the nearby trail that leads you to the main trail in Siesta Valley (see, other PHOTO). The Little Train is well-known by most people in the East Bay, particularly by folks living in Oakland or in Berkeley. Once you have parked near the Little Train, Siesta Valley Recreation Area is best accessed by hiking south on BAY AREA RIDGE TRAIL. After about 20 minutes, you will arrive at the SCOTT'S PEAK TRAILHEAD. The trail is easy to find and easy to follow, because it takes the form of a well-groomed dirt road. The good quality and distinct nature of this dirt road trail is similar to that of EAST RIDGE TRAIL, which is located in REDWOOD REGIONAL PARK, located a couple of miles south of Siesta Valley Recreation Area. MAIN FEATURES. The trail takes about 90 minutes to hike from the western trailhead (Scott's Peak Trailhead) to the eastern trailhead (located on Camino Pablo Avenue in Orinda, CA, just north of the Orinda BART station). What is attractive about this hike are: (1) A great opportunity for aerobic exercise; (2) Grand vistas of distant Mount Diablo and, on occasion, the attractive sight of thick blankets of low-hanging cloud-cover that block the view of towns between Orinda and Mount Diablo; (3) Beautiful sculptural qualities of the rolling hills that you will see during your hike along the entire trail; (4) The opportunity to see occasional deer; (5) Wildflowers and plants such as, Fuller's teasel. The scenery and wild plants found during your hike at Siesta Valley Recreation Area are similar to that encountered on hikes in the western half of LAS TRAMPAS in Castro Valley. What is similar between this part of LAS TRAMPAS and Siesta Valley Recreation Area are the rolling hills that are mostly bare of trees, the lack of crowds of other hikers, and the need to carry an EBMUD hiking pass.

Excellent free open swimming in summers. Schedule:…read morehttps://www.haywardrec.org/facilities/facility/details/Sunset-Swim-Center-109 Low cost group swim lessons: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/haywardrec/home?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true Thank you very much Swim Center employees! Clean. Has life guards.

Free recreational swim in the summer mid June to early Aug every Mon-Sat from 1:30-3:30pm!…read more There's lots of free parking at the school next door. Pool is split in half with buoys. To swim on deep end, must last a swim test. Two lifeguards on duty. They also have swim life vests that kids can use (not sure if they are free or not). Took away one star because there are no lockers, but there are showers and toilets.