Berkeley Aquatic Park
- Good for Kids: Yes
68 reviews
Neighborhood: Embarcadero
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18 Reviews for Berkeley Aquatic Park
Not every corner of Aquatic Park is a sordid den of disgusting debauchery.
There is a darling playground here called, I think, Dreamland, which is very popular with tots. There is a huge play structure, the ground is covered in clean wood-chips, and the trains speed noisily by.
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I like to play disc golf at Aquatic Park. On Wednesdays at around 5pm (April to September) is a weekly tournament. During the other months it switches to Saturday mornings. Check out http://ebdgc.org for details. One note: many of the water shots are challenging because of an almost constant wind -- but when you feel comfortable throwing these shots, you've definitely become a solid player.
I prefer Aquatic Park on foggy days because there aren't tons of people in the park on those days and it's easier to get a round of disc golf in.
The majority of the disc golfers I run into are very considerate of other park users, so it's disappointing to read about "jerky frisbee players" etc. I do believe, however, that when the course was installed in 1980, drug dealing decreased significantly and the casual sex in the bushes was pushed to the south end of the park--though it would be nice if the city of Berkeley would trim up the caves in bushes on the south end of the park to completely curtail that scene.
Aquatic park is a beautiful stretch of land with a fantastic view of the bay. I'd like to see more signage about the disc golf course for both players trying to find their way around and to give other park users a heads up of where discs are flying.
What the f--k.
Two minutes from this place is where I work, and I sometimes have to drive by it when I'm heading to the gym in Berkeley. Almost every time I drove by it, I see cars parked along the dirt patch next to the railroad tracks, and have even seen creepy looking guys just walk into the bushes. I always wondered just what the hell were all these nice cars doing parked along the street. I google around, and don't see any mentioning of crime. My brother says it's probably a gay spot, or drugs. A visit to Yelp confirms my suspicion...
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One day, I was heading to the gym after getting lucky enough to get out of work early. I was driving along Shellmound Street, when I noticed that giving gas to my car didn't bring any acceleration. My timing belt snapped, and I had to ride out the rest of my speed towards the side of the road, right before Aquatic Park sign along the railroad tracks. Thankfully, I told myself, I didn't snap this belt on the freeway.
Yet, here I was: parked on the dirt road, on a Friday, next to the bushes, with little cell phone battery, in my gym clothes, along aquatic park. Eff me.
I was able to call my grandfather, who lived some miles away, for a lift, after I found out how ridiculously expensive towing a car would be. But while I was waiting, I was noticing the strangest thing: there were these cars, some of them nice looking ones, parking up behind me, or in front of me. Some guy walked along the bushes, and disappeared behind there. Mind you, it's friggin' hot, and I had to put the window down a little bit. But my spider-sense was telling me something was not right. In my rear-view, this nice ass bmw with this black dude in a nice suit, got out, and walked casually behind the fence towards the railroad tracks and disappeared. He reappeared some time later, got into the car, and left.
What the? Along came other cars, and I took out that metallic bar of my club (anti-theft club) and put it on the passenger seat, cuz it was getting creepy. Guys walking by the car, and disappearing to the other side of the bushes. Here I was, sweating because I wanted the window up, but I had to give in and crack them open juuuusst slightly to get a breeze. At that time, I cursed God for making me so sexy.
It must have taken my grandfather an hour, but eventually he came. Thank GOD. Along with him came my uncle, who is a mechanic, and they went about looking for the vehicle. By this time, I was outside having a look at the engine, but obviously more brave than an hour ago. My grandfather, who is elderly, had to take a leak. Casually, he walked towards the woods an-
NO, GRANDPA, NOOOOO!!!!
Thankfully, he was still in my view, and nothing happened. THAT would have been an awkward explanation to the police, no doubt.
So, the tow truck came over, and I was gone. But, to this day, when I drive by Shellmound Street, I still see those morons just disappearing behind the bushes, nice cars along the dirt road.
Yo, police, do something about this. But what I want to know is: why the hell do you have this stuff going on in the Bay? Is the SF toll too cheap for these muthas? Apparently not with the cars that I was seeing. Seriously, it's a park, go somewhere else, and stop people from bringing their kids to a park.
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One star for the disc golf course. There's a great mix of 18 challenging holes - although the course isn't in the best shape. Great views of the city also. This park is situated on marshland, as such the ground can be soggy. Because it overlooks the bay, it can get windy and chilly. The 80 freeway is nearby which makes it rather noisy. Ya and the whole gay hookup thing - creeps me out big time. It's pleasant enough when you're just passing through.
In my opinion, there are MUCH better parks to relax in. Head out to Emery Cove or Berkeley Marina instead for a similar experience. Better views, less traffic noise, & less creepiness. Unless you're disc golfer or water skier.
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Today the third graders from Rosa Parks Elementary school were picking up trash at the aquatic park. Next logical step: B-high English class comes down to do some weed-whacking.
