Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area
| Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area | |
|---|---|
| Area | 222 acres (90 ha) |
| Created | 1967 |
| Operated by | East Bay Regional Park District |
Kennedy Grove is a 222-acre regional park located in West Contra Costa County that contains a three-mile hiking trail with an elevation of 760 feet. The Grove features many large eucalyptus trees, picnic areas, volleyball nets, playgrounds, and horseshoe pits. Bird watching is popular here because hawks are almost always spotted. Some hikers have reported seeing golden and bald eagles around the reservoir. There is no camping allowed. Parking is $5 with an extra $2 fee for a dog. Dogs have to be on the leash around the lawn but they are allowed off the leash in remote parts of the park. The park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk.
There are several trails located within the recreation area ranging from very easy to somewhat difficult. All Trails lead out from the eucalyptus grove located near the base of the San Pablo Dam, adjacent to the parking area. Several trails will guide you through changing landscapes of native Oak chaparrals and fern laden Bay laurel woodlands. A segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail begins at Kennedy Grove and runs along the western shore of San Pablo Reservoir. Eventually the trail crosses San Pablo Dam Road and then climbs up the San Pablo Ridge. *NOTE* An EBMUD permit is required for this hike.
Before this 222-acre park became a protected area it was home to wheat fields, the site of Ranchos and railroad stations for a railroad that ran from Oakland to Orinda through Berkeley and Richmond via El Sobrante. It was originally part of the 17,754-acre Rancho San Pablo. Francisco Castro acquired the rancho in 1823 and the grove later became the Clancy Ranch. By 1886 the railroad had scheduled stops from the California and Nevada railroad at Laurel Glen and Frenchman's Curve. The picnic areas around the park are named after some of the former railroad stops. The eucalyptus trees were planted in 1910. This park was honored after President John F. Kennedy. The park opened on October 22, 1967 and is now owned/operated by the East Bay Regional Park District.
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