Bee
About
Ohlone Park, a vibrant 9.8-acre green space, stretches for five blocks through the heart of central Berkeley, California, offering a welcoming retreat for both residents and visitors. This linear park, much more than just a patch of green, serves as a crucial community hub, connecting neighborhoods and providing diverse recreational opportunities. Its unique character is deeply rooted in local history and a strong community spirit, making it a special place where urban life harmonizes with nature.
The park boasts an impressive array of features, from expansive lawns perfect for impromptu games and picnics to well-maintained sports facilities including basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball courts. Children will delight in multiple play areas, including a recently updated nature-inspired playground featuring log structures and climbing ropes. Dog owners appreciate the dedicated off-leash dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs. Nature enthusiasts can explore the community gardens and tree-lined paths, keeping an eye out for local wildlife such as Anna's Hummingbird, Lesser Goldfinch, and American Crow flitting among the trees, or various butterflies like Monarchs and Anise Swallowtails near flowering plants like California poppy and Bermuda buttercup.
Visiting Ohlone Park offers a memorable experience for its blend of activity and tranquility. Whether you're seeking a lively spot for family fun, a peaceful path for a stroll, or a place to connect with the natural world within an urban setting, this park delivers. It's a testament to community vision, enhanced by public art like the Jean Lamarr mural honoring the Ohlone people, and provides easy access to the longer Ohlone Greenway for extended adventures. The opportunity to observe a variety of species, from the common Eastern Fox Squirrel to the more elusive California Slender Salamander, adds an enriching layer to every visit. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.
Ohlone Park's origins are deeply intertwined with the development of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. The land that now forms the park was originally cleared in the 1960s for an above-ground BART line. However, strong community activism led by Berkeley residents successfully campaigned for the BART tunnels to be constructed underground, freeing up the land for public use. This space, initially known as "People's Park Annex," became a grassroots community effort, with residents planting and maintaining an ad hoc park. After years of community involvement and advocacy, the land was officially leased to the City of Berkeley for one dollar per year. The park was dedicated on June 7, 1979, and formally named Ohlone Park in honor of the local indigenous people, marking it as one of Berkeley's first parks created through citizen initiative. The park also features a mural by Native American artist Jean Lamarr, depicting the history and culture of the Ohlone people.
What to do here
Enjoy a picnic on the lawns, play basketball, soccer, softball, or volleyball on the courts and fields, let your dog socialize at the dog park, explore the community gardens, and walk or bike along the Ohlone Greenway. Keep an eye out for diverse bird species, butterflies, and squirrels.
Seasonal info
Summer often brings outdoor concerts and events like the "Music in the Park" series. The diverse plant life ensures seasonal blooms, attracting various insects and birds throughout the year. The California Native Ways Festival also takes place in June.
Accessibility
Ohlone Park features walking trails and is largely wheelchair accessible with paved paths. The Ohlone Greenway, which runs through the park, is also ADA-accessible. Restrooms are available. However, some playground areas use bark surfacing, which may not be suitable for all wheelchairs or strollers.
Don't miss
1
The Ohlone Greenway path, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.
2
Multiple playgrounds, including a newer nature-inspired structure near Hearst and Bonita.
3
The off-leash dog park at Hearst and Grant, with separate areas for large and small dogs.
4
The public art mural by Jean Lamarr, honoring the Ohlone people, located on a BART vent.
Wildlife you might spot
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Snap map for this place
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Good to know before you go
Parking
On-street parking can be found around the park, especially on side streets. Paid parking garages are also available downtown Berkeley. Public transit is highly recommended due to its proximity to the North Berkeley BART station.
Public Transit
Take BART to the North Berkeley station for direct access to the park's western end.
Bring essentials
Pack water, snacks, picnic supplies, and any sports equipment you might want to use. Don't forget dog supplies if visiting the dog park.
Wildlife Spotting
Look for various bird species in trees and shrubs, and butterflies and bees around the community gardens and flowering plants. Early mornings are often best for bird activity.
Explore the Greenway
Extend your visit by walking or biking along the Ohlone Greenway, which connects to the park and offers miles of paved trails.
Stay Aware
While Ohlone Park is a community hub, some areas have faced issues with encampments. It's always advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially during less busy hours.
Frequently asked questions
- Ohlone Park in Berkeley offers a wide range of activities including playing various sports like basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball on its dedicated courts and fields, letting dogs play in the off-leash dog park, enjoying multiple playgrounds, picnicking on the lawns, exploring community gardens, and walking or cycling along the Ohlone Greenway.
- Yes, Ohlone Park is very dog-friendly, featuring a renowned off-leash dog park located at Hearst and Grant. It includes separate fenced areas for both large and small dogs, providing a safe and engaging space for pets to play and socialize.
- Ohlone Park originated from land that was cleared for the BART subway system in the 1960s. Through significant community effort and activism, residents campaigned to put the BART lines underground, transforming the vacant land into a public green space. It was informally known as "People's Park Annex" before being officially dedicated as Ohlone Park in 1979, named in honor of the local indigenous people.
Recent snaps at this place
Jan 29, 2026
Jan 27, 2026
Jan 24, 2026
Jan 23, 2026
Jan 22, 2026
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