This is really not the best kept-up park. I have my doubts about the wooden playstructure that may very well need an upgrade, but on the other hand as far as these things go, a lot of art and architecture went into its design. Its refreshingly odd. Kids, commuters, young adult frisbee afficionados, teenagers making out, loiterers along the skeeze spectrum...this place takes all kinds! The park is pretty busy during the day - the trail space is filled with joggers and other bikers and dog-walkers, AKA obstacle course fodder. And I'm pretty sure the pit-bull owners association must meet here, because never have I seen so many in a casual 5 minute drive-by...er...ride-through.
I'm happier riding through here and seeing the sights than on any other leg of my journey to the Bay Trail. Would I pic nic here? I fear the smell, potent even from my bike and a likeness of rotting duck eggs steeped in fish poop, would keep me from doing that more than anything else.
PS: Did you know that this park has a doppleganger in Medford MA? It's the Mystic River Reservation. I had many a harried run through there. Good times.
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I've been coming here for years. It's an oval shaped walk/ride/frisbee around the Berkeley Aquatic Club and the occasional kayaker.
Part of the trail is concerte and part is dirt path (which sometimes floods but alternative routes are available). The park is lush with a treeline that hides a busy cargo train station on the other side of the divide... makes for some pretty good b&w phtoops if trains are your thing. Catch it around 2:00pm on most week days.
There's a children's park at the other end of the first leg of the walk. Acros the way from that is a public bathroom and drinking fountain for people AND your companion (eyebrow raise of glee for that one). http://www.flickr.com/...
As you turn the corner you'll be on the other side of the water park. Albeit, noise from the traffic on your right will drown out a LOT of your hearing, the white noise is at least consistent and there's a certain peace in that, too. My grouch about this particular side is that homeless camps have come into the scene and it appears that moumds of dirt or soil-mix is ready to be put down but funds were halted and the project sits still... that side is a little spooky because you don't know which direction it will go "for safety sake" but joggers and bikers alike still use it. I've not had a problem, yet but I don't go there at night... I think that's the time best suited for "the boys". ;-)
Plenty of parking. Great, all day photo opportunities. All the dogs that come here seem friendly. People tend to off-leash their dogs until they see an oncoming person with another dog... releashing their dogs as they near. I thought that was particularly thoughtful and appropriate... two thumbs up for courtesy (not a whole lot of small dogs here).
This is Max's FAVORITE Easty Bay spot. Absolutely GPS this thing down.
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I stopped by after lunch. Hadn't been here in 3+ years. Oh, my! It was "busier" than ever. The "sketchy, skanky, etc." men were like ants. Of course it was in an area where children, bikers, hikers, dog walkers, etc. would not go. So no harm done.
I hear they're bringing back the Alka Seltzer man in ads. Well, I had a great plop, plop, fizz, fizz experience!
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I'm not gonna lie. We call this the "boyfriend park." This park is probably responsible for all the used condoms that I see on the street when I walk to work. Getting that out of the way, this park is a necessary evil. I really don't know how else to describe it except to say that it is somewhat like having to sit through crappy GE classes on pottery made of buffalo crap so that you can get your biochemistry degree. (Sorry, I am still suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder from that class...I digress).
Why does this park have to exist? Well, its location is actually pretty rad. You have the most amazing view of San Francisco from this location. Of course, you cannot stand still or sit anywhere long enough to enjoy it because you'll get clobbered by a frisbee if you do. However, you can get a quick glimpse and it is worth it.
Emphasis on quick. Trust me, you are going to want to run in and out of here pretty quickly. The men in the parked cars are certainly creepy. The frisbee players are somewhat jerky too. And there are also nasty dudes smoking pot near the water.
So why would you bother running here at all? Well, because you would run through here on your way to run to and through the Berkeley Marina of course. And, on your way to the marina, you will cross this fabulous pedestrian bridge over the 80 to see obnoxious traffic AND another amazing view of SF, and Oakland, and Emeryville, and Berkeley, and the hills. Awesome. Then you get to the Marina and that is awesome too. And then you turn around and are back in this park again.
So there, look at this place for what it is...running purgatory. Necessary. Painful. Not completely awful. On your way to something better.
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The Aquatic Park is going to be the next hot spot in Berkeley in a few years.Mark my words. LOTS of great energy is going into this area by way of community organizations, city funded renovations and the steady flow of commuters pedaling over the pedestrian bridge. 4th street inspired yuppie shops are springing up all over that area which is paving the way for a lot of activity down by the AP. While you are checking out 4th street and wine.com come down to Waterside Workshops at the Aquatic Park and get involved with one of our DIY shops.
As for most of the reviews on here currently. The AP is about 1 mile long and all the nasty stuff you hear about is going on at the far south end of the park. Dont give the North part of the park a bad name because of what happens a mile away. AND how much of this sketchiness has actually happened and how much is your own paranoia. I have spent more time in that park than most people will ever spend in their lives and i have had ZERO sketchy experiences. So yes be careful, but dont jump to conclusions.
I don't know about those shifty eyed guys scanning the bushes or the other seamier sides of this park but the playground is kicking.
