|
Lake Chabot
Anthony Chabot Regional Park or Lake Chabot, as those of us who are long time residents of Castro Valley like to call it - is one of the best guarded secrets of our community. Although the park traverses numerous East Bay cities the Castro Valley entrance on Lake Chabot Road provides a quick transition from city to mountain hideaway in just a short drive from any location within Castro Valley. Considering our population it is amazing the isolation one can achieve with just a short stroll down either side of the picturesque lake.
 Lake Chabot Hiking Trails (East Side 10K)
If you want to try a 10K (6.21 mile) run or walk, this is a great one. You may park on the street or down in the lot for a fee. After you enter the park off Lake Chabot Road, head toward the East side (to the right) of the lake. At a four way intersection you will see a sign board with a map and park information. This is the starting point for your walk/run. Head down hill across a small bridge with a small par course on the right. Make a left and continue past a small duck pond on the left and then past a road heading toward the marina (you stay straight). Continue on this paved road for several miles. The lake on your left surrounded by local flora and fauna -- is beautiful.
After approximately 1.7 miles the paved road ends at a large metal gate. Many people stop at this point and head back. If you can keep going you will see the remote areas of the trip. Keep going past the gate (you are now on the Cameron Loop Trail) until you see a great old bridge on the left. Once across the bridge, your surroundings change and you seem to be in some isolated area totally outside of the city. The road is dirt and easy to follow. You will quickly arrive at a four way junction - stay to the left on Honker Bay Trail. The next marker will be the junction with Huck’s Trail (a toilet is available on the left). You are almost
there -- keep following the trail and you will come to a small boat dock where the trail heads right up a very steep hill to the right. This is the 3.1 mile spot or half of a 10K.
Stop at the dock and look across at the East Shore and the area already traveled -- it seems a lot longer from this side. After a short rest head back to complete your full 10K
(6.3 mile) trek.
Castro Valley Community Center: Castro Valley Community Center (18988 Lake Chabot Road) is an all purpose park located on a wide expanse of land that covers a multiple block area from Seven Hills Road to Lake Chabot Road. It is not only a green hideaway in the city but a focal point for numerous activities. The Chanticleers Theater calls the park its home -- offering year around plays at reasonable prices. The Community Center itself faces Lake Chabot Road and schedules events and activities throughout the year. In addition you can enjoy the picnic facilities, barbecues, play areas, parking, tennis courts, basketball court, horseshoe courts, softball field and even a snack bar. For additional information please call 881-6700.
Earl Warren Park: located at 4660 Crow Canyon, Castro Valley provides a pleasant relief within ear shot of freeways and major thorough fares. It is used by several dog clubs for shows and meetings and is a favorite dog walking area for the locals. It has picnic tables, barbecues, play area, parking lot, rest rooms and open lawn area.
 Carlos Bee Park: Carlos Bee Park might be considered on the cusp of Castro Valley. It is located at
1905 Grove Way. It has one of the most picturesque entries of any of our parks. Once past the secluded entry way, one more local park becomes available. It has picnic tables, group picnic area, barbecues and a play area.
 Dearview Park: Dearview Park was constructed to provide a park and recreational area for the new Columbia Developments. The park is located at 5780 Thousand Oaks. There is a swimming pool attached to the park but sorry, it is for members only. The park has picnic tables, picnic areas, barbeques, basketball courts and a par course.
Bay Trees: Bay Trees Park provides one of the best locations for a quick tennis match in the Bay Area. I guess it is overlooked by many because of its diminutive size but for Castro Valley residents who love tennis it is the place for a quick match or friendly volley any time of the week. Although small, the park is not without amenities. Bay Tees includes picnic tables, barbeques, a group picnic area, restrooms, parking lot and of course 6 tennis courts. Located at 19885 Cull Canyon Road (Across from the Fire House near the intersection of Heyer and Cull Canyon Road).
 Willow Park Golf Course: Willow Park Golf Course is located off upper Redwood Road in Castro Valley (17007 Redwood Road). If you drive up past Proctor school on the right and head into the hills and about a half mile more you will see Willow Park on the left. The facility features a restaurant, snack bar, cart rentals, driving range and a beautiful surrounding. It is open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Please call 510-537-8989 for additional information.
Golden Tee Golfland: The miniature golf course sports a mountain of dragons. The whimsical sculpture covers an old safe from the former tenant, Paines Realty, whose motto was “Clean Deals in Dirt.” The heavy safe of Paines was immovable, so the inventive golf course developer covered it over with concrete and the dragons. Located at 2533 Castro Valley Boulevard - 510-537-4073
Adobe Art Center: The Adobe Art Center at 20395 San Miguel Ave has been open for 25 years. It is a focal point for Castro Valley and local community artists. The center provides workshops classes and a show case for bay area artists. The building was constructed during the depression by the Works Progress Administrations (WPA) with adobe bricks from the area. The exhibits change throughout the year. Please call 510-881-6735 for
additional information.
 Kenneth C. Aitken Senior & Community Center: The Senior & Community Center is a special resource for Castro Valley. One of our newer structures, the facility is available for rent and is used by numerous clubs in Castro Valley. Located at 17800 Redwood Road it provides picnic tables, play areas and the community center building. Call 881-6700 for rental information.
Castro Valley Center for the Arts- 19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Castro Valley High School Swim Center- The Swim Center is located at 19500 Santa Maria Avenue.
Other Community Centers:
Castro Valley Park and Community Center
18988 Lake Chabot, Castro Valley
Deerview Park
5780 Thousand Oaks, Castro Valley
Earl Warren Park
4660 Crow Canyon, Castro Valley
Greenridge Park
6108 Greenridge, Castro Valley
Laurel Park
2652 Vergil, Castro Valley
Palomares Hills Park
7050 Villareal, Castro Valley
|
