Alameda Walks – 2016 Schedule

The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department sponsors Alameda Walks,  a program started in 2003.  The program was initially a collaboration of the Alameda Recreation and Park Department, Pedestrian Friendly Alameda and Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth & Families.  According to Patrick Russi, Recreation Supervisor, Alameda Recreation & Parks,  the goal was to get people out of their homes on Saturday mornings for a little exercise and a chance learn a little about the city of Alameda.  Patrick also notes that while ARPD loves the furry pets, they prefer that they wait for you at home.

Alameda Walks are held the first 2 Saturdays of each month from May to August.  The walks are usually an hour long and are easy unless otherwise noted.  Some are architectural walks and others feature interesting sites in Alameda.  Its a great way to learn about Alameda's neighborhoods and to enjoy a pleasant walk.  The walks average 25 people, but some walks featuring guest speakers have had more 75 walkers.

May 7          Gold Coast Architecture                                                                             *NEW*

We will meet at Franklin Park, 1432 San Antonio Avenue in front of the recreation building.  This walk will cover Gold Coast architecture with special note of Julia Morgan’s designed homes and more.  Dennis Evanosky and Eric Kos will lead this walk.   Note:  walk lasts 1 hour 15 minutes

May 14          Bay Farm Lagoon & Egret Nesting Walk                                We will meet at the Harbor Bay Community Center parking lot, 3195 Mecartney Road.  The walk will begin with exploratatin of the Egret colonial nesting site on the lagoon then we will meander through the lagoons at Harbor Bay to the Bay front.

May 21          Waterways Walk                                              SPECIAL ALAMEDA WALK

Meet at the small park on the grass behing Pet Food Express, 2661 Blanding Avenue, Ste F, next to the Fruitvale Bridge.  The walk will circle the Estuary from the Fruitvale to the Park Street Bridge and back.  EBRPD staff will talk about local wildlife including the endangered peregrine falcons that nest nearby and tides, sea level rise nad climate change.  This would be a prelude to a colloborative program with Rhythmix Cultural Center on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm.

June 4 Harbor Bay Business Parkway                               

We will meet on the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal Parking lot, 299 Adelphian Way.  This walk will explore the scenic views of San Francisco Bay and you will learn about the expansion of the Harbor Bay Business Parkway.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn about VF Outdoors, Peets, Donsuemor, etc.

June 11 Webster Street/Crab Cove/Sand Castle Contest

We will meet at the tennis courts, Lower Washington Park.  The walk will end with the opportunity to check out the building of sand castle and sand sculptures and to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Sand Castle contest.

July 2           Cohen’s Investment                                                                             UPDATED

Meet at Jackson Park, 2530 Encinal Avenue, in the front of the green bandstand.  This walk will focus on one of Alameda’s early resident, Alfred A. Cohen, attorney to the Central Paciic Railroad and his influence on Alameda.  Dennis Evansoky and Eric Kos will lead this walk.  Note:  walk lasts 1 hour 15 minutes

July 9         EBRD Guided Shoreline Walk                      *NEW*   

Meet at Crab Cove Visitor Center, 1252 McKay Avenue.  This walk will explore Crab Cove to Crown Beach while we walk along the Bay Trail from Crab Cove to Grand Avenue and back with a stop at the pond and along the b4eeach to view wildlife and discuss the history of our shoreline.   

August 6         Alameda Hospital Tour, Leanardville (Old South Shore)and Meyers House

Meet at the new Alameda Hospital entrance inside the parking lot at 2070 Clinton Avenue.  This walk will begin with a brief tour of Alameda Hospital and then to an exploraation of the Old South Shore and local famous architecture building of the Leonardville area of early 19th century Alameda

August 13            Uplands of Bay Farm                                                                    UPDATED

Meet at Gadfrey Park, 281 Beach Road, on Bay Farm Island in front of the recreation building.  This revised walk will focus on the farm lands that once dominated Bay Farm Island and its history.  Dennis Evanosky and Eric Kos will lead this walk.  Note:  Walk last 1 hour and 15 minutes

I write about events and things to do in Alameda weekly.  “Things to do in Alameda” is all about events for the whole family to enjoy in Alameda.  If you like what you see here, please come back for more or visit me on Living in Alameda Facebook page.