On the latest visit, we parked here, unloaded the bike and trailer. I took the kids for a ride over 80, to the kite park and back to play on the playground. They had a ball. As an added bonus there are trains. Kids like trains...
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Best place to be a voyeur and take photos of "straight" men having casual sex in the bushes! It's awesome. Being female and weird, I am fascinated by this phenomenon, wherein otherwise normal-looking married suburban guys drive their breedermobiles here, back in to a parking spot (that means you're available for teh sexin') and either stroll into the bushes, or wait for another guy to walk by and chat them up.
Huzzah to the horny creepy dudes with no impulse control, who make it so amusing to walk around here!
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The disc golf course here is pretty nice. It's got cement tees, and someone awesome leaves printed maps at the first hole. (Very useful to not get lost). The course is flat but there are lots of trees and water to lose discs in. And don't just casually hop in looking for your disc unless you like being eight inches deep in the mud. Probably not worth schelpping out here if you don't want to play disc golf, though, what with the shady guys looking for sex and all.
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The disc golf course here is my favorite ever. It is the closest one to my house, but it's also challenging and super fun- and a very nice man named Arturo goes around pulling up the many, many discs that have been hocked into the drink, and sells them to you for 4 or 5 bucks apiece. Awesome way to not have to buy a brand new Innova for 15 bucks and then lose it on the fourth hole. Thank you, Arturo, for the many benefits you bring to the Aquatic Disc Golf community.
Minus one star for the NASTY men who cruise around here looking to get some nooky in the bushes. Can't you do this in the comfort of your own home?? There are KIDS around!! It completely creeps me out- but luckily I am always here with my husband, so I can protect him.
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oh my lord, I love this place! I can have my wife and young daughter playing on that awesome playground, have my 12 year old son play frisbee golf and i get to sneak on over to the other side and get a guy to do the things my wife is only midly interested in doing, if you know what I mean. (nudge nudge wink wink) And its all free. Dog bless amercia
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Yes, this park is little sketchy. But as a woman walking by myself, I've never felt particularly thretened...maybe that's because I'm walking my pit-bull or maybe it's because I know all those sketchy looking men are looking for men...not for me.
But generally, it's a good place to walk my dog. Especially since it's not over-crowded with other dogs....particularly those uncontrolled, off-leash dogs....And on that topic....a word:
I wish I had the time to have this conversation with these people in person. However, I'm usually too busy trying to keep their dogs from getting hurt. So here it is:
My dog is not a mean dog. He's not a "dangerous" dog. He gets along just swell with kids, people and many other dogs. However, he does not get along with ALL dogs. Particularly your super "friendly" dogs who want to come barreling full-speed ahead at him. But I'm not the Dog Whisperer....so, I don't know which particular dog he's going to have a personality conflict with. So...being the responsible dog owner that I am...I keep him on-leash when other dogs are around.
What's that you say? You like your dog to be able to run around off-leash (even in parks such as Aquatic, where that is not allowed...) Okay, sure...I understand. That's why when I see you and your multiple off-leash dogs jumping about, I will walk mine as far away as I can while keeping him on a very short leash. But when that fails...and your dog (or dogs) insist on running towards us, I will call out to you, "Please call your dog." Oh, I see....it appears that your dog does not actully come when called. How very, very helpful.
But now...suddenly....it appears that you think this whole interaction is somehow MY fault. "If your dog is dangerous, shouldn't he be muzzled?", you ask. Well, no. You see...he's not dangerous. But he IS an animal. And he's protecting his territory (aka his body) from being jumped on by a stranger. Funny, I do the same thing. But since you're asking the question, then let me ask you this, "If your dog doesn't come when called, shouldn't he be leashed?"
Look....there are lots of dog parks (Pt. Isabelle and Alameda Dog Park to name a few)where dogs are allowed to run around off-leash all they want. I don't take my dog to such places, so you won't have to worry about running into me and my "dangerous" dog there.
But if you insist on breaking the leash law at parks such as Aquatic...then please exercise a little common sense and don't go yelling at me when I'm the one being the responsible dog-owner. And if none of this gets the point across...then fuck it....guess my dog might just have to bite yours. Don't say I didn't try.
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While it does have cool features, like a nice lake, soccer practice, canoeing, motor boating, biking/running trails, etc. It is a very sketchy place.
A few rapes occurred here in broad daylight as basically you are alone and isolated around the man made lagoon.
Also, if you pass by at night down the Ashby exit to the HW, you can see cars of people waiting by the lake. Prostitution, or casual sex anyone?
Ground rules for women, don't go alone. Ground rules for everyone else, go with groups and leave by twilight.
I always found this park a little skanky. Others have mentioned the clandestine sex. The dirty water, the view of 880. Yeah, they just don't make it a lovely place to picnic. But if you like Disc Golf, they have a course on the nicer (East) side of the lagoon.
Yikes! Guys walking around dressed up shifting their eyes, scanning the bushes.... Not too inviting. The playground side is not too bad.
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