James Kenney Park

Park Overview

James Kenney Park is a 3.9-acre public park located in Northwest Berkeley, California. The park is named after James J. Kenney, the first fire chief of Berkeley, and offers a variety of recreational facilities and amenities for visitors of all ages.

Playground Areas

The park features two distinct playground areas: a fenced-in tot lot designed for children ages 2-5 and a larger playground for children ages 5-12. The tot lot includes a slide, climbing opportunities, a tunnel, a bouncy toy, a bridge, interactive play houses, music features, and a sand area.

The larger playground boasts a slide, climbing areas, swings, spinny features, a balancing sling, and monkey bars.

Recent Renovations

James Kenney Park underwent renovations in December 2020, adding several new features to enhance the visitor experience. These additions include a large climbing structure, a spiderweb swing, and an interactive tot area.

The park's surfaces consist of fresh wood chips and cushy rubber mats near the play structures and swings.

Sports Facilities

For sports enthusiasts, the park offers multiple courts and a field. Visitors can enjoy playing baseball, volleyball, basketball, tennis, or pickleball.

The park also includes new sidewalks suitable for scootering or bike riding.

Accessibility and Amenities

James Kenney Park is conveniently located off a Bicycle Boulevard, making it easily accessible for cyclists. While shade is limited, the park provides several seating options, including picnic tables, benches, and wooden blocks that serve as both seating and climbing structures.

Community Center

The James Kenney Community Center, located within the park, offers various programs and rentable spaces for community events. The center features a gymnasium that can seat up to 500 people, making it a popular venue for local gatherings and activities.